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Juraj brought us this 3D architectural animation project for a mixed-use development on the outskirts of CBD of Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Their team needed a one-minute 3D flythrough for marketing and reporting to the city in 2 weeks. In the animation, they hope to show briefly what they are going to build especially the bigger multifunctional hall and public spaces. This way, they are able to persuade the municipality and public that the overall idea and entire concept is the right one.
To support their intention and at the same time develop the design stage of the project, we created this persuasive 3D animation. And we recorded the production process and share it with you today.
The Scope & Brief
As a mixed-use development, the New Istropolis consists of a big multi-function hall for concerts, events and congresses, a hotel, the commercial buildings with offices and retails, and residential buildings.
Old site from Google Earth.
Thus, as our client summarized, the fly-through animation should:
Shot from the level of a person or higher;
Around 60 seconds;
Showcase the main buildings’ exterior: the multifunctional hall, public spaces, and retails;
At the same time emphasize the greenery on squares;
Use daytime as the mood to show this vibrant project clearly.
Also, Juraj had shared the camera path they wanted:
Including the camera path, the brief was detailed and well-organized. In the brief:
The model in 3ds Max;
A detailed camera path description with over 300 words;
Old renderings for surrounding context and mood references;
Other references such as the sculpture on the plaza.
Working Process of 3D Animation
In general, the workflow of 3D architectural animation is camera path confirmation – 3D modeling – key frames with texturing & lighting – 3D rendering & motion graphics – post-production – final delivery. You can find more details regarding the process here.
3D modeling
Since we’ve already received a confirmed camera path, we could directly move to the next stage: 3D modeling.
It’s always an awesome idea to include 3D models to the brief because they speed up the process and decrease the 3D animation price to some extent. We firstly fine-tuned the 3D model. This included improving the geometry, setting the surrounding context, and minimizing weight.
Our client would like to use white masses to compose the surroundings, as they would minimize the existence of neighbors and draw attention to the main structures.
The 3D model draft.
Key frames
After Juraj’s team confirmed the model back, we moved on to the next stage: setting lighting and applying textures. For the better reference, Juraj added some previous renderings of the project. We studies them carefully to build a detailed scene with the accurate materials.
Reference renderings from Juraj.
At the same time, they’ve provided the reference photo of the sculpture in the center of a plaza. We needed to build a 3D model based on it.
The Sculpture Istropolis.
The first thing to take care of was the replication of texture and materials. Juraj said the provided renders have the desired materials, so we must strictly follow them. Moreover, the landscape especially the vegetation should have rich layers and varied in design.
In the rendering scene, our 3D artists created a public space according to the project information and provided renders. At last, here are the approved key frames.
3D rendering & post-production
When the key frames were set, we’re ready to render the 3D animation preview. This is for the final confirmation of the animation, so we only sent a low-resolution draft. After one round of minor adjustment, the final 3D fly-through was ready! We delivered this 3D fly-through in 4K resolution in mp4. and mov. Format as promised.
Our client slightly edited the 3D animation based on their marketing needs, and we’re privileged to get the consent to share it today.
It is our pleasure to work on this 3D animation project for a real estate development. First of all, we really enjoyed the working process with Juraj’s team. From their detailed camera path description to the use of old renders as material and landscaping instruction, they are really expert in briefing. Second, they commented fast on drafts. This in turn gave our 3D team plenty of time working on the project with the right direction. Finally, we love this creative design! Being part of the project is like creating part of the spaces that enhance the experience.
3D architectural animation is a smart tool to elevate an architect’s work and presentation. With the help of a professional 3D architectural visualization team, it is no longer a difficult job to explain your work.
Looking for photorealistic 3D animations for your real estate project? Talk to our professional 3D architectural visualization team about your project, and our 3D team will enrich the future scene with a matching story.
Located between the built areas of Xi’an and Xianyang in Shaanxi Province, Xixian New Area is the seventh national district approved by the State Council, and the first National New Area themed on innovative urban development. It shoulders the key mission of the national strategy to create an important hub for China’s opening to the west, a new engine for development of west China, and an example of new urbanization with Chinese characteristics, and serves as a major window of the innovation-driven Qin Chuang Yuan Platform of Shaanxi.
