Architectural visualization, or 3D rendering is used to generate images with excellent visual quality from 3D models. They can be used to sell your ideas in various occasions, such as boosting your buildings exposure, showcasing to the public, or reporting to the city.
Gadiel, from ODP Architects, bought us a brand new project in May 2021. It was a project for presentation with the city. Therefore, high-quality and realistic images would play a vital role.
To meet our regular client’s needs and be a helper on getting the project approved, our team worked heartily on this challenging project. We are very proud that the Miami city had approved it and the demolition of the previous site has activated in the end of 2021. Please follow AIMIR to the journey of making of 710 Edge project, where AIMIR breathed life into the vision.
710 Edge
Situated in the heart of Edgewater Miami, 710 Edge is a 55-story ultra-luxury mixed-use building. Serving as a beacon for both residents and visitors, this stunning new tower features 70 residential units, 193 parking spaces, and 16,489 square feet of commercial and retail spaces above ground level. It offers amenities for every lifestyle with incredible views of Biscayne Bay, Downtown Miami and Miami Beach.
The development team is one of the developers of Miami’s iconic One Thousand Museum designed by Zaha Hadid. The development site is located at the eastern end of Northeast 29th Street that terminates at Biscayne Bay, bound by Northeast 5th Avenue to the west.
A good team is necessary and sometimes the key to the success of excellent images. At AIMIR, once a project is received, a professional team is ready to help 24/7. As Gadiel and O* Architects is one of our precious long-term partners, we have a fixed team who knows inside and out of the way they collaborate including tastes for images, working hours, and preferred method of comments.
So, the team is ready, let’s get to know the project.
#2 Architectural 3D Modeling
Gadiel shared a couple of 3dm files, which are native file format for Rhinoceros. Thus, there is no need for us to build the model. Thanks Gadiel!
The model.
Refining the model came to the next. Since we used 3ds Max for this project, the first thing was to transfer the 3dm format to a 3ds Max compatible one. After this, our 3D artists focused on fine-tuning the model, until it was ready for the next step.
#3 Camera Angles
So next, we needed to choose the point of view for the images. In this stage, either the clients can come up with their preferred angles or, as an ArchViz consultant, we are happy to suggest them for the clients. The camera angles will affect the workload accordingly.
Gadiel said they hope to get some suggestions from us. So we selected some camera angles based on the fact that these images would show the vision on the presentation day.
Part of suggested camera angles from AIMIR.
Gadiel was happy with these camera angles. So, it’s time to check the surroundings.
This is going to be interesting: While we were selecting proper camera angles, Gadiel was sending a professional photographer to take site photos for composition. It meant we both received the files almost at the same time. As a result, the site photos didn’t match the camera angles Gadiel’s selected.
However, this was not an issue forever. Gadiel immediately sent the photographer again to retake site photos that would match both the camera angle and the mood.
Final site photos.
Our 3D artists checked the photos, and the model fit perfectly with the accurate angle and desired mood. This is because the final 3D rendering’s mood will be the same with the photo’s.
#5 Texture & Lighting
Proper texturing and lighting is crucial to a photorealistic and eye-catching 3D rendering. It is the materials and lighting that bridge the gap between the model and reality. Thus, to apply materials and lighting that meet the references became the main challenge here.
Elevations.
Material boards.
Gadiel, a perfect partner to work with, had shared all references concerning textures and lights. To achieve the effect, our 3D artists adjusted textures and materials that added a certain realistic effect to the model.
Since we were using photo-composition for surroundings, the comparison of textured model and site photo is:
3D model in the site photo.
This slender superstructure tower is standing out among other high-rises in the neighborhood with its unique fluid curves and its distinctive exoskeleton on the exterior. Consequently, how to address these highlights became the most important issue when dealing with textures.
Our aim was to create the perfect concrete framing structure, dark tinted laminated glass, dark grey anodized aluminum, and clear glass handrails along the balconies.
Plus, the landscape was clearly listed in the plan. We simply added the right plantation at the right spot, making them aligned with the whole image.
Part of plantation plan.
Once everything is set, high-res images are ready to output. This process may take from an hour to a couple of days, depending on the quality of the image. When it’s done, we can move on to the final step.
#6 Post-production
This is the final stage of the architectural 3D rendering process. Photoshop is the main tool throughout the process. During this process, 3D artists will focus on the brightness, contrast, depth and special effects. On top of these, adding people, small objects, and some plantation can be involved in as well.
