Architects and urban planners play integral roles in city plan projects. They collaborate to envision, design, and shape the physical and functional aspects of cities. Meanwhile, they focus on creating aesthetically pleasing and functional environments that enhance the quality of life for residents. This involves considering architectural styles, urban aesthetics, building codes, and sustainability principles. To showcase such a large amount of work, architects need the help of a 3D aerial view. Among the array of techniques available, 3D aerial views have emerged as a game-changer. From defining the concept and creation process to highlighting their immense value in selling ideas, 3D aerials revolutionize urban planning promotion and marketing.
Understanding 3D Aerial Views
At its core, a 3D aerial view provides a bird’s-eye perspective of a proposed urban planning project. It is a 3D scene capturing the entire layout from an elevated position. By employing advanced rendering techniques and computer-generated imagery, architectural rendering studios can create highly realistic and immersive representations of the urban landscape.
How to Create 3D Aerial Views
To create a 3D aerial visual, skilled CGI artists and technicians collaborate using a combination of cutting-edge software tools and data inputs. First, they learn the overall design of the urban planning. This is the necessary step of creating an accurate and aesthetic 3D aerial scene to tell the architect and urban planner’s vision.
Next, the 3D artists gather precise geographic information and topographical data of the project site. This data, along with architectural plans and elevations, forms the foundation for the rendering process.
Then, the artists utilize 3D modeling software to recreate the proposed buildings, infrastructure, and surrounding landscape. They meticulously craft textures, lighting, and other details to enhance realism. Aerial imagery and textures are integrated to accurately depict the surrounding context and land use patterns.
Through the clever manipulation of camera angles and perspectives, the artists can simulate the experience of viewing the project from above. The resulting 3D aerial visualization presents an accurate and visually compelling representation of the planned urban environment.
How 3D Aerial Views Reshape Your Urban Planning Presentation
The power of 3D aerial views lies in their ability to effectively convey the vision of architects and urban planners to key viewers. In fact, architects usually use 3D aerial views in urban development projects. In particular, for international architectural design competitions and government biddings, 3D aerial views are the most powerful tool to explain your vision to other parties. So, how do 3D aerial views reshape your urban planning presentation?
> Comprehensive Presentation of the Urban Plan
Traditional 2D plans and elevations often fail to provide a holistic understanding of the project. 3D aerial images, on the other hand, offer a comprehensive visualization of the entire development, showcasing the interplay between buildings, streets, open spaces, and infrastructure. This immersive experience aids architects and urban planners in expressing the spatial relationships and design intentions more effectively.
> Contextual Integration
By incorporating the surrounding environment and context, 3D aerial views provide a realistic portrayal of the project’s integration with the existing urban fabric. Potential impacts on neighboring structures, natural features, and traffic flow can be easily communicated, allowing stakeholders to visualize the project’s harmonious coexistence within the context.
> Stakeholder Engagement
3D aerial views become invaluable tools in engaging stakeholders and fostering their support. Urban planners and architects can present these views during public meetings, community consultations, and public exhibitions. The visual impact helps stakeholders grasp the project’s scale, functionality, and potential benefits, promoting transparency and facilitating productive discussions.
> Marketing and Promotion
When it comes to securing funding or attracting investors, 3D aerial images prove instrumental. Developers and urban planners can showcase the project’s aesthetics, unique selling points, and anticipated socio-economic benefits through visually compelling representations. These views make promotional materials, such as brochures, websites, and videos, more captivating and persuasive, thereby bolstering interest and investment.
> Decision-making and Approval
Urban planning projects undergo rigorous scrutiny and evaluation by regulatory authorities, planning boards, and review committees. 3D aerial images provide a clear and accessible means of presenting complex concepts to these decision-makers. By depicting the proposed project in a visually appealing and easily understandable manner, they help streamline the decision-making process. Decision-makers can assess the project’s impact on the urban landscape, evaluate design elements, and understand the overall vision with greater clarity. This leads to more informed and efficient decision-making, expediting the approval process.
Merits and Impact of 3D Aerial Views
There are numerous advantages and impact of incorporating 3D aerial images in urban planning.
> Enhanced Communication
3D aerial views bridge the gap between technical jargon and laypersons, facilitating effective communication between architects, urban planners, and the general public. The visual medium transcends language barriers and allows for clearer, more accessible conversations about the project.
