3D Rendering Process of a Mixed-use Redevelopment in New York, USA: Case Study

3D Rendering Process of a Mixed-use Redevelopment in New York, USA: Case Study

We’ve introduced various case studies about the details of 3D rendering process. Today, we cannot wait to share another story with an in-depth guideline of 3D rendering process. In this article, we will simplify the terms and present you the detailed process in the straightforward manner.

Project 576 is a redevelopment project, and Jacky from DRPA was looking for high quality renderings for marketing. It will be a 172-foot tall building with 17 floors, featuring retail shops and office spaces in New York, USA. The existing building is an 11-floor structure and the new “overbuild” 12 to 17 floors are the main part to demonstrate in this rendering project.

Using 3D rendering for marketing the redesign of an architecture is the smartest way. Let’s check the process now!

 

The Scope of Work

 

To be a perfect marketing material, our 3D renderings need to be a powerful visual tool to impress the viewers. At the same time:

  • Showcasing the design details of the added modern overbuild structure along the terrace;
  • Presenting the redesign of the first 2 floors storefront for retail;
  • Demonstrate the renovation interior for 3 to 11 floors;

The first stage of the 3D rendering process is to get clear the scope of work. Jacky, who is a well-organized and our reliable partner, had prepared the detailed brief. In the brief, we knew this project needs:

  • Three street and façade views.
  • Two lobby views.
  • A top building aerial view.
  • Two views of the amenity and terrace.

And most of these views needed more than one version. This was because they have several plans for this building and needed to get approved the most suitable one. This is not difficult to find when using 3D rendering services. Because the flexibility and quick response of CGI images, many architects, interior designers, real estate agents, and constructors use it as a tool to test which is the ultimate plan.

We’ll divide this project into exteriors and interiors.

 

3D Exterior Rendering Process

 

Stage 1: 3D Modeling

A SketchUp model was ready for further production from Jacky’s team. What our 3D artists did was to input it into the 3ds Max modeling and rendering software and gave it a fine-tuning. During this process, our 3D specialists sorted the elevations and lines in the SketchUp, arranged the included textures and materials. At the same time, we also added some details to the model based on the design plans. After all was done, the 3D model and the views were shared to Jacky.

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The SketchUp model (left) and the fine-tuned 3D model (right).

Jacky was happy with the model, and immediately provided the material board for the façade. The below image is the material references from Jacky. It is clear and informative, with pictures of wanted material which is of great help!

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Stage 2: Applying Materials, Textures, and Lighting

After studying the given references of the materials and textures, we picked the accurate materials and applies them on the model. This is a crucial step because the image will look realistic only when the material and textures are right and lifelike. We processed three plans of the top building that have different façade design. 3D rendering services are a handy tool when dealing with design change. It is fast and cost-saving to use 3D images to demonstrate various design plans for one structure.

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Three plans of the top building.

Actually we created all three plans of the top building. But according to our Non-Disclosure Agreement, only the final plan is allowed to public. Thus, we’ll use the final plan as an example to show how materials, textures, and lightings are applied.

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Stage 3: Post-Processing

In the initial stage, we’ve confirmed the moods for each view. This refers to the atmosphere settings of each camera angle. Whether it is a sunny day, a cloudy evening, or at night. For the exterior views of Project 576, we use a regular daytime for the eye-level street views and a bit of dawn for the top building and the terrace.

As the daytime setting, it gives the busy street a vibrant atmosphere with motion cars and walking pedestrians. Light and shadow is clear in the views, so the details of the building are vivid and the shadow brings contrast.

Different from the street views, the overbuilding is demonstrated with a gentle dawn mood. In the view, the surrounding buildings are rest in relatively dark environment, where our building is lit by the lights inside through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows. Meanwhile, we terrace out of the overbuilding is in the same mood.

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3D Interior Rendering Process

 

The 3D interior rendering process follows quite the same procedure with exteriors. Our 3D artists started with creating 3D models of the interior spaces, then applied materials and textures on, and post-processed it with details.

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For the interiors, Jacky asked for three views, namely the lobby from the gate, the lobby from inside, and the amenity of the overbuilding. The same with the exterior views, we also created different versions for each view based on different plans.