Because this project concentrates on aerial views, there aren’t many close shots. We took extreme carefully on the details of the images, such as the lighting effects, activities on the balconies, glass reflection and indoor lighting.
#7 Summary & Survey
At AIMIR, we provide after-delivery services. After completing a project, we’ll go through the whole process and summarize possible issues and any improvement for future collaboration.
#8 After Delivery Services
We understand the changeable nature of design community. Thus, we offer free modification services after the project is delivered. This applies to minor modifications only. Other modifications are available upon charge.
Please enjoy our 3D renderings for 710 Edge project in Miami, which accelerated the approval process and satisfies the client’s needs.
Stories After
The 710 Edge Project was approved by Miami city, and the demolition was activated late 2021. Although Gadiel bought us some news about revising some designs when we’re composing this case study, it will be unknown future. We’ll share another story if there is phase two or something.
Above are 6 steps for architectural 3D rendering process. As you can see, it allows architects more opportunities to showcase their vision and get the plan approved. AIMIR is super proud and excited to create 3D renderings for this stunning project. If you want to talk about this project or have upcoming projects, talk to us and our professional architectural visualization studio is here to help!
Nathaniel from C* Architecture & Interiors was preparing a community design for Bahia Principe’s new development in La Caña, Dominican Republic. This is a huge master plan for the locals, and the designing area Nathaniel in charge was a small community facing Caribbean Sea.
Designing area as highlighted.
Located in the U.S., C* Architecture & Interiors is a luxury, high-end design firm specializing in custom residential, boutique commercial and estate & land planning. AIMIR has a long partnership with C* Architecture & Interiors. However, this is our first overseas project.
Nathaniel briefly introduced the concept and design of the project. The concept for this development involves the mix of tightly-knit residences situated around multiple courtyard spaces, completely encompassed by a privacy wall, to create a private community.
And the architecture is inspired by famous coastal architecture such as Alys Beach, Mediterranean cities, and traditional-American, residential design, the building architecture of this concept creates a unique but familiar setting for new residents along this beach-side development.
Concept sketches for elevations.
Preparation for 3D Rendering & Animation Production
In order to demonstrate this beautiful community to the public for both marketing and fundraising purposes, five renderings from various angles and a 60-second fly-through are needed. After kick-off meeting, we decided to start production for the renderings and animation at the same time.
5 camera angles marked in the site plan.
As for the 3D animation, Nathaniel specially mentioned they didn’t have any particular camera path in mind. Thus, we thanked him for his trust and decided to create a short animation draft for confirmation first.
Briefing form prepared by AIMIR
3D Rendering
The model we’ve received was a complete one, which was an excellent start. After fine-tuning the model, we’ve confirmed it with Nathaniel as below:
For texture and materials, we’ve received a large number of references, to indicate different part of the building.
One page from the material board.
One of the projects AIMIR created for C* Architecture & Interiors earlier this year was mentioned as mood and quality references for this project.
A 4-story luxury house in Montgomery, Alabama
The five rendering views are marked in the site plan as Street View, Pool View, Courtyard View, Motor Court View, and Aerial View. In the checklist prepared by AIMIR, Nathaniel mentioned the mood for each view. Since everything’s ready. Production start!
Comments received during production.
Because we’ve work together for over 6 years, the process was incredibly smooth and simple. Just after the model and camera angles were confirmed, and other requirements were clear, our 3D artists directly created rendered and post-produced images for Nathaniel.
Please enjoy the final renderings for this community design:
Community Design (1)
Community Design (2)
Community Design (3)
Community Design (4)
Community Design (5)
3D Animation
This fly-through is going to be a crucial tool for fundraising and marketing. To start creating an animation, a clear camera path is needed. To be honest, it was not an easy task to make the animation for this community.
Camera Path Revision
In the beginning, Nathaniel provided the camera path in mind. Plus, he addressed they needed 30 to 40 seconds duration. Our 3D animation artists made a draft based on this camera path. However, the result turned to be very disappointing. Due to the long camera path, there were so many things to show, the animation was extreme rush.
Camera path Nathaniel provided.
Therefore, we studies the project again and suggested another camera path. At the same time, we recommended to have a longer animation duration in order to show all aspects they’d like to show.
Both teams was trying to make it happen. As a result, the animation was determined to have 60 seconds. Among this minute, 10 seconds were free of charge. Considering our long partnership, we made this decision to show C* Architecture & Interiors AIMIR’s suggestion was a smarter choice.