> Improved Public Perception
By presenting a realistic visualization of the future development, 3D aerial images can positively influence public perception. They enable the public to grasp the potential benefits, such as improved livability, enhanced public spaces, or sustainable features. This aids in building public support and minimizing resistance to urban planning initiatives.
> Risk Mitigation
Identifying potential design flaws or issues early in the planning stage is crucial for successful projects. 3D aerial scenes enable urban planners and architects to assess various scenarios, identify potential risks, and make necessary adjustments before construction commences. This proactive approach minimizes costly revisions and ensures smoother project execution.
> Investor Confidence
Investors and funding organizations require comprehensive information and assurance before committing resources to urban planning projects. 3D aerial views instill confidence by presenting a realistic representation of the project’s potential, supporting financial viability assessments and attracting potential investors.
> Collaborative Decision-making
Stakeholders involved in urban planning projects, including developers, city officials, community representatives, and environmental agencies, often have differing priorities and viewpoints. 3D aerial views serve as a common reference point, facilitating collaborative decision-making and consensus-building among diverse stakeholders.
Conclusion
In urban planning, effective presentation is crucial to gain support, secure funding, and ensure project success. The advent of 3D aerial visuals has revolutionized this process by providing a visually immersive experience that transcends traditional methods. With their ability to holistically depict the project’s scope, integrate context, and engage stakeholders, 3D aerial scenes serve as powerful tools for selling the vision of architects and urban planners. By enhancing communication, mitigating risks, and inspiring investor confidence, these visual representations play a pivotal role in realizing sustainable, well-designed, and community-centric urban environments. As urban planning continues to evolve, the utilization of 3D aerial scenes will undoubtedly remain at the forefront, transforming the way we promote and envision our cities of tomorrow.
Looking for photorealistic 3D aerial views for your urban project? Need reliable 3D rendering services to bring your architectural project to life? Contact us and our 3D rendering company will make your urban plan shine!
These beautiful images are high-rise architectural rendering we created for a stunning proposal in Nigeria. Awe-inspiring, wouldn’t you say?
Located in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, Tower of Africa, or TOA is envisioned as a lifestyle hub. This structure will foster a unique culture and community, bringing together people to exchange cultural ideas and values.
It is not true to say we didn’t enjoy creating 3D renderings for this head-turning project. This is not only an incredible inspiration for our 3D team, also a fun and learning experience for both our client and us. Now, let’s take a tour to the making of TOA. In this article, you’ll see how we created the 3D model and incorporated it into the photo. You’ll also learn about the architectural visualization process of a large and complicated project. Are you ready? Let’s dive!
Tower of Africa
Everything starts from the above concept. The architect arranges five organically-shaped volumes to form the structure. And these volumes emulate Abuja’s rock formations, with a similar texture and essence. Meantime, TOA has a biophilic design. This design connects the tower more closely to nature. To achieve this, the architect smartly combines elements such as natural lighting, natural landscaping and other green elements.
Green section plan
Lighting section plan
Practically, this mixed-use project is appealing to a broad range of people. It features cultural and conference centers, retail spaces, commercial areas, and unique recreational facilities. Also the building has a distinctive market hall and exclusive dining options. The development includes three skyscrapers, one of which is Africa’s tallest at 566 meters above ground level. High-end office spaces, luxury hotels and hotel residences with full amenities, as well as top-quality residential units are included in the plan.
In all, it is a sleek and futuristic high-rise tower development. And the 3D rendering task was to demonstrate the state-of-the-art skyscrapers as well as the structure details in accurate and appealing surrounding context.
High-rise Rendering Workflow
#Stage 1. The Brief and Scope of Work
Using architectural visualization as the tool to demonstrate the unbuilt structure is not a secret in architectural industry. But before that, there should be a clear and complete brief. The design team shared us the following information:
A 3D massing model
This undetailed model provides necessary information of the three towers. This includes the height of each tower and the podium sections. It is not ready to use of course, because our 3D modeler would take care of it with the help of other CAD design plans.
The CAD plans
The CAD drawings helped us to understand the design details of the structure. With the help of them, our 3D modeler were able to build a proper 3D model.
Site photos
High-resolution site photos are great help with full information. On one hand, they provide an immersive experience to understand the site. On the other hand, 3D artists can use high-res photos as a way for photomontage to get 100% accurate surrounding context for project.
