We live in a society that puts a premium on authenticity and this extends to the presentation of architectural designs. There is a growing demand from potential investors, brokers, and clients for realistic depictions of real estate projects. Architects and interior designers understand this need and are responding with visualization tools and techniques that bring their vision to life virtually.
In this article, we will explore how exterior visualization plays a key role in marketing architectural structures in today’s highly digital and authenticity-driven world. We will also get a more intimate look at Plus Render’s exterior visualization tools. These have been helping stakeholders perform analyses and make decisions about real estate projects worldwide.
What Is Exterior Visualization?
In architectural design, exterior visualization refers to the creation of visual representations of a structure’s exterior and how it looks in relation to its environment. This process is done by visualization experts like Plus Render’s Building Information Modeling (BIM) specialists who use our in-house 3D modeling software.
It is a valuable tool in showcasing the beauty of not just the building but its location. Whether it’s a modern cliff-side villa with an unobstructed view of the ocean or a retirement complex in the heart of a city, detailed visualization enables better collaboration among different teams, quick iterations, and a smoother and more streamlined decision-making process.
Showing how the crimson sky’s light filters through the glass walls of the villa, or a retirement complex’s proximity to open parks and transportation can help attract buyers and investors.
Engineers, designers, investors, brokers, and clients can better grasp the high-level and up-close views of the project remotely through these valuable tools.
Exterior Visualization vs Exterior Rendering
These two concepts are often used interchangeably but there are subtle context-based distinctions between them in architectural use.
Exterior visualization is a broad term that involves a 3D representation of a structure’s design, materials, scale, spatial arrangement, and other elements that affect its relation to its environment.
In our villa and retirement complex examples, exterior visualization showcases how big the structure is relative to the other surrounding structures, both natural and man-made. These may include other buildings, open spaces, bridges, trees, mountains, landmarks, the structure’s exterior walls, windows, fences, patios, etc, and how they look at different times of the day, or during different seasons, and from different angles.
Exterior rendering, on the other hand, is the creation of 2D images or video animation based on an exterior visualization’s 3D model. These photo or motion media are hyperrealistic, showing details of the structure and its surroundings like textures, light, reflection, shadows, decor, people, and other lifelike elements.
Mediums Used in Exterior Visualization
Plus Render uses the following models when creating stunning exterior visualizations:
3D Models
A 3D model is a physical or digital illustration of a building designed and viewed in three dimensions. It showcases the real-life look, function, and flow of the structure.
Unlike 2D models, 3D models provide more lifelike details of the structure like dimensions, textures, and finishes of the materials, spatial relationships, simulation of environmental factors, furniture placement, etc.
3D models are created by gathering data like dimensions and photos. Using specialized software, the data is structured in three dimensions with extreme precision, with details that are added and refined until they are approved for presentation and development.
Our team at Plus Render creates high-quality 3D models that can be used to generate image renders and animation for immersive presentations anywhere in the world.
Photorealistic Images
As mentioned, photorealistic images can be generated from 3D models. These lifelike image renders provide highly detailed depictions of a structure’s exterior. With hyperrealistic photos, viewers can visualize the exterior space of the structure as if they are physically outside the building staring at it from that vantage point.
Plus Render creates not just detailed exteriors but different ambiance based on times of the day, seasons, camera angles, lighting, vegetation, furnishings, and other integrations. This results in an accurate, faithful, and cost-effective way to highlight and describe the building’s best exterior features.
Virtual Reality Tours or Walkthroughs
Our team of 3D experts generates high-tech virtual tours through our software PlusXR. We create immersive external walkthroughs with drone shots and 360 photo implementation. These provide key information about the structure, its dimensions, and location, including points of interest, walking and driving distances, and access points.
You can opt for a fully guided tour or give your viewers more control as they explore virtual environments at their own pace. Our virtual tours are also equipped with accurate multilingual subtitles for global audiences. In addition, they allow viewers to move around freely as if exploring spaces in real life.
Our roster of clients, which includes global brands, uses our exceptionally created virtual tours to reach potential clients and investors anywhere in the world.
Powerful Marketing Tools
3D models, photorealistic images, and virtual tours are must-haves in today’s real estate and investment marketing landscapes. Whether you’re a developer, architect, engineer, broker, or marketing agency, investing in these marketing tools helps drive sales and promote your brand.
Our visualization materials are easy to embed on websites and can be conveniently shared on social media through links.
What To Look for in a 3D Visualization Service
Not all 3D visualizations are created equal. So make sure to pick the right service provider when bringing your vision to life.
Here’s what to look for:
Talented Team
It takes expertise and an eye for detail to capture and put together materials that present a project in its most realistic and attractive form.
Check for career credentials and portfolio, years in business, creative achievements, software mastery, number of projects, etc. Search the internet for reviews on how they generate and execute their creative ideas.
Quality You Can Trust
Check out their actual work by using their virtual tours, viewing their renders, etc, and how they use cutting-edge 3D models, motion graphics, drones, and highly realistic imagery. A solid roster of globally known brands is also a sign of integrity and excellence when it comes to workmanship and client service.
Engaging Tools
As you observe their visualization products online, check for interactive features like control options, multilingual subtitling, etc. to gauge the tool’s ability to engage, enthuse, and influence the viewer. Their website is also a good way to assess their capability in creating engaging and immersive content and features.
Smart Process
Choose a team that will provide you with a dedicated project manager who will ensure seamless execution. That person will be your single point of contact, enabling smooth, timely, and clear communication as the project progresses.
Agile and Responsive
The team should be agile enough to promptly accommodate feedback, discussions, and iterations before proceeding to the next phase. They should also be ready to respond to short-notice changes, meet tight deadlines, and begin next-day work to get the project started right away and minimize delays.
Delivering the X Factor in Your Presentations
You can count on our team to create stunning models and renders that showcase your real estate development in the best light. Aside from exceptionally detailed and realistic renders, we offer highly productive, collaborative, and responsive business relationships that ensure only the best results for our clients.Let’s talk more about the best visualization tools for your project. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation proposal.