A Sudden Design Change
Thus, based on the Revit model that Nathaniel had sent, our 3D animators refined the details of the model for a better demonstration.
Once the model is ready, our 3D artists started to work on the texture and materials. The fly-through will go into a lot of corners that the 3D renderings never go. As a result, we’ve sent through the key frames for review.
Key frames.
What we didn’t expect was that Nathaniel told us the model had to be adjusted. Although we’ve finished refining the model, we still need to wait for the new model. This is not rare in ArchViz process, because modification is sort of the nature of design.
At last, Nathaniel shared the final model with us in 6 days, and the animation was then quickly completed!
This community is an open space and a small component of this huge development. Therefore, our 3D specialists added a few final touches to improve color balance and overall atmosphere. From shining lagoons with crystalline waters and white sand beaches, to venture to every corner of the community and discover its charisma and splendor, please click the linked below to enjoy this 3D fly-through on Vimeo!
We really enjoyed working on this community project. This task was so creative, beautiful and our lovely client – highly professional, such a sheer pleasure to work with, just like countless projects we’ve collaborated in the past 6 years.
3D renderings and animations are the ideal tool to promote architecture and design. No matter you need them for marketing, reporting, presentation, or fundraising, there is nothing like a creative image or animation to show off your exciting idea!
Need high-end visualization works for your project? Please don’t hesitate to contact our architectural visualization studio for the best solutions.
It doesn’t matter if you’re an architectural startup, or a small business owner, it is difficult to stand out and attract new clients and projects in such a crowded industry. For industrial giants, it’s usually okay to assign budgets on marketing. However, being a small business means limited budget on marketing in most of the cases.
Fortunately, it is a VISUAL world. Today, the architecture language is not about the design only, but also about visual stories they are telling and presentations on social media. In a word, it’s about HOW the architecture being demonstrated.
Architectural Visualization (aka. ArchViz) is no doubt the most excellent way to market your business. AIMIR, as an ArchViz veteran, is happy to share with you 3 examples why we say that.
A single sketch was the only file when starting the project.
A 3-story residential building in Canada is in need of 3D visualization. However, the design is not finished. AIMIR built the model based on the sketch above, and redesigned with our client together.
Final rendering.
Try to image the marketing result difference between the original sketch and the final 3D rendering. Which do you think is better? I guess there is no second answer.
Another great thing about ArchViz is that the design can be changed during the production. It is a feature of both time- and cash-saving that most ArchViz users are fond of.
The design had changed a couple of times during the production of 3D rendering.
A photorealistic 3D rendering of this apartment makes it efficient, attractive and most importantly, will sell.
ArchViz Help Build a Professional Portfolio
You shouldn’t stop at it but a professional portfolio is one of the things that will help your real estate business become a successful one. Thus, this is the best way to attract right audience to create lucrative opportunities.
What’s more, the portfolio is not just a collection of your best works ever. It is the path to finding potential clients by attracting the targeted type of audience. Check the Reizen Residence Project:
Final rendering
Site
A 2-story house under renovation. Our client is a professional architect who is specialized in designing and constructing homes. He came to us and hope to get some renderings to fill his portfolio – to tell his clients that he is an expert in renovating as well.
By saving a lot of efforts and money, these renderings helped a lot in selling this property. At the same time, they provided a strong demonstration of our client’s mastery and skills as this will surely and without doubt encourage his potential clients to get in touch with him.
ArchViz Help Demonstrate the Unbuilt
It is one thing to have a beautifully designed apartment building in a sought-after location with luxury units, but it is entirely a different thing to have hyperrealistic images of this property before the foundation if poured. This particular feature makes ArchViz especially invaluable to real estate agents and developers.
The fact is, people won’t buy if they haven’t seen the property; city council won’t approve if they haven’t had an explicit idea of the design and plan. As a result, to make things faster, ArchViz is the best choice. Check the Naladhu Ocean House Project:
AIMIR’s 3D renderings on the official website where visitors can book for this private island.
A developer were looking for 3D renderings for a private island in Maldives. The island was under renovation, and they wanted to show the future look of the island for marketing. They would use the renderings on the booking website, newsletter, and local newspaper.
The above examples have summarized how ArchViz optimize marketing for real estate industry. If you are an architect, designer, constructor, developer, or agent, and are looking for top-notch 3D architectural visualization works, please don’t hesitate to talk with AIMIR!