Quality references
Before a project starts, our professional project manager always select some of our works to share with the client. These works somehow have the similar design or client’s desired mood or view. For TOA, we shared some commercial high-rises that have beautiful sleek glass façade. As a result, our client pointed out some of the renders to use as references for TOA. They like the mood, the material, the overall atmosphere, or the camera angle.
Other design details
To complete the design, the architect sent us some supporting information. As you can see, they enrich the design details such as section schedule, façade design plan, and monorail train reference.
Scope of work
Our client were looking at the following views:
An aerial view. A master plan view to incorporate the project with the surrounding environment.
Two southwest views. A same southwest view to show elevation in both day and night mood.
A semi-aerial close-up view. This is a night view to show specifically the middle of the tower.
One street level view. Focusing on the entrance and podium, the eye-level view has a vibrant shopping atmosphere.
Another bird’s eye view of our suggestion.
#Stage 2: Creating 3D Model
With all information at hand, our 3D team started building the 3D model. In fact, it was actually a refinement of the current massing model. This included inputting the model into 3ds Max, adding details based on the CAD plans, and setting camera angles.
After the 3D model was ready, we random got some screenshots to share with our client. In the first round, our client needed to check the details of the model.
Having viewed the drafts, the designer asked us to:
Remove all mullion that are over all the handrails;
Set back handrails for 40cm to the back away from the curtain wall;
Add mullions and pivoting doors on the podium;
Add floor and border detail on terrace.
Our 3D artists made corresponding adjustments. This time, we shared the camera angles with adjusted 3D model. So, in this round, the architect needs to confirm both the model and the views. Luckily, the designer was pleased with the outcome. Just after another round of camera view adjustment, the final 3D models are confirmed!
#Stage 3: Applying Materials, Textures, Lighting and Post-production
Once the camera angles and 3D model were confirmed, our 3D artists proceeded to color the scenes. By doing this, the 3D specialists needed to apply materials on the model, setting lighting, and post-produce them to refine details.
To support our client’s vision, which is to create a healthy environment for people, we strive on the landscape details. Since our client was not able to provide high-res drone photos for photomontage, we had to use the images from Google Earth. There was a compromise on resolution. However, this was the best way we could help our client. Apart from this, we pay attention to the balance between the Google image and the building. Only when the colors and atmosphere are consistent that we can create a good render.
The other thing we did was to create a dynamic commercial mood by adding activities. This included people shopping, cars passing by, people playing on plaza, and other activities. After finishing all these, we shared the colored drafts to the architect. Below are the drafts we shared:
Our client replied with comments such as:
Delete the greenery from top 4 platforms on all towers;
Light up the context to balance the composition in one of the views;
Add more cars on loading area;
Remove some of the furniture in the podium in one of the views.
When we made all the requested adjustments, the designer was pleased with the outcome and said they’re ready for usage. This means we could output the high-res final images! Please check out the final delivery with 8k renders!
As we bring our case study of TOA to a close, we cannot help but express our deep appreciation for the incredible design crafted by our esteemed client. Their unwavering commitment to delivering a tower that not only stands tall but also embodies the spirit of Africa inspired us at AIMIR to push the boundaries of what’s possible in 3D visualization. Our talented team worked tirelessly to capture every nuance of the design and present it in the most vivid and engaging way possible. It was a privilege to work with such a talented team and bring their vision to life through our architectural visualization services. And we are excited about the prospect of seeing their vision come to fruition.
If you desire to present your architectural project in the most impressive way possible, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for our exceptional 3D rendering services. Our photorealistic visuals will leave a lasting impression on your audience!
A’Raya Complex is a mixed-use development located in the Ministries District of Muscat, Oman. Developed by the government-owned company ASAAS, the complex offers a unique combination of amenities and services, including a 3-star hotel, a shopping center, and the new headquarters of the Royal Academy of Management. This amazing structure is designed to enhance the area’s appeal as a destination for business and leisure, providing a range of facilities and services for visitors and locals alike. The exterior design of the complex features modern architecture and striking contemporary elements, creating a visually stunning landmark in the heart of Muscat.
Our team worked closely with the developers at ASAAS to bring their vision to life, creating a series of stunning 3D renders that captured the essence of the A’raya Complex. From the sleek modern lines of the hotel and shopping center to the striking design of the Royal Academy of Management’s new headquarters, our 3D visualization allowed the developers to showcase the project’s full potential and gain the necessary approvals to move forward with construction.
Now, let’s discover this groundbreaking project which we did in 2020 and the story behind its 3D rendering process.
