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What is Digital Architecture

Updated: Jan 5, 2023

Architectural design is a discipline that focuses on covering and meeting the needs and demands, to create living spaces, using certain tools and especially, creativity. Therefore, the aim is to combine the technological and the aesthetic, despite the general belief that architecture is only a technological task.

In the same way, it mixes design, understood as the creative process, and architecture, which is based on the creation and presentation of solutions at a technical level. By mixing both disciplines, architectural design seeks the values and formal qualities of the works, through spatial experiences. In general, we associate it with drawings, sketches or outlines of a project, and it is one of its fundamental bases. In this aspect of architectural design, there are also other factors involved, that are related to geometry, space or aesthetics, among others. After all, architecture, and therefore architectural design, is made up of many elements and processes or phases.


When designing, an architect must take into account that he or she should carry out an analysis, to design and build according to the needs and resources, always keeping in mind the aesthetics and technical characteristics, as well as the basic rules of construction. That is why the process, capable of identifying all these variables must consider that it is necessary to reflect the needs, both artistically and technically on the paper (or software). In this case, the lines are the main element of the architectural design, which define several aspects such as the shape, dimension and positioning of the different spaces integrating the project.


Parametric Design


The phrase “what’s old is new again” has its place in architecture. However, today’s groundbreaking designs have bucked tradition. Parametric design has particularly rebelled against long-standing guidelines. Patrik Schumacher, who was a partner at Zaha Hadid Architects at the time, coined the term ‘parametricism.’


Straight lines, sharp corners, and acute angles were the lifeblood of former styles. Conversely, parametricism centers on free-form architectural concepts. Sweeping lines, curves, and irregular shapes give each building character. Such designs might look futuristic or even otherworldly.


The following elements define parametric architecture:


· Blending complexity and variety, thus rejecting homogenous utilitarianism

· Shared priorities involving urbanism, interior design, an architectural wonder, and even fashion

· The idea that all design elements are interdependent and adaptable

· A skew towards computerized, algorithmic design processes



3D Rendering


A 3D architectural rendering is a three-dimensional computer-generated image which shows what an architectural project will look like when it’s built. 3D renders are an essential visual tool for architects and other professionals to show clients what the end result will look like before construction begins. Because of this, 3D renders are an indispensable part of a successful communication and cost-effective business strategy.


Three decades ago, rendering technology was in its infancy and had certainly not been standardized. Due to the limitations of computer graphics in that era, user expectations for 3D renderings were oriented towards trying to accurately reflect architectural features rather than attempting to create photorealistic images. Thanks to exponential technological advancements in software and computing, today’s 3D rendering is not only capable of precisely representing architectural features, but of doing so with incredible lifelike digital realism.


A 3D architectural rendering, also known as a 3D render or a 3D rendering, is a three-dimensional computer-generated image which shows what an architectural project will look like once it’s built. They are generally employed to visualize a potential physical construction, renovation, design proposal, building, space or property. The goal is to create an accurate and photorealistic 3D rendered representation of the design in order to both facilitate the successful communication of all project details and save money by using the render to make corrections and improvements prior to construction.


Broadly, the best-known types of 3D rendering services include: 3D Interior Rendering, 3D Exterior Rendering, Aerial Views, Floor Plans, 3D Site Plans, Photomontage, Virtual Staging, Object Modeling, Video Animation or Walk-throughs, and VR360 renderings. There are also different “3D rendering styles” which include the most popular photorealistic style, followed by other diverse artistic rendering styles including watercolor, abstract, hand-painted, anime, cartoon and more.


Photorealistic Interior, Exterior and Aerial View renderings are most commonly used by builders, real estate companies and interior designers. For instance, an interior designer might ask a 3D rendering artist to create a lifelike digital scene depicting an impeccably appointed living room which can later be easily customized to appeal to a selection of design tastes like, Contemporary, Scandinavian, Eclectic or Shabby Chic. Likewise, an architect might use a variety of 3D renders to represent the different textures and materials that would be used to build the exterior architecture of a Spanish Colonial style home versus an Adobe Revival style home. Each rendered scene can be as meticulously detailed as the designer’s unique vision calls for. In order to mimic authentic environments with magnificent results, a skilled 3D artist manipulates innumerable variables including: real-world lighting, atmosphere, lens effect, perspective, naturalistic surfaces, vibrant material textures, color schemes, life-like landscaping and many other interior and exterior decorative elements.


Typically, 3D aerial view renderings are used by builders, developers or architects to show their project from a bird’s-eye or drone view, incorporating the surrounding landscape of the future construction. For this reason, 3D aerial view renders can be used to achieve several worthwhile objectives. They can be used to plan and understand how a future building project will affect its existing surroundings. They can also be used as a valuable marketing tool to gain investor buy-in. Furthermore, aerial view 3D site renderings can serve as a powerful visual aid communicating compliance with regulatory agencies.



