The real estate market is projected to be worth $119.80 trillion in 2024—but that doesn’t guarantee you a slice of the money pie. Since the industry continues to evolve with technological advancements, it may be time to explore 3D architectural visualization to get the lion’s share and have clients vie to be on your roster.

A walkthrough tour, for example, is a creative way to help potential investors envision every inch of the space—even if the structure has yet to be built.

Discover how it can help you create an immersive, enjoyable experience through virtual reality with Plus Render. Before we get down to business, let’s get a better understanding of what it is.

Architectural Flythrough and Walkthrough: What’s the Difference?

Architectural flythrough and walkthrough are both photorealistic three-dimensional computer-generated imagery (CGI) but they’re not one and the same.

The two often serve a similar purpose—that of highlighting what a design would look like once it’s constructed. However, they’re not to be used interchangeably, as each has a particular scope of focus. Allow us to provide clarity, backed by examples, so you know which one will be best for your biz.

What Is an Architectural Walkthrough?

A walkthrough in architecture is a riveting 3D visualization technique used to present the interior or exterior of a property or project with a moving virtual video. 

As the name suggests, clients “walk” through the property to interact with the layout, furnishings, and elevation, zoom in or out to get a closer look at the features, and move through rooms—all of which are rendered with great attention to detail. It allows them to see the design’s potential and value just as they would in real life. 

What Is an Architectural Flythrough?

This type of CGI offers a more comprehensive view of the property, starting with an aerial view that captures areas that would otherwise be difficult to see. It offers an unmatched level of data and detail from a variety of distances, heights, and angles, placing the structure within context to demonstrate the general vibe of its surroundings. 

As such, it is a wonderful way to show off a large project, whether commercial or residential. The only catch is that given the extent of information to be covered, it could require a massive amount of computer power, which is reflected in its cost. 

What Is the 3D Walkthrough Process?

Here’s how you can commission a magnificent walkthrough that converts—with help from Plus Render’s expert multi-disciplinary team. 

1. Conceptualize the Design 

What’s the purpose of your architectural design?

• Are you aiming to get funding for the construction?
• Are you working to renovate and upgrade a client’s home?
• Which features are you looking to highlight?

Having a clearly defined purpose goes a long way in design conceptualization. It helps you become familiar with the clients’ requirements and preferences, so you can showcase particular features that answer their queries and address their concerns. 

2. Draw Sketches for Path Setting

This is, perhaps, the most important step in creating a winning walkthrough. 

Sketches of the required views are created, linking the sequences of space wherein the user will travel in the video clip. Our team of experts will use these 2D assets to precisely and accurately define the waypoints a user can click through at specific intervals to explore the property in all its glory. 

3. Focus on Camera Settings 

As we help you tell the story through video, Plus Render focuses on the settings to create an immersive, interactive experience. Ideally, we to keep it on manual or aperture priority exposure mode to get full control over the shutter speeds by using a low ISO and narrow aperture.  We also configure the time parameter for each frame, so the client can easily walk through at their own pace without feeling rushed.

Additionally, we pay close attention to vertical movements, such as stairs. Rendering these images can be tricky to master and can feel claustrophobic when not done right. So, be sure to provide accurate dimensions for a high-quality rendering that doesn’t put off investors.

4. Add Textures and Lighting 

Allow clients to visually experience a world that’s yet to be created with materials from our vast library of elements. The 3D artist can then go in with lighting (using a combination of natural and artificial sources) to add depth and realism to the textures, making the scene more realistic while evoking the desired emotions.

5. Think About Storyselling 

Humans are emotional creatures who are motivated by reasons and emotions. 

A walkthrough allows you to tap into that instinct by weaving a story around the space. For example, if you’re marketing a family home, our professionals will look beyond form and function. They’ll also cover use-case-appropriate features like open spaces and outdoor essentials to convey family bonding opportunities. 

You could also request to highlight certain neighborhood amenities like schools, a nearby park, and so on. 

