3D Rendering Process: 8 Steps for 710 Edge in Miami: Case Study

3D Rendering Process: 8 Steps for 710 Edge in Miami: Case Study

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.

The site.

Subject property.

Join us for a thorough 3D architectural visualization process and reveal how we work to bring superlative visual works!

 

#1 Team Assemble

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.

 

#4 Surrounding Context: Photo-composition

For this project, Gadiel was very clear in the first place that they would use photo-composition for surrounding context. It is not a surprise since they were after the most accuracy to showcase the building to the city. AIMIR has a blog regarding to surrounding context issue here: 4 Typical Methods of Dealing with Surrounding Context in Architectural Visualization in 2021.

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.

You’re welcome to read our Service Guide here: AIMIR’s Ultimate Service System Guide.

 

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!

Going Into Detail of 3D Renderings for World-Class Riverside Wharf Project in Miami: Case Study

Going Into Detail of 3D Renderings for World-Class Riverside Wharf Project in Miami: Case Study

Keeping up with the rapid development in Miami, the Riverside Wharf, located on the river near downtown Miami, will be a hospitality-driven entertainment complex and is scheduled to open to the public in 2025. It will be the home of the Dream Hotel, a 165-room luxury hotel and the first one along the Miami River.

Eleazar, Design Coordinator from C* Architects, talked with us about this exciting project in the middle of 2021. C* Architects is one of AIMIR’s partners, and has been working with us since 2018. They are in charge of this huge project. A series of 3D renderings were needed for reporting to the city. AIMIR is excited to bring to fruition the dream and vision Miami has had for its waterfront entertainment district by creating the photorealistic unbuilt Riverside Wharf renderings.

This project is divided into three phases, which were in May, September and November 2021 respectively. Please follow us to discover the complete story for making of Riverside Wharf, 3D renderings for a world-class mixed-use development in Miami.

 

Briefing

 

As AIMIR’s partner, Eleazar is an expert in briefing. In May 2021, he directly shared a Dropbox link consisting of:

  • Architecture CAD drawings;
  • Landscape CAD drawings;
  • Hand sketch landscape plans of the two rooftops;
  • Architectural elevation drawings.

Ground level planting plan.

Ground level hardscape & lighting plan.

 

Phase One: Initial Design

 

Because the schedule was very tight (2 views in 5 days), we started production straightaway. With the materials at hand, we created these two renderings in 5 days, to meet Eleazar’s reporting date.

From model to rendering: 5 days

 

Phase Two: Modified Plan

 

The presentation went smoothly. However, the design was changed a months later, right after the previous images were created. AIMIR has a complete system on design change during production. Please read more on here: Four Typical Scenarios Concerning Extra Charge during the Rendering Process.

Previous model vs. Modified model.

On top of the revised model, additional three views were added. That added up to 5 camera angles in total:

Before we could move to rendering stage, Eleazer emailed us saying the model needed modification again to follow the city’s requirement. The project had to be suspended. The final model would be handed to us in a month or so. This left us no choice but to wait.

A huge mixed-use development can be a challenge to any architect, and C* Architects is not the exception. As a professional architectural visualization studio, AIMIR is fully aware of the nature of design. We completely coordinate with any possible situation.

 

Phase Three: Final Plan

 

In the beginning of November, the final model was received. This time, there was not much hesitation on the model. Thus, our 3D specialists focused on adding the renderings stories. Here, you can see the carefulness, discretion and patience when dealing with details that tell the story of the image.

Some comments.

C* Architects always have ultimate requirement on details. This project is no exception. Since there were loads of information to be shared, we selected a couple of them to present AIMIR’s craftsmanship on making details perfect.

 

Customized Logos and Signs

Signs was not an issue in the beginning. But after the project was officially named in the third phase, the signs and logos were needed to be at the right place. Various photos and files were provided for an accurate sign modeling and placement.

Materials from Eleazar for signs.

Some final results

 

The Umbrellas

After the final delivery, Eleazar realized a tiny detail on the umbrellas on the ground floor. Because we used red umbrellas for all outdoor seating. In order to make the scene more vivid, Eleazar came up with the idea of updating part of the umbrellas from red to blue and white stripped.

Our 3D artists immediately built the model for this umbrella and changed them straight away.

Customized model for blue and white stripped umbrellas.

Customized model for blue and white stripped umbrellas.

 

The Mood for a Particular Area

Since it is a project with hotels, clubs and commercial, the mood for the images would be quite mixed. Thus, consistency of the image is crucial.

A good 3D rendering is that you can zoom in anywhere and find it telling the story of that area.

Let’s enjoy the 3D renderings for this fantastic project in Miami now.

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The Final Delivery

 

We are glad to hear both the team and client were satisfied with the result and the reporting went completely smoothly. The project is projected to break ground in 2022 and is scheduled to open to the public in 2025.

Miami’s tourism and hospitality industry is evolving with this waterfront destination: the Miami River. AIMIR is so proud to be part of the journey, creating these story-telling 3D renderings. Read more in these articles:

Miami’s River District Is Expanding With a New Complex — Restaurants, Rooftop Day Club, and Luxury Hotel Included | Travel + Leisure (travelandleisure.com)

Wharf Miami along Miami River will be transformed into Riverside Wharf with hotel, nightclub, eateries | Miami Herald

MV Real Estate Holdings And Driftwood Capital Announce Joint Venture On $185M Riverside Wharf Development In Downtown Miami – Florida YIMBY

 

How is the story of making Riverside Wharf Project? As a unique story teller, photorealistic 3D renderings surely bring your design to life. Talk with us for more information if you’re interested. Or simply contact us for consulting your next exciting project!

 

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