Understanding A’Raya
Situated in one of the most prominent location in Muscat, A’Raya Complex has easy access to the main road and surrounded by the Ministries area. The complex comprises three main sections: a 3-star hotel, a shopping center, and the new headquarters of the Royal Academy of Management.
The hotel is operated by Deutsche Hospitality under the InterCity brand, and offers a range of amenities and services to guests, including comfortable accommodations, conference facilities, and dining options. And the shopping center is designed to cater to the needs of the local community, with a variety of retail outlets and dining options. The center is located on the ground floor of the complex, with easy access from the main road, and offers a range of shopping experiences for visitors. At last, the new headquarters of the Royal Academy of Management is another key feature of the A’Raya Complex. The academy is dedicated to providing world-class management education and training to students and professionals, and the new facility will provide state-of-the-art classrooms, lecture halls, and other facilities to support their mission.
As to the design, the vision is to create a destination where Omanis will eager to go and spend time in order to not only satisfy their retail needs but also to enjoy leisure time and be entertained. In order to achieve this, the architect creates an experience akin to being in a lush green Oasis but with a tempered climate below a shaded canopy. The canopy sits above the retail courtyard is an iconic architectural statement as well as a highly functional intervention for climatic environmental control.
A’Raya & 3D Rendering Services
The A’raya Complex is a true testament to the power of 3D visualization in the architectural industry. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and advanced design techniques, we were able to create photorealistic representation of the complex that helped to inspire and engage stakeholders, investors, and the wider community. We are proud to have played a role in the development of this landmark project, and we look forward to seeing the A’raya Complex become a shining example of Oman’s growing real estate sector.
Now, we will separate the process of making 3D renders for A’Raya one by one.
Kick-off Meeting and the Brief
There is not always a kick-off meeting before a 3D architectural rendering project start. The purpose of a kick-off meeting is to bring both parties together and establish a shared understanding of the project goals, timelines, expectations, and deliverables. As long as the above aspects are clear to both sides, there is no need to have an actual meeting.
For this project, ASSAS has prepared various information about this project. And in the meeting, they were presented one by one to communicate their vision and requirements. Meanwhile, our 3D team offered suggestions and recommendations based on our expertise. At the same time, any concerns and questions were raised to ensure the final delivery meet our client’s needs and expectations.
In all, we know about A’Raya before the production started in the following aspects:
A project presentation slides. In the slides, we learnt the vision of the project, including the cultural background, location, the design, the surrounding environment, and other aspects regarding the project.
A Revit model. Although the model was not completed, it still gave our team a general idea of the project.
Design plans. Including site plans, elevations, floor plans, landscape plans, section plans. These design plans are essential tools for our 3D team to understand the project more deeply.
Other design details. Such as façade lighting designs, exterior envelope design, and material board.
Scope of the work. ASSAS were looking for a series of renders and an animation to present this project. In the initial stage, we agreed to create 13 still images and a one-and half-minute animation.
Once we’ve organized the project information, the next stage was around the corner. We’ll divide the process into 3D still images and 3D animation.
3D Renders of A’Raya
#Stage 1: 3D Modeling
Although Revit has basic rendering capabilities, using professional rendering software like Autodesk 3ds Max can offer more advanced and flexible rendering options. 3ds Max supports advanced rendering techniques such as global illumination, caustics, volumetric lighting, and complex material creation. These tools can create more realistic and detailed visual effects. For this reason, our 3D modeler input the Revit model into 3ds Max. This means we’ll need to take care the model again in 3ds Max.
The other thing to pay attention to is to check for errors. Importing a Revit model may result in messy lines, overlapping geometry, missing materials or other issues. Here is when our 3D modeler comes to stage. The 3D model drafts we shared are as below:
Of course, our client had their opinions on the model, including some minor design changes. They came back with some comments, including:
Add MEP equipment for a substation;
Update some of the roof design;
Add louvers to the hotel windows;
Adjust some fences.
Their comments are clear, with references attached. This greatly helped our 3D artists to deliver their vision and exceed their expectation. After some corrections, it was time to move to next stage.
#Stage 2: Materials, Textures, Lighting and Post-production
In some 3D rendering projects, this stage is usually divided into several steps. The reason to do this is to guarantee that each stage is on the right track. For example, we share texture drafts to confirm with clients the materials are all accurate and realistic. However, for ASSAS, we share the drafts with materials, lighting, and even post-production. This is because we’ve collaborated many times in the past years and our 3D team know their tastes. This makes the 3D rendering process easier.