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Exterior and Interior Rendering Results

 

When all views were confirmed from Jacky, our 3D artists output the 4K/5K high-res final images. The resolution is agreed at the very first stage of the project with our client. If you have no idea what resolution suits you better, please feel free to refer to this blog about rendering resolution here. Now, let’s enjoy the final results of Project 576.

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Part of the project is still confidential and so as the exact address and client name. But thanks to DRPA’s brilliant design, and the efforts Jacky and AIMIR team have put in, we now are able to have a glimpse of what this amazing project look like. We’ll update any news here later.

Looking for 3D rendering services? Say hi to our professional project manager now and get your project estimated in 24 hours! AIMIR is an architectural visualization studio founded in 2006, delivering awe-inspiring CGI works to the world.

Comprehensive 3D Rendering Service: Case Study of One Monument Plaza Project in New York

Comprehensive 3D Rendering Service: Case Study of One Monument Plaza Project in New York

This new mixed-use apartment in front of Monument Square on River Street in Troy, New York is on board for construction soon. This is a beautiful complex in the center of Troy, along Huston River, to bring a new landscape to the city.

Site location

In September 2021, Chris, from S* Architecture, said they need 6 images to be used as a major piece of a presentation to the public. As AIMIR’s partner, Chris has been collaborating with us for the past three years. He is an expert in briefing.

 

The Perfect SoW

 

One Monument Plaza Project will be a classic brick-structured mixed-use, with ground-level commercial spaces and 5-story apartments. It has the design in harmony with the Monument Square opposite to and other surrounding buildings. For a fast turnaround, Chris has prepared all needed files, and stated the crucial parts clearly.

The final 3D renderings will be used to persuade the public to approve the project. For this reason, the entourage will need to be the key. It need to show a lot of “life” in the images.

 

1. Rough Rendering Views

They had decided 6 views to create, which are the following below. But Chris said the views may have some changes, as long as they made sense.

6 initial views.

 

2. The Surrounding Context

After kick-off meeting, we decided to use photo-composition for the surrounding context rather than modeling. Although modeling is based on the real site and very precise, photo-composition is 100% similarity with reality. On top of this, photo-composition is much cost-effective.

 

Drone videos.

Chris provided 17 high-res drone videos for us to find the best view for these 3D renderings.

 

3. The Model

A Revit model of the buildings that helped our 3D artists understand the design and structure accurately was received. It was not a complete model, because Chris updated a couple of elements such as the trellis and logo on building a few days later.

The model

It is crucial that the updated model is add-on and kept to the updated item only. This is because if the whole model is provided with only a small item added or changed. The 3D artists have to redo everything with the model, which is extremely time-consuming.

 

4. The Finish Materials

He shared the drawings which indicated the structure, dimensions, and materials to be used on the building:

In order to further articulate the materials in details, Chris sent us an elevation with more precise material key:

 

5. The Plants

The stringent requirement for plantation is another key point he wanted to address. However. Chris provided detailed reference images for what vegetable they were after on particular spots.

Part of planting reference

Although we have the images of the plantation, our 3D artists still studied the geolocation of the site. It was needed to find out what types of plants they are so that we can accurately find the right model of trees and flowers.

Since everything is clear, the production started immediately!

 

The Workflow

 

Since we’re using photo-composition, the first round draft was about confirming the model in the photo.

Photo drafts with model in.

Once the model and position are confirmed, our 3D specialists then moved forward to incorporate the details of the design including materials, lighting, landscape, and post-work into the image.

After modifying two rounds of tiny details, the project was successfully completed! Please enjoy these incredible images with full story to tell!

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An Additional Xmas Rendering after 2 Months

 

Two months later in November, Chris emailed us saying they would like to have a Xmas version for one of the views. This is for the Company’s Christmas cards for their clients this year.

For a better reference, he sent a rendering AIMIR created for S* Architecture in 2019, which is also for Christmas.

Reference rendering

In ten days, the final Christmas rendering is as below:

 

Presentation Result

 

The presentation turned out to be amazing, as Chris told us. The One Monument Plaza project has been approved and the construction is on the boards. Now, the 3D renderings are displayed on the website’s homepage.

 

Need story-telling 3D renderings for your presentation and marketing campaigns? Contact us at info@aimircg.com for high-end professional 3D rendering services and get your projects speak for themselves!

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