5. Pick the Right Setting 

For a walkthrough to be realistic, you need to show it in different seasons and settings. Options and time-lapse techniques help, but you can zero in on one particular presentation where it looks most flattering. For example, houses with east- and west-facing walls and windows receive ample sunlight in the morning, which can be a pretty cool feature to focus on if the property is located in a cold region. 

6. Add Contextual Elements 

If you want your clients to feel as if they’re physically walking through the space, you’ll have to make it look believable. Post-production, you can request your rendering artist to add contextual elements like trees, shrubs, people, vehicles, and pets, special effects to set the vibe of the space, and even incorporate music!

Basically, you can have small touches added to help you create a compelling video that your audience will love. 

7 Benefits of Using Walkthroughs To Sell Properties

Now that you’re familiar with the power of 3D walkthroughs and flythroughs in real estate, you have a fair idea of what’s best for your project. Now, allow us to explain what you stand to gain by choosing walkthroughs and how they can help you sell properties faster than your competitors. 

1. It Is a Cost-Effective Approach 

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a video is worth a million—and this couldn’t be any truer for 3D walkthroughs.  Since they dive deep into the details, they allow architects, engineers, and designers to detect and rectify faulty plans or design issues before they sneak into construction.

So, it can help you save time and money that would otherwise go towards do-overs.

2. It Gives You a Competitive Edge 

Real estate is a highly competitive market—and a dynamic one at that. 

If you want to stay ahead of the game while navigating the treacherous waters of ever-changing trends, use walkthroughs. The immersive visualization highlights your commitment to innovation and gives clients confidence in your expertise.

3. It Ensures Seamless Collaboration 

Multiple professionals and stakeholders from different disciplines are involved in the creation of an architectural project. Instead of explaining the expectations of your architectural marvel to each segment individually, let a 3D walkthrough do the talking for you. It’s a genius way to get input on the design decisions of all parties involved while keeping them in the loop as it progresses to construction. 

4. It Has Amazing Marketing Potential 

An architectural walkthrough acts as an interactive and engaging material that demonstrates the potential of your ideas with mind-blowing designs. This 3D powerhouse is easy to share with a simple link, allowing you to meet your audience on the platforms they frequent while broadening your prospective buyer/investor pool. 

As such, it could help you stand out among other architects and land big public and private contracts. With the level of detail it covers, it can also go a long way in helping you secure construction funding and make changes pre-construction. 

5. It Offers Customization Possibilities 

Customers of today want a great deal of personalization that may go beyond the basics. 

Lucky for you, 3D architectural walkthroughs come with easy customization opportunities, allowing you to tweak the design to meet the various needs of individual users. It enables the client to sign the deal with confidence, knowing that you understand what their project requirements are. Moreover, if they don’t like a feature or two, they can easily request changes and see how it looks in real time. 

6. It Creates a Captivating Visual Experience

Humans are visual creatures who remember 80% of what they see. So, you can make bank by tapping into the picture superiority effect. It dictates that our brains tend to dually encode images, making them much easier to remember than words alone.

And that’s where a walkthrough comes in clutch. 

It takes the viewer on a visual journey of the property with hyperrealistic renderings, allowing them to explore it as if they’re physically present. By helping them get a deeper understanding of what the product will look like once it’s built, it leaves a strong impression and enhances their satisfaction while building trust and confidence.

7. It Helps Communicate the Scope of the Project

Even if a 2D sketch goes into great detail about the measurements and scale of a project, it’s still inadequate when it comes to communicating the scope of the project. 

Considering that architects have their own technical language—which can be a tad too complex for laymen—a 3D architectural walkthrough is a great way to illustrate the design’s functionality and appeal. This could lead to a better understanding of the project’s value, leading to more informed decisions.

Get Top-Tier 3D Architectural Walkthrough Services From Plus Render 

“A great building must begin with the immeasurable, must go through measurable means when it is being designed, and in the end must be unmeasured.” — Louis Kahn, American architect

If you want to create an accurate presentation that offers a beyond-reality experience, a 3D architectural walkthrough from Plus Render is all you need to sell your designs. Contact us today and learn more about how we can help.