This structure uses reinforced concrete frame and slabs cast in-situ with hollow concrete block infill, textured plaster rendering of façades. As for the canopy, which is an iconic architectural statement as well as a highly functional intervention for climatic environmental control, has two overlapping geometric patterns. These features would be perfected presented with our 3D renders with realistic material and smart lighting.
The First Round Drafts
Thus, our 3D artists created realistic scenes for this future structure and shared with our client. The first round of colored drafts are as below:
ASSAS team replied with their comments for these views. In general, there were some adjustments they hoped to do:
Change the color contrast for the canopy in aerial views;
Add water fountain;
Add digital screens in the front of the entrance;
Make surrounding buildings slightly lighter;
Add Intercity logo and Oman national flags;
Lit up some of the inner spaces;
Try different sky with more dramatic effect;
More people shopping in the shopping spaces.
After correcting all views, we shared the updated views again. This time, only a couple of comments await.
The Second Round Drafts
This time, we’re asked to make some minor adjustments on the signage and landscape, namely:
Make Omani flag stand out more;
Use reverse colors for InterCity flag;
Remove all car plate numbers;
Add some local taxis and public transport. References were provided.
The 3D specialists refined all the requested corrections. Our client approved them and were ready to get the final results!
Next, the 3D artists rendered all views in 6k and 7k resolution to get the best-possible results.
#Stage 3: Final Delivery
To be honest, a couple of the images were delivered during the project process because our client needed them to report urgently. But here we’ve collected all 13 views for your enjoyment.
To maximize the efficiency, our art direct started the project with a 3D still image team and a 3D animation team. Two teams work simultaneously and interactively to achieve the best result. The primary challenge was to showcase both the exterior and interior features of this mixed-use in an engaging and immersive way. And our object was to demonstrate the structure’s modern design, the lively atmosphere of retail space, and the welcoming atmosphere of the building as a whole.
To start, we sorted the camera path and story board our client wanted. The ideal fly-through would:
Start from Muscat city level, which is a huge aerial view;
Introduce master plan with sea background and surrounding context;
Approach project from near existing roundabout;
Enter the premises from the main retail entrance gate;
Introduce the inner spaces including central plaza basement and retails;
Followed by the hotel experience including arriving area, lobby, restaurants, meeting rooms, swimming pool, ballroom and guestrooms;
Showcase the office with lobby, public spaces, and rooms;
Finally end with central plaza and zoom out the view.
Our 3D animation team was excited to see such a professional camera path, let along attached references of story boards. However, to conclude all the above contents in 90 seconds was quite challenging. Therefore, the team started immediately to see how it went.
#Stage 1: 3D Model Refinement
The 3D model for still images were not good enough for animation. To be specific, the 3D model for an architectural animation should be perfect from all perspectives. As a result, our 3D modeler started to refine the model, especially the ones could not be seen in the still images.
After the model was ready, our 3D animator put the model in the scene and started to compose the fly-through draft.
#Stage 2: Camera Path Confirmation
What our 3D animator did was basically build the structure for this animation. This structure would strictly follow the camera path our client shared. In this stage, the building in the scene was still white model. Thus, the aim of this stage was to confirm the camera path only.
When doing this, our team had confronted with the biggest challenge in this project: the time duration was not enough to show all. Per our client, there were indeed tons of contents to show in this animation. After an internal team meeting between the 3D animators, art director, and project manager, we decided to tell our client about this. Of course, we came up with our suggestion as well. That was, to extend the animation to 120 seconds.
At last, the proposal was accepted. By skipping a couple of scenes, we rearranged the animation with smoothing and pleasant pace.
#Stage 3: Key Frames
Once the camera path was confirmed, the whole team proceeded with coloring the scene. This included applying textures, colors, setting lighting, and add people, cars and other objects. When finishing these steps, some key frames would be screenshot and shared with clients to confirm. This is a crucial part of the whole 3D animation process.
#Stage 4: Rendering, Motion Graphics, Post-production and Final Delivery
After two review rounds, the rendered scenes were all good to go. There was not much motion graphics in this animation because it is a peopleless fly-through that aims to demonstrate the building only.
Now, let’s enjoy this incredible structure in this 3D animation!
