Back to the Basics: 3D Rendering 101
For beginners, rendering can be a difficult skill to master. 3D rendering is the process of creating a realistic or non-realistic photo of basically anything. This helps architects and owners to have a clear view of what will be the possible outcome of their blueprint.
3D computer graphics are called “3D,” because of the way they are made, using 3D computer models to represent scenes before they are rendered.
Yet, it’s an invaluable skill integrally woven within the infrastructure of countless artistic and mathematical fields including interior design, engineering, architecture, and even the entertainment industry. Understanding rendering comes down to understanding design.
In the world of three-dimensional design, rendering refers to the process of adding physical attributes and details, such as color, shading, texture, and lamination, to a grid frame (or wire frame) that in return creates realistic images on a screen.
This 3D rendering technology is suitable for various needs of Architecture, engineering and construction industry. The creation of a 3-D image rendered via precise instruction.
Delving deeper into the art of rendering unveils a realm of varying skill levels. Pre-rendering, a CPU-intensive process that pays off with more realistic images, and real-time rendering, which offers a higher level of interactivity, are two of these more intricate rendering levels; merely a peek over the rim of a cavern dispelling a world of imagery possibilities.
Rendering part is where life-like lighting, color, atmosphere, texture, shadows, and visual effects such as motion-blur or refraction of light can be added. When the goal is photo-realism, techniques such as ray tracing , path tracing , photon mapping or radiosity are employed.
Revolutionizing: The Importance of Interior Design 3D Rendering
Over the past two decades, interior design has progressed rapidly. Interior designers are not only design experts, but they have also become rendering software aficionados effectively abandoning the singular label of “decorator”.
The incredible advancements in the world of computerized design have forced designers to reach a higher standard of excellence, accuracy, and reliability, in large part due to the growth of 3-D rendering software.
One of the greatest benefits of three-dimensional rendering is time management. Originally, interior designers would hand sketch designs, a time-consuming task, and order samples to present a tangible image for the client to help visualize the outcome.
While elements of these processes are still in play today, they are less of an integral part of the client-designer decision-making process.
With samples and hand-sketched drawings, there is a high level of guesswork at play. This is where 3-D rendering truly shines.
By providing a series of realistic three-dimensional images, the client isn’t forced to rely on their own imagination. Decision-making doubt is scaled dramatically back, efficient time management is increased, and the client-designer relationship is enriched through a symbiotic understanding of the space.
While it may seem that technology diminishes the need for human interaction, when it comes to interior design 3-D rendering has provided a fresh and honest platform for designers to accomplish their best work.
The Benefits of Outsourcing
For many interior design firms, as well as individual or freelance interior designers, outsourcing 3-D rendering is a great way to effectively manage time, obtain high-quality renderings, and coordinate high workload levels.
Outsourcing is also an excellent option for design teams or individuals handling a complicated project.
With that said, it’s important to select the right company to meet your needs. Selecting a company to handle a single project or routine jobs is much like choosing any other service, yet must be bolstered with an intimate knowledge of high-quality rendering software.
A company that is supported by innovative rendering software is just as important as one that promises to meet deadlines.
Make sure to do your research. Talk to co-workers, collaborators, and colleagues about their experiences. Get a personal referral if possible.
Take time to read online customer reviews. Most importantly, ask for a face-to-face meeting with the rendering team that would be handling your projects.
In the end, choosing a great 3-D rendering company comes down to personal knowledge of rendering tools, software, and practices.
Popular 3D Rendering Software
Demand has driven an increase in 3-D rendering software production over the last decade. As human skill adapts to more elaborate and intricate software, behind the scenes development and experimentation produces ever-advanced designs.
From the well-known AutoCAD Architecture program required in most university design programs, to the lesser-known and yet incredibly innovative systems, such as Archicad, Vectorworks Architecture, and Lumion 3-D, the choices are endless.
A few popular 3-D rendering software systems have been highlighted below, providing a glimpse into an expansive world.