Fig. 1 Rendering of the major axis
Located in the center of Guanzhong’s urban clusters and Xi’an metropolitan area, the Energy Finance and Trade Zone (including Energy Finance and Trade Area and Cultural and Educational Park Area) is the core area of the new center and new axis of the Greater Xi’an. It is also the only functional area featured by energy finance in Shaanxi Pilot Free Trade Zone, assuming the important function of developing Xixian New Area into an important financial, business and trade core area in northwest China. At the same time, the Energy Finance and Trade Area, as a pioneering area of Qin Chuang Yuan, will contribute to building a leading source and platform of innovation-driven development across the province, and produce a strong impetus for high-quality development in Shaanxi Province.
Fig. 2 Location of the Energy Finance and Trade Area
Fig. 3 Function block diagram of the major axis
As the core area and main location for developing the new center and new axis of the Greater Xi’an, after years of intensive efforts, the Energy Finance and Trade Zone has achieved fruitful results. Among all, Jinwan Sci-tech Innovation Area focuses on headquarters economy, emerging finance, business and trade services and scientific and technological R&D. Thanks to its prominent location, transportation, ecological advantages and high-quality built space, it is becoming an attractive industrial and talent destination in the region.
Fig. 4 Rendering of the Energy Finance and Trade Area
Fig. 5 Photos of Energy Finance and Trade Area
Public cultural facilities are important carriers for inheritance and development of urban culture. In order to further upgrade the overall service capacity of Xixian New Area, and create a high-quality new center and new axis for the Greater Xi’an, Xixian New Area has decided to accelerate the construction of the Civic Center in Qin Chuang Yuan Jinwan Sci-tech Innovation Area, and make it an urban parlor with international influence, an important showcase of the new center and new axis of the Greater Xi’an, a lakefront activity center for citizens, and a new urban culture landmark. In the future, the Civic Center will significantly demonstrate the competitiveness and strength of the new area in urban culture, realize the cultural rights and interests of the people for a better life, enable the sharing of the development outcome by all, and make public culture the most eye-catching highlight in the urban backdrop of Xixian New Area.
Fig. 6 Rendering of Qin Chuang Yuan Jinwan Sci-tech Innovation Area
Work Scope
Design coordination scope: about 100 ha to be coordinated, connected and designed as a whole with the surrounding plots, including the four museums and one pagoda, and both sides of the east-west green corridor in Jinwan Sci-tech Innovation Area.
Architectural design scope: about 18.5 ha. in total for conceptual architectural design, including three plots and the surrounding green space, namely:
Plot I: Sci-tech Center
Sci-tech Center (site: 3.83 ha, above-grade floor area: 60,000㎡) focuses on Science and Technology Exhibition Center, and includes Youth Activity Center, Women and Children’s Activity Center, small theater, etc;
Plot II: Culture Center
Cultural Center (site: 2.66 ha, above-grade floor area: 40,000㎡)focuses on cultural and art blocks and leisure commercial streets, and includes performance center and library;
Plot III: Sports Center
Sports Center (site: 4.01 ha, above-grade floor area: 60,000㎡) focuses on national fitness center, and includes natatorium and outdoor sports venue;
Fig.7 Design scope
Registration Requirements
(1)The Competition is open for registration by design firms around the globe. There is no qualification requirement, and design firms from both at home and abroad are welcome. Individuals and individual consortium are not allowed for registration;
(2)The design firms may register for the Competition in “1+N” format: “1” refers to the chief architect / coordinator team responsible for the overall design and coordination of the three plots. To enhance the diversity in architectural ideas and the viability of implementation, it is suggested to join hands with “N” team(s) specialized in cultural planning, business operation, architectural design, and landscape architecture. Where the three plots are designed by different chief creative teams, the specific plot each team works on shall be indicated;
(3)Design firms applying for participation must be an independent legal entity, or a partnership enterprise or organization in other forms. Different firms chaired by the same person or involving shareholding and management relationship are not allowed to register at the same time;
(4)Design firms inside Chinese Mainland must be legally registered independent legal entities with valid business licenses;
(5)Design firms outside Chinese Mainland (incl. those from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan regions) should provide the following verification materials: company registration certificate approved and issued by competent authority of the country (region) where the design firm is located;
(6)Consortium is allowed to participate in the Competition without limitation on the number of consortium members, while Consortium Agreement is required to specify the leading party and obligations of each member. Member of a consortium is not allowed to participate in the Competition separately by its own name, nor join other consortium at the same time;
(7)The project chief architect must have innovative design philosophy and experience in projects of the same type as the competition project, and directly participate in the whole process of the Competition including key milestone meetings (including but not limited to design presentation and Q&A) required by the Host. During the Competition, if the project chief architect is found inconsistent with that specified in the registration materials, the Host will be entitled to disqualify the design firm from shortlisting or bid winning, and may hold it for liabilities as per relevant regulations.