Conclusion
AIMIR is more than excited to work with ASSAS to create visuals for this incredible project. Here is the official site for A’Raya: http://araya.om/ and the mixed-use was officially opened on November 2022. Real estate professionals often use 3D rendering services before construction begins. They can get a more accurate and realistic representation of what the project will look like when finishing. At the same time, 3D visuals help to identify potential issues or design flaws early which in turn saves time and money.
Real estate development, no matter big or small scale, needs to design and refine the plan before construction begins. Here is where 3D rendering services come to stage. By using 3D rendering services, architects, designers and real estate professionals can get a more accurate and realistic representation of what the finished project will look like, including details such as materials, lighting, and landscaping. This can help to identify potential issues or design flaws early on in the process, reducing the likelihood of costly mistakes or delays during construction. Additionally, 3D rendering services can also be used to create marketing materials, such as virtual tours or photorealistic images, which can help to generate interest and attract buyers or investors.
This time, we worked with CREW to create 3D renders for Westfield Milano, a huge shopping complex in Milan, Italy. They were designing this structure and needed our help to visualize it accurately. Thus, they’re able to present the project to the owner and local government. Let’s discover the incredible process of visualizing this new shopping mall.
#Stage 1: Brief & Scope
To start the project, our team begun with understanding the project including our project manager and 3D team. In the beginning, our client introduced the project details.
Situated in the eastern part of Milan, Westfield Milano is close to Linate International Airport and the high-speed Milano-Venezia train line. The total site area is 603,900 square meters and was formerly a bonded warehouse area that was never utilized. And this four-story shopping center is interconnected by lifts and escalators that overlook double and triple height spaces. The aim of the project is to create an innovative and unique combination of retail and leisure, making the new Westfield Milano an iconic destination for the local people, the Lombardy Region and for Italian and foreign tourists.
As a result, we’ve learnt the vision of the project, and what we needed to create 3D renders:
A Revit model: The model forms the general design of the structure. Of course, it needed further refinement.
Material references: As one of the most important part in 3D rendering, the materials and textures are clearly provided in the file. Therefore, our 3D artists were able to apply realistic textures to accurate parts.
Camera angles: Our client was clear about the views they wanted. That was, six views in total including one aerial view and five eye-level views.
The Revit model
Material references
#Stage 2: 3D Modeling
After everything is clear, our 3D modeler started to take care of the model. Since we’ve received a Revit model, there was no need to start from the very beginning. However, the Revit model was not ready to use straightforward. In this stage, our 3D artists input the Revit model into 3ds Max. This is the software we use to model and render. There are several points where we need to pay attention to during this step. For example, we need to adjust the scale of the model after imputing. This is because these two modeling software use different units of measurement.
Anyway, the final 3D model is as below. Our client was happy to proceed with it.
#Stage 3: Materials, Textures, Lighting, and Post-production
Probably this is the most important stage during the 3D rendering process. Once the model is confirmed, the 3D artists can apply colors on it. During this step, the 3D specialists select realistic textures in the architect’s design, and apply them on the corresponding places. For this reason, we carefully studies the material references for this project, and started texturing.
According to the architect, the exterior design strategy is focused on capturing the essence of Milan as a hub of fashion and design excellence, where modern and traditional ideas intersect to create an iconic destination on both local and global scales. As a result, the exterior of Westfield Milano has a modern and sleek design, with a mix of glass, steel, and concrete elements. The mall’s façade features a dynamic pattern of arch shapes, giving the building a distinctive and eye-catching look.
To illustrate the intention that reflects Milan’s reputation as a fashion and design capital, while also being functional and efficient, our 3D artists applied materials as well as lighting. For the lighting, different views have different mood. So we strictly followed the client’s needs on mood, adjusting the lighting based on the overall mood of the scene. If you pay attention, you’ll find all windows and arches are lit, so that the activities are visible to the viewers. This in turn makes the scene lifelike and vivid.
At last, our CG specialists added people and objects. This can help create a sense of scale and activity. The landscape plan is also demonstrated clearly in 3D renders. The 3D specialists populated the scene with shoppers, employees, and shopping bags, and filled the show windows with clothes, luxuries and relaxation amenities.
#Stage 4: Client’s Comments and Corrections
When we shared the colored drafts to our client, their team replied with comments in a short time. In general, they were happy with the results. But there’re several parts they hoped to adjust, namely:
Add more transparence and lighting from the center to the sides of the main entrance. Minimize mullions;
Add vertical green walls on both sides of the edge buildings;
Add more people in the loggia;
Rearrange the terraces on both sides. Soft the illumination, add standing people.