1) Revit by Autodesk: In order to fully understand the attributes of Revit, one must first understand Building Information Modeling (BIM). Per Ralph Bond, an AEC and infrastructure PR manager for Autodesk, “BIM is an intelligent model-based process that helps make design, engineering, project and operational information accurate, accessible and actionable for buildings and infrastructure.”
As is stated directly on their website, Revit is built for BIM. In essence, this means that the software is built with collaboration in mind to visualize larger, more complicated design projects.
2) SketchUp: On the other end of the spectrum, SketchUp is a great tool for simple projects. This doesn’t necessarily mean it’s any less innovative or effective, but allows for a simpler approach to small-scale projects or freelance work.
Per Easy Render, as “long as you know basic computer, you should be able to effectively use this software. You don’t even need to start from scratch when designing because SketchUp has a comprehensive 3-D Warehouse where you can find 3-D models of just about anything … [I]t’s regarded as the world’s biggest warehouse for free 3-D models … It’s reliable, fast and interactive … And when you’re done with your 3-D model, you can turn it into a document or a set of drawings with SketchUp Pro’s LayOut feature.”
3) Rhino3-D: Rhino3-D, developed by Rhinoceros, offers a middle ground between the advanced platform of Revit and the simplistic nature of SketchUp.
The stand out aspect of Rhino3-D, that other rendering software lack, is NURBS. NURBS stands for Non-Uniformal Rational B-Splines and they are “mathematical representations of 3-D geometry which can accurately illustrate any shape imaginable.
Anything from a straightforward 2-D line, curve, arc or a circle to the most elaborate and intricate organic free-form 3-D solids or surfaces.” Therefore, if you have the numbers than the possibilities are truly endless with Rhino3-D.
A Competitive Landscape: 3-D Rendering Services
It’s also important to bone up on the competition in the rendering arena. Rendering software comes in all shapes and sizes. Deciding on the best depends primarily on what type of projects it will be used for.
With that said, there are a few shining stars in the world of 3-D rendering software that should be included in the decision-making process.
1) V-Ray by Chaos Group: Developed by the Chaos Group, V-Ray is a standout computer generated graphics designer in the expansive world of digital rendering. Recently snagging a 2017 academy award for scientific and technical achievements, the Chaos Group brings a competitive edge to the table with their innovative matriculation.
While their software focuses on cinematic endeavors, they are not limited and offer a broad range of design services. Their goal is to help “artists and designers create photorealistic imagery and animation for design, television, and feature films.”
2) Octane Render by OTOY Inc.: Founded in 2008 by three innovative individuals, Jules Urbach, Alissa Grainger, and Malcolm Taylor, OTOY Inc. focuses their efforts on cloud graphics.
Yet another academy award winner, Octane Render offers “unprecedented creative freedom, new levels of realism, and new economics in content creation and distribution powered by the cloud.”
3) Maxwell: Maxwell offers simpler, down-to-earth 3-D rendering services that focus on architects and designers rather than cinematic projects. This is also a great option for “freelancers, project managers, visualizers, and designers” who require a higher level of rendering capabilities.
The Engineering Design is a team of professional and experienced CAD experts offering high-quality, low-cost rendering services.
As a one-stop-shop outsource service, engineers, architects, and designers are able to request projects on an as needed basis. By utilizing resources across the globe and maintaining a collaborative worldwide network, The Engineering Design regularly incorporates new and innovative practices.
No matter the size, type, or length of a project, The Engineering Design will offer top quality expertise in CAD drafting, 3-D rendering, and AEC BIM or Tekla services, while adhering to strict deadlines.
Advantages:
1) Get your 3D model in the context of the real world. With thousands of high-quality objects and stunning, realistic materials.
2) The artists at The Engineering Design listen very carefully to all your requirements and convert boring two dimensional drawings into photo realistic amazing marketing material.
3) We can create stunning animated movie rendering by adding the simulation of realistic lighting, shadows, atmosphere, color, texture, and optical effects such as the refraction of light or motion-blur seen on moving objects .
4) On time and cost effective. Our reputation has been built on our ability to deliver superior eye-catching digital media, on time, on budget, every time.