How to Select Weather and Season in your 3D Rendering? A Comprehensive Guide for Setting the Mood in Architectural Visualization

by AIMIR CG | Mar 20, 2023 | 0 comments

3D rendering is an essential tool in creating visual representations of a variety of designs, from architecture to product design. It allows designers to bring their ideas to life and showcase them in a realistic way. One of the critical aspects of 3D rendering is setting the right mood, which includes selecting the appropriate season and weather.

Previously, we’ve share our opinions on similar topic: Exterior and Interior Renderings under Atypical Environment: Case Study of Renders under Snow, Cloudy, Rainy and More. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of season and weather in 3D rendering and provide some tips on how to select the right one to achieve the desired effect. Hope it will give you some help in your project. Let’s begin.

Why Season and Weather are Important for 3D Renders

Season and weather can significantly impact the overall look and feel of a 3D render. They can set the mood, evoke emotions, and help tell a story. For example, a sunny day with blue skies and green grass can create a cheerful and inviting atmosphere, while a stormy day with dark clouds and rain can create a sense of gloom and despair. The season and weather also play a crucial role in establishing the time of day, which can significantly impact the lighting and shadows in the scene.

Season and weather can also be used to enhance the design features of the scene. For example, if the design features a modern house with clean lines and large windows, a sunny day can emphasize these features by creating a bright and airy atmosphere. On the other hand, if the design features a rustic cabin in the woods, a snowy winter day can emphasize the cozy and warm atmosphere of the space.

Selecting the Right Season and Weather for 3D Renders

When selecting the right season and weather for a 3D render, there are several factors to consider. These include the intended mood, the design features, and the story or message that the scene is trying to convey. Here are some tips on how to select the right season and weather for your 3D render:

Determine the Mood

The first step in selecting the right season and weather is to determine the mood you want to create. Do you want to create a cheerful and inviting atmosphere, or do you want to create a sense of mystery and intrigue? Different seasons and types of weather can help you achieve different moods. For example, if you’re planning to enter an architectural design competition, it is always important to have at least a sunny daytime view to persuade the juries.

Consider the Design Features

The design features of the scene can also play a significant role in selecting the right season and weather. For example, if the scene features a beach house with large windows and an outdoor patio, a sunny day with blue skies and the sound of waves crashing on the shore can create a relaxing and inviting atmosphere. On the other hand, if the scene features a Gothic castle with towering spires and dark stone walls, a stormy night with lightning and thunder can create a sense of foreboding and danger. However, these are just common cases, where you can take advice from, but the mood varies in some special situations.

Think About the Story

The story or message that the scene is trying to convey is also an essential factor to consider when selecting the right season and weather. For example, if the scene features a futuristic city with sleek skyscrapers and advanced technology, a sunny day with clear blue skies can emphasize the bright and optimistic future that the city represents. On the other hand, if the scene features a post-apocalyptic wasteland with ruined buildings and desolate landscapes, a stormy day with dark clouds and harsh winds can emphasize the bleak and dangerous world that the characters inhabit.

Types of Weather to Use in 3D Renders

Now that we’ve discussed why season and weather are important and how to select the right one, let’s explore some of the different types of seasons and weather that can be used in 3D renders:

Sunny

Probably one of the most common weather conditions used in 3D renderings is a sunny day. A sunny day features blue skies and abundant sunlight, creating a bright and clear atmosphere. This type of weather is ideal for outdoor renderings, as it can showcase the details of the design in full light. It can also create a cheerful, optimistic mood, which is perfect for promoting real estate or tourism projects.

Cloudy

A cloudy day, on the other hand, features diffused light and subdued shadows, creating a soft and even lighting environment. This type of weather can be ideal for interior renderings, as it minimizes harsh shadows and enhances the details of the design. It can also create a peaceful, contemplative mood, which is suitable for healthcare or wellness projects. Meanwhile, many exterior views stick on cloudy mood because it helps convey supremacy of instilling feelings of power of the object, for example, a high-rise.

Rainy

Rain is a type of weather that can be used to create a sense of mood and atmosphere in 3D renders. It can be represented by dark, stormy skies, puddles, and wet surfaces. The use of dramatic, moody lighting can help to create a sense of tension and suspense. Rain is an excellent choice for scenes that emphasize mystery, intrigue, and drama.

Foggy

Fog is another type of weather that can be used to create a sense of mood and atmosphere in 3D renders. It can be represented by misty landscapes, muted colors, and soft, diffused light. The use of cool, blue tones and a sense of distance can help to create a sense of mystery and intrigue. Fog is an excellent choice for scenes that emphasize fantasy, magic, and enchantment.

Snowy

A snowy day is another weather condition used in 3D renderings, particularly for winter or holiday-themed scenes. A snowy day features snowfall, snow-covered surfaces, and icicles, creating a cold and pristine atmosphere. This type of weather can add a layer of visual interest to outdoor scenes, highlighting the details of the design and creating a sense of depth and contrast.

Which Season to Use in 3D Renders?

Spring

Spring is a season of renewal and growth, making it an excellent choice for scenes that emphasize freshness, new beginnings, and optimism. In 3D renders, spring can be represented by blooming flowers, greenery, and warm, soft light. The use of pastel colors and a soft, hazy atmosphere can help to create a sense of serenity and peacefulness. Spring is also an excellent season to showcase outdoor spaces, such as gardens, parks, and outdoor cafes.