Schedule
This Competition includes three stages, i.e. Registration and prequalification; concept design and evaluation; and concept development and bid finalization.
Note: The above timetable (Beijing time) is tentative and subject to adjustment by the Host.
Prize and Stipend
The First Place: RMB 4 million (about US$567,300), tax included (including fee for concept development stage);
The Second Place: RMB 3 million (about US$425,500), tax included (including fee for concept development stage);
The Third Place: RMB 2 million (about US$283,600), tax included (including fee for concept development stage);
The Forth and Fifth Place: RMB 1.5 million (about US$212,700) each, tax included (including fee for concept development stage);
Other finalists (seven): RMB 0.8 million (about US$113,400) each, tax included.
The announcement is published on AIMIR’s website now. If you want to know more following details regarding to this competition, please feel free to contact AIMIR. What’s more, you’re more than welcome to touch base with us if you need architectural visualization.
Both exterior and interior of residential renderings are able to show architectural designs of any scale. And of course, in North America, residential projects such as apartments, units, houses and villas are demonstrated with the help of 3D rendering services in order to market or report in a more story-telling way.
If you are looking for 3D rendering services or 3D architectural visualization studios in North America, you may have a look at these six projects here. We’ve summarized these projects with clear and detailed rendering process to give you an idea about how residential 3D renderings look like in North America.
M Residence is a 2-story luxurious property in California, USA. Our client is its interior designer and was looking for 3D renderings to show the owner how this house would look like in advance. We are delighted to work with Joo, the interior designer, to give this property an impressive look by redesign with Joo for four times.
The most challenging part of this interior visualization project comes to the redesigning. There were inevitable changes in the design due to various reasons. During this, Joo prepared the information for updated plans in advance, which really elevated the working process.
Situated on Main Street in Hackensack, New Jersey, USA, this mixed-use project features an underground parking level, retails, fitness and coffee shops on the ground level, and apartments on upper residential stories. Our client was looking for one view only. However, our 3D team realized there could be better views and moods to demonstrate this building. When we delivered our suggestions with the renderings (yes, we designed the 3D visuals for better persuasion), our client was extremely surprised and impressed by our images. At last, he used our images for reporting and the result turned to be satisfying.
Royal Manor Residential is a 3-story apartment building with 25 units in Canada. This is a project which we created from the very beginning, because we only received a conceptual sketch when we started the project.
What we did was to create the 3D model with our client together. During the process, we gave our professional suggestions while our client enrich the design details. Since the plan didn’t include any materials, the rendering job was challengeable as well. Our 3D artists created the rendering draft with our own understanding based on our professional experience. At last, the design was confirmed with our client’s help after a couple of rounds drafting.
This is the very first commissioned project we’ve done with Corona Renderer back in 2019. Located in Atlanta, USA, this palatial property asked for highly exquisite details with 100% customized furniture and fittings. It’s crazy that everything you see in the image was customized. Our client was very satisfied with the result and their clients were sold immediately when they saw the renderings.
