3D in Architecture - The Embodiment of Quality

How did 3D in Architecture come to life?

To learn this we have to go to the origins of architecture. And this means to return many years back when the ancient civilizations discovered the usefulness of architectural models or maquettes. 

At first, they were used as gifts or to be placed at tombs. However, the first architects found out that these models could actually help them to investigate building techniques and to improve the quality and stability of the earliest constructions.

After this discovery the generations that would follow perfected the architectural models and introduced sketches and drawings for the purpose of architecture presentation, strict planning, and execution of the architectural project. For example, the construction of the dome for the Florence Cathedral by Filippo Brunelleschi was achieved with ease and precision due to the physical model that he made.

Thanks to it, he was able to guide the craftsmen and avoid flaws. Other great examples of physical models in architecture are Gaudí’s catenary arch models, Tatlin’s Tower, Liverpool Cathedral by Edwin Lutyens and many others.

When was 3d architectural model making introduced?

Despite the reliability of the tried methods, architects needed something that would allow them to design with perfection. They needed a model that would allow the client to see and feel the design of the future building as if it is already created. Drawings and ordinary physical models could not achieve this. And let's not forget to mention the time wasted on creating them.

The solution was introduced in the digital era. The first 3D shapes in architecture were created. These models were the needed elegant and effective solution that the architects were seeking. 

Thanks to the cutting-edge 3D technology the unthinkable came to be! Full-featured presentation of unbuilt projects?

See the unfinished building from all angles and edges? Architecture planning and modeling would never be the same!

All of this happened in the ‘80s when Jim Blinn became the first person to apply texture and bumps mapping in a 3D model. Thus the first simple and plain three-dimensional models came to life. Since the introduction of Blinn's blobby models and texture mapping concepts, the usage of fractals in computer graphics allowed the architects to improve their work. 

3D animations in architecture and 3D architectural rendering were both used with the latter being the favorite choice of many architects during these years. The 80's also made 3D architecture software more readily available.

How the relationship between 3D and Architecture grew?

Early usage of 3D in architecture

The benefits that 3D architectural design software could offer helped some of the best architects and artists to make the decision to leave hand drawing in favor of digital design. One early (if not the earliest) 3D visualization in architecture was “The Peak” by Zaha Hadid. It was done with the help of computer graphics in 1983.

Developments of architectural software

The 90's introduced the world to the early versions of programs that we are still using today. This is the various Autodesk 3D modeling and rendering software. They are based on ray tracing. In 1990 was released the first version of Autodesk 3D Studio. 

Thanks to that architects could now draw spline lines and create geometric primitives. This software also allowed the creation of lofted surfaces and basic mesh editing. These are the fundamental features of the latest version of this program as well and this comes to show that the foundations of 3D architectural software were solid! 

And 50 years later what started with the first 3D architecture design has grown into a powerful industry thanks to the developments of architectural software. Now architects could easily deal with 3D architectural exterior rendering, architectural 3D floor plans, 3D architectural mapping, the creation of 3D architecture diagrams, 3D architectural illustrations, 3D Dimensional Images in real estate and so on.

AutoCAD - used to plan the creation of a building

A specific type of software came to life eventually. This is AutoCAD and it became a staple of constructional engineers and architects. During its development towards the present Autodesk (its creators) have added some powerful features that are specifically useful for building design. AutoCAD is also packed up with architecture toolkits. 

So it is no surprise that this tool was the standard solution in the past for 3D architecture building models and 3D software architecture diagrams. Even today many architects are still relying on it. 

The caveat, in this case, is that this software is still firmly aligned to older working practices. There are newer solutions that allow the transition to a Building Information Modelling application (BIM) future.

The great news is that AutoCAD files can be used with other software which provides some unique features for architects to create masterpieces. Some of the best 3D software for architecture nowadays are 3DS Max, Revit, Civil 3D, Chief Architect, and others.

How is 3D used in architecture and how it helps in the building process

Different scenarios

What does 3D architecture entail is many process optimization techniques that lead to the superb quality of the final project? Thanks to 3D architectural visualization & rendering architects can easily examine various scenarios and choose the ones that suit the best purpose. If a flaw occurs in the plan it can be changed and the design can be improved with ease.

Detailed process planning

Because of the usage of visualization 3D architecture can allow detailed process planning. Thus everyone connected in the building process can be kept aware of the important communications and any following developments on the project. 

All roles can be clearly defined through the model. Thus project engineers, suppliers, architects, and contractors will know exactly what to do and when. This allows the elimination of chaotic actions that may disrupt the project. Also, the project execution is totally improved as field interferences and reworks are minimized whilst productivity is increased.

Speed

Speed is another factor. Competition in the architectural market is high and the faster a design is created and delivered, the better. The sophisticated software and tools for 3D house architecture are offering faster design proposals with detailed control over the elements in the rendering.

Interior and exterior design improvements

3D models for architecture interior designers are greatly beneficial. They now have the ability to show clients their finished home with all the furniture, plants and even paintings placed on the walls. 

This provides clients with an attractive and extremely persuading view of how their dream home or maybe desired office space will look like after the completion of the interior designing process. Exterior designers are also taking benefits as any modern 3D model architecture exterior design can offer details and precision.

Apt measurements

Architectural 3D models for visualization can also help with the display of apt measurements. This allows the digital representation of physical objects and their relations with accurate proportions. 3D models in architecture are also self-explanatory because of the provided instructions that come along as 2D drawings, 2D sketches, and representations.

3D printing for detailed physical architectural models

A 3D printed architectural model can persuade any client that wants to see a physical but yet very detailed model. The different filaments can provide a look and feel for various materials - wood, metal, grass - you name it! 

This allows visualization to comprehend elevations, dimensions, and spatial relationships between structural elements. And not only that 3D printed architectural models are extremely detailed - they are easier and faster to make than traditional physical models from the past.

3D as a tool for selling and presenting buildings and architectural projects

In the end, all comes down to faster lead generation and client approvals. Marketing is important for any architect if he wants to profit from his work. 3D models are the perfect tool to win the client and to get the project up and running. 

A 2D image will always have limitations and an ordinary physical model cannot compete with a 3D one (printed or digital). Thanks to 3D in Architecture the offers are more compelling and they can remove client uncertainties and doubts with ease.

Modern innovations in Architecture that bring the future to the industry

The definition of 3D architecture is quality! To provide as much as possible of it, designers are utilizing the modern VR and AR technologies that allow superb visualizations mixed with reality. This will also improve the overall planning and project execution process.

And if you have thought that 3D in Architecture has already reached its full potential then think again. Thanks to the Zebra Imaging Inc. the cutting-edge holographic imagery has finally arrived! Holograms can provide an even better understanding of an architectural design without the need for additional wearables (as in the case of VR and AR). 

Now architects can attract investors and clients even easier as they can use the power of holograms to explore imaginary spaces with ease. This can be used to influence the further developments of ideas and plans.

And 3D printing will continue to improve thus allowing even more detailed and realistic physical models to be presented to all sides.

3D in Architecture is indeed an embodiment of quality!

In this post, you discovered the importance and history of 3D in Architecture. You now know what you can expect from a modern architect or interior/exterior designer. You have also found out what the future holds for this technology and how the architectural software has improved during the years.

If you have any questions or maybe need a team of dedicated professionals to help you with architectural 3D rendering and design services, then drop us a call or contact us by email.