Architectural Designs - Employing 3D Visualisation

With the ever increasing use of technology in just about every sector of the building industry, it makes sense to use CAD and CGI design to create 3 dimensional (or 3D) modelling in architectural design.

3D visualisation is not a newly discovered technique in the building industry: it has been utilised since the earliest construction of permanent dwellings and buildings to assist the client to have a visual image of the finished project with the use of a smaller scale. In earlier times, 3D modelling involved scaled models which were painstakingly created from materials such as plaster or wood, or even heavy card. In the contemporary sense, CAD or Computer Assisted Design and CGI or Computer Generated Images, take the hard work out of this extremely useful promotional tool, producing in a matter of hours what previously used to take many months with a high level of accuracy.

Computer generated 3D modelling transforms flat, unimaginative images into realistic designs and as such the client is more able to visualise the completed product in a virtual reality. This is in particular useful in the field of architecture 3D. No longer are clients limited to viewing technical drawings or elevation plans which only the experienced eye can interpret: with cutting edge technology, virtually any architectural concept can be manipulated in such a way that the viewer is able to "walk" around and through the design, getting a feel for the structure's advantages whilst simultaneously minimising or indeed eliminating any potential problems that would traditionally be very difficult to predict and expensive to rectify.

Most CAD 3D modelling programs are relatively straightforward to use in comparison with the traditional skills of technical and architectural drawing. The computer programming incorporates automatic scaling which allows for greater accuracy and flexibility in conjunction with a faster production of the finished product. As such, 3D modelling is an ideal tool for use by civil engineers, interior designers, landscape designers, architects, real estate developers and other professionals who require a strong visual presentation of concepts to present to their clients.

A number of professionals within the building and construction industry employ 3D modelling services to create plans and concept drawings and ultimately 3D visualisation of these concepts, derived from the ideas and dreams of clients and from their own original ideas.

Architectural 3D visualization services are employed in two distinct areas: 3D exterior modelling and 3D interior modelling.

3D exterior modelling is especially useful when designing residential, commercial and healthcare structures as well as those structures designed for the leisure industry, hospitality, community and institutional purposes. Attention to details such as the faade of a building and the purpose of outdoor areas including courtyards, carparking and landscaping are brought to life, affording the client an image of the completed project. The experimentation with colour and texture on exterior walls as well as exterior lighting can be achieved to obtain the best possible results.

3D interior modelling centres on on the finishing touches to the inside of a construction. 3D models can be created to afford the client to view the finished interior from many different angles, using light and shade, colour and form. This modelling is best for accentuating inviting and attractive interiors, especially kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, living areas, work spaces and conference spaces, including the positioning of furniture.

No matter what is the size or design of your dream building, 3D modelling is definitely an invaluable tool in the construction industry.