Located in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains in Beverly Hills, California, USA, this mega mansion is welcoming a new design which proposed for $45 million. And our studio helped create 3D renderings of this future house in the majestic view of downtown Los Angeles.
The challenge was to select fine furniture and its layout. Our client stressed the importance of furniture selection and layout for this mega mansion. At last, we designed the interior furnishing and layout together with the help of our client.
This is a 3D walkthrough of Dareus Residence in Florida, USA. The 3D animation follows a classic path where it starts from the front view and then goes around the house 360 degree. In this way, the whole exterior of the structure is clear to its viewers. During the production process, our client paid extra attention on the landscaping especially the vegetation around. Also, there were a couple of design changes during the process after we compounded the keyframes. But we’ve modified the model according to the updated plan.
What do you think about these residential projects in North America? Our 3D visualization works have helped hundreds of architects and designers in North America preview the unbuilt and demonstrate their visions. As a 17-year architectural visualization studio, we hope these case studies can build your confidence in our expertise and professionalism.
Located in Vietnam, Vincom Plaza is the largest shopping mall in local community which combines shopping, dining, and other amusement spaces. Now it’s welcoming a brand new proposal and the architect Prasasti from SCSY was looking for a series of 3D images for better presenting this project.
For commercial projects especially high-rises, 3D rendering is the best tool to showcase the vision. In particular, the aerial view is able to give the viewers a clear and crisp view of large areas where the structure is located.
This time, we have delivered this project with photomontage. And in the blog, we hope to show you the entire working process of 3D rendering project which uses photomontage for surrounding context. Let’s start!
The Scope
Prasasti requested five camera angles for Vincom Plaza, which were:
Two horizontal aerial views to see the entire building and its surroundings;
A horizontal aerial view with a close-up shot to demonstrate the details of the podium;
A vertical semi-aerial view from the street;
A horizontal semi-aerial view of the podium from a different direct from previous ones.
The references
Containing a SketchUp model, Prasasti shared a bunch of files containing various references such as the material instructions, mood reference images, and function plan.
A scene markup with different function areas of the structure.
Part of the material board for the structure.
They’ve also requested to keep all context buildings as transparent blocks which reflected massing height and general roof forms. This was because these areas were under future development so it was good to keep them. But transparent masses will dilute the environment, making the main building conspicuous.
Information of surrounding structures, shapes and locations.
As the files were complete, we started with inputting the SketchUp model into 3ds Max and fine-tuning the details.
After Prasasti confirmed the model back, our 3D artists carefully add materials and textures and set the lighting. We did this based on the material plans and mood reference images. At last, we put the whole model directly into the photos. Of course, we adjusted the model to make sure it was at the accurate place comparing to the surroundings.
Just after a couple of rounds of adjustment, the final images were delivered in 4K as below:
Half a month after the final delivery, Prasasti’s team came up with an updated plan for this mixed-use. In the new plan, the tower has a bulged design and the façade is different as well.
Markups of the new plan.
We quickly studied the new information and built the 3D model. After we shared it with Prasasti’s team, they came back with some comments about adjusting the design, which were:
Add a rooftop bar;
Make the mullions random with thick and thin pattern;
Raise the tower bulge;
Remove the golden glazing and replace them with same tone darker grey blue.
The 3D model (left) and Prasasti’s comments (right).
This time, there was no added views. All we needed to do was to simply replace the old building in two previously-done views with the new structure. To guarantee the best result, we double-checked the revised model with Prasasti’s team together until it was their ideal result.
At last, the new plan was presented in the following two views:
We are excited and proud to give visual forms to this mixed-use project. Prasasti’s team is talented and very easy to work with. Using photomontage for surrounding context is a smart choice especially in aerial views, because a clear photo is a powerful tool to present the structure. After this project, we’ve worked with SCSY for other projects. Hope to share the stories soon.
Thinking about using photomontage for your architectural project? Or not sure how to deal with your project? Talk to our professional 3D architectural visualization studio, our 24/7 standby team will get back to you with the best proposal and result!