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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
