Large-scale real estate development projects are complex endeavors that require careful planning, significant investment, and a multifaceted approach. From feasibility analysis and architectural design, to financing and construction, mega development projects are a magic combining various knowledge and activities. Among all these processes, communication is the king. When it comes to communicating various parties, 3D rendering has emerged as a transformative tool that not only elevates the visual appeal of projects but also streamlines the entire design process.
This time, we’re proud to introduce the story of Hayy Al Sharq, a mega development by the Muscat National Development and Investment Company (ASAAS). Our team embarked on a journey with photorealistic 3D renders which helped our client breathe life into their concepts.
Large-Scale 3D Visualization Projects for Real Estate Developers
Before delving into the making of this mega development, let’s get to know Hayy Al Sharq.
Hayy Al Sharq: Mega Development in Middle East
The Hayy Al Sharq project, developed by the Muscat National Development and Investment Company (ASAAS), is a top-tier destination for entertainment and relaxation. Located in Barka, Al Batinah North, Oman, the site covers a vast area of 1.5 million square meters. This expansive development comprises various clusters, including a theme park, wildlife and water parks, an equestrian center, and an edutainment center. On top of these, the plan encompasses an array of retail, recreational, and dining facilities. To support its tourism, the project encompasses three hotels, including a luxurious 5-star establishment, along with 200 residential units and a residential area featuring townhouses and apartments. Moreover, the park runs for approximately one kilometer along the shoreline, offering both adults and children lifestyle and educational experiences.
As such a large-scale development, ASSAS is looking for 3D rendering services that can recreate their vision in photorealistic manner. In this way, they are able to show the world this wonderland in advance. Now, let’s see what our client was expecting for this major project.
Studying the Brief
Without a doubt, for such a massive project, we have a lot of materials to study. Studying the brief is the first step to a successful delivery.
Scope of the Project
In general, these CG images are going to be used for marketing and reference for development. To clarify their needs, ASSAS listed their requirements for views.
To sum it up, our client was looking for:
- 4 aerial views for masterplan;
- 9 aerial views for different parts of the development;
- 16 semi-aerial views for various areas.
With this goal in mind, our team started to go through the design files at hand.
Master Plan Design Details
Since we were creating 4 aerial views for different angles of the master plan, it was crucial to understand the whole picture first. ASSAS was happy to share various masterplan designs to help our team. We’ve received Overall Masterplan, Masterplan for Phase 2, Illustrative Section Plan, and more.
CAD Drawings & 3D Model
From conceptual design to 3D model, our client shared the design files they have for this project. However, they didn’t have 3D models more all architecture. In fact, there were only a few of them that were 3D modeled.
Given the incredible number of architecture and objects, we won’t share them one by one in this case study. The truth is, our client prepared different files for various buildings. Some of them were 3D modeled, some were in CADs, and some were only in concept phases. Honestly speaking, this gave our team especially the project manager huge pressure. Because in a project, the PM is in charge of the filing. And everyone can imagine the amount of files our project manager received for this mega development. To avoid a messy situation, our team assigned 4 experienced PMs in advance.
Now let’s take the hotels for instance. These two “angle brackets” are a 4-star hotel and a 3-star apartment, which are surrounded by a wide range of facilities such as Wildlife Attraction Theme Park, Water Park, and RDE (Retail, Dining and Entertainment). Our client shared the architects AECOM’s conceptual vision for these structures. These sketches were of great help for understanding the hotels.
On top of the sketches, they also prepared some design plans. For example, the elevation plans could tell our 3D modelers the precise figures of the design. Site plan was a good example to show our 3D artists the surrounding context. And the material boards were perfect instructions when selecting textures and materials for these structures.
References
There always need references. No matter it’s for the overall image mood, or for some design details, references can give the most straightforward impression. For Hayy Al Sharq, our client prepared the plantation references, architectural design references, and mood references.
Modeling
When it comes to modeling, many people may consider it as an unnecessary procedure if the client has provided 3D models. This is not always true. Let’s take this project for example: the 3D models we received for hotels were Rhino models. To maximize the final results in 3D scene, our 3D modelers needed to fine-tune the received models before putting them into the scene.
In order to meet the schedule, 8 modelers worked on the 3D models. As stated above, not all structures were 3D modeled. This in turn added more time in the modeling stage.
After the models and camera angles were confirmed, it was time to move into the coloring stages.
Coloring the Scene
Generally, our client will receive the 3D model drafts after the project starts, then followed by color drafts. Color drafts are a general speaking which refer to multiple stages in the 3D rendering process: materials, lighting, rendering, and post-production.
After such processes, the first color drafts were created. Let’s take a look at the hotel aerial view as an example:
As all 29 views were finished, we shared them to our clients for review. In this stage, the client went through these drafts and gave their comments. Because there were 29 of them, it took our client two days to finish all comments.
The next stage was to modify these points from the comments. And the images were ready to deliver when the clients were satisfied with all of them.
Final Delivery
The final views have a little change during the rendering process. Now, let’s enjoy this future wonderland with the following 29 visuals!
Conclusion
In all, this project has been a testament to the immense challenges that large-scale endeavors can present. To cope with such major projects, our team has a professional working system that guide the client through the whole 3D rendering process. From the outset, it was clear that we were embarking on a journey filled with complexities, from regulatory hurdles to the sheer scale of the undertaking. However, our dedicated and experienced 3D team proved time and again our professionalism.
The visuals were used by ASSAS for project references and marketing. And this mega development including four sectors of Hospitality, Water Park, Theme Park and Retail & Dining are expecting to complete on the first quarter of 2024.
Looking for 3D rendering services for your project? Talk to our project manager and get a free quote in 12 hours. Our professional 3D rendering studio can take care of your architectural project in spite of the scale.