These comments greatly assisted our 3D team in getting to the right direction. Within 12 hours, our 3D artists completed all the requested corrections. Next, we rendered all six views in 6K, and delivered one aerial view and five eye-level views.
#Stage 5: Final Delivery of 6K 3D Renders
Now, let’s invite you to enjoy the realistic 3D renders of the fantastic shopping mall.
Although the project is still in concept process, these 3D views are now on their website portfolio. Check it on the image below or simply click here.
Conclusion
It is amazing to create visuals for this huge project. Our team greatly admired the architectural design of this mall especially the stunning façade. We are excited to have assisted CREW team in demonstrating this majestic project to the public with the help of our 3D renderings. Meanwhile, our team was surprised by their efficiency of commenting. In fact, there were only three rounds of drafts and the project was completed!
Looking for 3D renderings to showcase your real estate project? Need photorealistic visuals to persuade your client? Talk to our professional project manager and get to know our 3D rendering services now. We will take your architectural project to next level!
Architecture is an art that brings together the vision and skill of an architect, transforming it into a beautiful and functional structure for people to use. And 3D architectural rendering is the inevitable process. In this case study, we’ll explore the process of 3D rendering in the creation and presentation of a hotel on the beach.
Located on the beach in La Ribera, Mexico, Alila Villas is a new getaway destination with a restaurant, hotel suites, decks and pool, a gym, a spa, and a glamping pool. Gregory from Markzeff commissioned us for the exterior 3D visualization of this stunning oceanfront hotel. Their team needed the real estate 3D renders to get the vision approved by their client.
This case study will guide you through the 3D rendering process of Alila Villas and show the realistic outcome of this project.
3D Architectural Rendering Process for a Hotel
#Stage 1: Briefing and the Scope of Work
Gregory was planning to commission 5 exterior views in total. Their team provided us with a comprehensive brief which included:
A SketchUp model;
Screenshots and site plan directions showing the camera angles required. There are five of them;
Site plan, elevations, floor plans. Various design details to help our CG team understand the site and vision better;
Material board, landscape plan, and vegetation plan, especially for the organic garden, agave garden and tequila garden.
With such a vase collection of sources to draw from, our 3D team immediately started the 3D rendering process. Read on to see how we created the stunning 3D renderings for real estate developers.
#Stage 2. 3D Modeling
The next thing we did was to create 3D models of this project. Although the architect had sent a SketchUp model, he also mentioned the model was not updated and we needed to pay attention to the CAD plans. That is to say, the SketchUp model was just for reference, our 3D modeler needed to create the final model based on the CAD plans to get the correct information.
After studying the CADs, our 3D modeler created the 3D model and screenshot the views to share with Gregory for approval.
#Stage 3: Colored Drafts (Materials, Textures, Lighting, and Post-production)
Having the model drafts approved, our 3D specialists proceeded with materials, textures, lighting, and people. Based on the geography information of this hotel, we made this place a desert but not barren, welcoming and relaxing oasis. The first round colored drafts are as below:
The architect team replied back with their notes quickly. In the comments, they wanted to:
Scale the trees in front of the hotel suites down by 15%;
Add mountain view in the hotel suites scene;
Reduce the color of the pool by 15%, make the concrete wall not prounounced;
Bring the sea horizon line up slightly;
Use calming shoreline instead of waves.
In particular, the architect paid great attention to the landscape. They emphasized on the importance of the landscape design in the 3D views, especially the plants, pools, routes, and gardens. As we all know, good landscape design can enhance the natural beauty of a location, provide a comfortable and inviting atmosphere, and even improve the ecological balance of the environment. And this certainly cannot be overlooked in visual presentation.
Thanks to these explicit comments, our CG team developed a deeper understanding of the site, especially the surrounding environment. Following that, our 3D artists updated these corrections. This time, Gregory approved all of them and the views were ready to be rendered in 5K and 6K (the aerial view) resolution.
#Stage 4: Final Delivery
Here you go, the final renderings of Alila Villas in full size. How do you like this hotel on the beach?
We’re extremely pleased to have had the opportunity to work with Gregory and his team throughout the project. Their exceptional designs, attention to detail, and smooth and seamless communication were evident every step of the way. We truly appreciate their collaboration, which allowed us to achieve our goals of creating accurate and aesthetic visualization works. At last, we hope to work with them again in the future, and cannot wait to visit this stunning place in person.