3D Visualization


3D visualization is the process of creating and displaying digital content using 3D software, resulting in time and cost savings, improved collaboration, and greater productivity across industries like architecture, engineering, marketing, and manufacturing. 3D visualization explained.


3D visualization is a technical and artistic, multistep process of creating 3D designs of objects that exist (or will soon exist) in real-life. Used throughout a range of industries including manufacturing, architecture, and multimedia, 3D visualization creates the ability for graphics to be expressed with shape and depth — bringing projects to life for an engineer or artist.


These are among the most common forms of visualization:


Real-time 3D visualization: Although the newest of the methods, real-time 3D visualization is quickly on the rise. With real-time 3D software, fully interactive 3D models, environments, digital twins, and entire virtual worlds can be digitally rendered in a blink of an eye – a significant advantage over traditional content creation tools


Physical modelling: Including 3D printed models, clay models for cars, drawings, and foam board replicas, physical models are the most common type of visualization method. While preferred by traditionalists, physical models do not offer high fidelity or any interactivity, and it is expensive and time-consuming to iterate on multiple concepts or versions.


2D visualization: Faster and cheaper than physical modeling, 2D visualization works by displaying static two-dimensional images such as, digital drawings, computer-generated images (CGI), and photographs. While the second most common visualization method, 2D visualization is poor at conveying scale and proportion – designers often need to prepare multiple renderings to simulate the perspective and depth of field (DoF) necessary for creating a credible real-world feel.



Architectural Visualization


The term architectural visualisation refers to the realistic representation of an architectural work prior to its actual implementation using complex modelling methods and powerful rendering computers.


The aim is to facilitate the understanding of a project at an early stage and to establish a shared language between the architect’s skills and the client’s vision. In this way, even those who are not technical experts can easily grasp all the project choices through images and videos created with specific software and tools.


The techniques and methods of presentation involved are many and constantly evolving.

Specifically, 3D visualisation is the most recent development in architectural visualisation and refers to the creation of three-dimensional models that allow clients to explore and visualise design choices from any angle. The digital model can also be detailed and enriched with information about materials, furniture, lighting, etc. contributing to the construction of realistic and accurate images.


Today, BIM software have also developed functionalities, such as Real-Time and Virtual Reality (VRi), to browse and present the project more effectively and even to interact with objects and modify them in real time.


Architectural visualisation is useful for designers (architects, engineers, surveyors, etc.) and clients (both public and private) of an architectural project, as it enables them to have a valid support in the conception and presentation of the project by using clear, simple and efficient communication techniques. The clarity of communication also helps clients to participate more consciously in the design process.


3D Model


3D models are the miniature form of any architecture, but it is so realistic and accurate that you'll not be able to differentiate between the real one and the model. It is made from the 2D sketches, photos of the actual buildings. With the 3D model, your client can take a virtual tour of the construction project.


Basically, a 3D model is the digital representation of any part or area of the site, which sometimes includes nearby fields and terrain sites. It has everything that you’ll find in any actual building after the construction.


Here are some reasons why this 3D modelling is important in architecture:


REALISTIC: 3D models are the miniature form of any architecture, but it is so realistic and accurate that you’ll not be able to differentiate between the real one and the model. It is made from the 2D sketches, photos of the actual buildings. With the 3D model, your client can take a virtual tour of the construction project. That will help them to understand the construction process and how things will come out at the end.


“Just imagine how wonderful it would be to purchase your dream house after taking a virtual tour of it. You will be able to understand each and every minute detail about it.”


EASY RE-MODELING AND CORRECTIONS: This is one of the most important factors to opt for a 3D model. When you have a 3D model, you can easily see minute detailings and correct or modify them easily. This will really help in finalizing the structure and design, which is not possible after the real construction of the site.


BOON FOR INTERIOR DESIGNERS: In older timers, designers had difficulty in explaining the designs & structure to the client. But now, with the help of this 3D technology, they can create designs and easily show it to the people. In addition, they can modify the designs as per the liking of the client. Now, they can see everything, such as paints, ceilings, and even furniture.


BETTER FOR MARKETING AND PROJECT APPROVALS: These 3D models have vivid images that you can view at various projection angles. This thing adds a significant factor in marketing. As by this, you’re able to show your customer the exact details which will feature in the project. This will increase the project approval rate in the real estate or any business.


Walkthrough


In an architectural walkthrough, the viewer sees a space at eye level. Unlike with a regular exterior rendering or interior rendering, the camera “walks” through the space, giving the viewer the impression of being in that space. It provides details such as floor designs, lighting features, wall textures, and so on. It also shows you the general ambiance, the decor and the layout.