Summer

Summer is a season of warmth, energy, and vibrant colors, making it an excellent choice for scenes that emphasize joy, excitement, and fun. In 3D renders, summer can be represented by bright, sunny skies, blue waters, and lush green landscapes. The use of warm, golden light can help to create a sense of energy and enthusiasm. Summer is also an excellent season to showcase outdoor spaces, such as beaches, pools, and backyard barbecues.

Fall

Fall is a season of change, transformation, and nostalgia, making it an excellent choice for scenes that emphasize transition, reflection, and sentimentality. In 3D renders, fall can be represented by the changing colors of leaves, misty mornings, and crisp, cool air. The use of warm, golden light and deep, rich colors can help to create a sense of coziness and comfort. Fall is also an excellent season to showcase indoor spaces, such as cozy living rooms, fireplaces, and kitchens.

Winter

Winter is a season of stillness, reflection, and contemplation, making it an excellent choice for scenes that emphasize solitude, introspection, and quietness. In 3D renders, winter can be represented by snow, frosty landscapes, and cool, muted colors. The use of soft, diffused light and subtle, neutral tones can help to create a sense of calmness and stillness. Winter is also an excellent season to showcase indoor spaces, such as libraries, bedrooms, and cozy cabins.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the type of weather you choose for your 3D rendering will depend on the specific needs of your project and the mood or tone you want to convey. Consider the context of your design, the time of day and season, and the overall aesthetic you are going for when making your decision. By choosing the right season and weather, designers can create 3D renders that are not only visually appealing but also emotionally engaging and impactful.

What is your favorite mood for 3D renderings? Hesitating on selecting the mood for your project? Talk to our professional project managers and 3D artists, and AIMIR will create realistic and compelling 3D renderings that best present your project.

Exterior and Interior Renderings under Atypical Environment: Case Study of Renders under Snow, Cloudy, Rainy and More

by AIMIR CG | Nov 18, 2022 | 0 comments

The exterior and interior architectural visualization projects do not always have a sunny day and adequate lights. Some of them don’t set the architectural objects in an urban environment. This in turn creates a special mood for the images. Today, we at AIMIR decided to share with you the works that, in our opinion, have such special and untypical environment.

Weather & Time

Imagining a building under a sunny day with a clear blue sky, and surely it is the simplest method to bring out full potential of an image. Naturally, the brilliance of a sunset is able to coat a gorgeous color on the whole image that catches the eyes of its viewers. Morning, noon, afternoon, dawn, these time of the day under a clear sky are most frequently used in 3D architectural rendering, and result in eye-catching results.

However, these are not the only options for 3D rendering. In contrast to such “usual” works, visuals created in other weather conditions such as a cloudy summer afternoon or a snowy winter day are more distinctive. The aim of such weather and time is not to make the structure uglier or worse. Actually, these “unusual” environment allows to showcase the architecture in a totally different perspective.

Now, let’s have a look at some of the typical environment with various weather and time conditions.

#1. Snowy

Snowy day is probably one of the most attractive scenes in 3D rendering. However, this weather is not widely used in architectural 3D rendering because of its limitation: the location of the architecture. Not all structures can use a snowy mood, at least, not the ones in tropical regions.

In the magical hands of a professional 3D artist, one can find the true good of a building under any environment. Here, a reasonable winter scene adds more power to a render.

As you can see, the wonder of a winter scene lies not only in the beauty and uniqueness of the structure which stands out, but also bakes an immersive experience to its viewers. Architects, designers and real estate developers use powerful winter 3D visuals as a strong tool to sell their clients with future homes, offices, and destinations.

#2. Cloudy

It is incredible to demonstrate a tower under a cloudy sky. And our data can prove it. Our posts about cloudy mood renders on LinkedIn are proven to be impressive and received many likes and comments from our audience.

As an unusual mood, cloudy is frequently used in 3D architectural visualization especially for high-rises. The reason for this is that cloudy sky is ideal for conveying supremacy or instilling feelings of power of the object, which, under this context, the buildings. At the same time, they are not difficult to find in other type of structures such as stadium, museum and even shopping malls.

#3. Rainy

Rainy day probably is not the first choice of most of the ArchViz users. Because it may moisturize the scene and blur the important details of the building. Also, some people may believe an architecture under the rain will create weakness for the structure.

This is not the truth. As we stated above, we believe all architecture can shine within the right hand – the skilled 3D artist’s hand. Actually, a rainy scene will not make the building weak. On the other hand, the rain will bring calmness and serenity to the scene, which in turn results in a powerful demonstrate of the architecture that create selling content.

#4. Night

You may ask, is night scene unusual? Yes and no. In common sense, we experience night every day, it’s just dark, and there is nothing to talk about. However, it becomes totally different in the ArchViz industry.

In a 3D render, especially when there is a residential property or office building, some architects and designers may want to express the current mood. For example, these two images of a three-story office building can give you a totally different impression:

An image of the office building to show the structure and design;
An image of the office building with clear design details and people inside doing various activities.

After all, the night mood for exterior rendering is perfect to demonstrate the indoor furniture layout and people inside with activities, which creates a strong living atmosphere for this building. On the other side, interior rendering can use night for window view that provides contrast to the warm or cold lighting inside.

Above are an introduction of using unusual moods for 3D architectural rendering. It is not only a fixed answer, you can choose the most suitable mood for your project. We care about each project, and aim to deliver one-of-a-kind 3D work for you. AIMIR is a professional 3D architectural visualization studio since 2006. We are glad to help you visualize your project.