3D architectural walkthroughs bring an added dimension to property marketing. Unlike still CGIs, 3D architectural walkthroughs bring you on a journey around and throughout a building in the form of a video story. Using 3D animated cameras, the viewer is exposed to the full detailed design and layout of a building or space. The key to a great 3D architectural walkthrough lies in capturing the attention of the viewer through great design and photo-realistic visualisation.


3D architectural walkthroughs have transformed the way real estate agents and AEC professionals present designs and layouts to their target audience. They eliminate the need to rely on a client’s imagination, or interpretation, by allowing them to experience a virtual walkthrough of a space before it is built.


3D architectural walkthroughs combine 3D modelling, visualisation, animation, music, and storytelling which result in an emotional connection with the viewer and the development/space. With video now the number one type of content consumed online, 3D architectural walkthroughs are an integral part of marketing strategy or campaign for medium to large scale property developments.


3D architectural walkthroughs work well for:


· Commercial projects, such as restaurants, resorts and hotels

· Landscapes

· Golf courses

· Condominiums

· Residential development

CGI


Computer Generated Images (CGI), also known as 3D rendering, is the process of digitally creating the highest quality, three-dimensional images of interior or exterior spaces.


It has become a highly regarded tool and has transformed the architecture industry.


CGI allows architectural designers to accurately reflect their designs to clients so they can visualise exactly what the development would look and feel like in incredible detail. It can help show designs of existing or new structures and landscapes in 3D, to provide a new perspective and accurately present and mirror a client’s vision.


The realism and level of precision within CGI images has multiple benefits. Firstly, photorealism means most people can’t tell the image has been computer generated and is often mistaken for a photograph. Secondly, they can demonstrate shade and light as well as show the specific measurements between furniture, doors, or windows. Clients can see the precise distances that can’t be seen from a static image and continue to explore different options without investing in interior designers and photographers. Other finer details shown in these computer-generated images include colours, finishes and fabrics for a true representation of the details within the design.


Utilising CGI also enables clients and designers to make changes early on, and therefore eliminating any possible issues with the design later down the line. This encourages discussions with clients and contractors to help refine the design and construction process for an efficient, safe and profitable build.


CGI imagery immerses a client into the project and enables them to fully understand and visualise the end result. Providing them with 3D images of the design will give them a reliable reference to work with, helping to avoid disappointment and material waste.


Most importantly, CGI gives a preview of exactly how the client and architectural designer imagine the improvements to look, creating maximum satisfaction in the end result.


FACADE


One of the most important factors affecting the value of buildings is the coating techniques and facade designs used in their exteriors. The most important factor that makes a building look modern and new is the appearance of the building.


Thanks to the developing technology and production techniques, the variety of facade systems has increased in recent years. This situation is an advantage in terms of architectural facade. It is very important to choose the right material and the best workmanship to ensure that the architect facade is a long-lasting and correct choice.


The facade architecture designs the building's exterior to the finest detail and deals with the choice of materials and methods to achieve this design.


Many different materials from wood to glass can be used in facade systems. However, the most widely used facade systems in modern architecture are undoubtedly metal facade systems.


Buildings with architectural facades do not need constant maintenance for their exterior walls. Before starting the architectural facade process, the coating method, design and material to be applied to the building are drawn in a digital environment. When it is required, these drawings are presented to the approval of the customer in three dimensions by means of computer programs. Thus, customers express their opinions before the coating process begins and necessary changes and adjustments are made before the process.


Another advantage of facade systems is that they make the buildings look new and modern even after years. The outer walls of the buildings wear out over time, mainly due to adverse weather conditions. Over the years, this wear and tear that occurs outside the building also affects the interior of the building as water and air leakage. Such problems are both difficult and very expensive to fix.


Facade systems are made with many different materials. However, metal facade systems have more advantages in terms of both durability and appearance. Aluminum and stainless steel materials are generally used in metal facade systems.


Steel is a very useful material for exterior systems. Expanded stainless steel plates are mounted on frames made of aluminum or stainless steel. Stainless steels can be produced in different designs. Our design engineers draw the most suitable designs for the exterior of the building for our customers. These drawings are presented in three-dimensional computer environment.


Metal facade systems are lighter and cheaper than other facade systems. Thus, they do not cause much weight on the building. In addition, it does not increase the construction cost of the building very much.


Metal facade systems are resistant to all kinds of environmental factors. Thanks to these features, they do not need constant maintenance. While the exterior walls of a building with a plaster facade need to be painted every 2-3 years, you do not need to go to such trouble for the exterior of a building with a metal facade.


CreatoMax "Animation & Designing Studio"

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