When people envision a 3D rendering, more often than not they expect a photo-realistic result. While photo-realism is one of the more desirable types of renders, there are actually a number of styles that are used. It is after all essential that you consistently work on understanding 3D rendering and the many facets associated with it. Through this, you will be able to make the best decision concerning your business.
In this article we’ll explore the various types of architectural render styles that are used today. Certain architectural visualization styles can help to convey a specific element and even emotions that coincide with them resulting in a tailor-made project for clients.
Types of Architectural Rendering Styles
Minimalist
To expand on the idea that not all renders have to be photo-realistic, a minimalist style can actually be quite beneficial. In some cases having too much detail can result in a busy render. The details result in a distraction from the architecture and the purpose of the structure can become lost in the photo-realistic textures, materials, and lighting.
A minimalist render allows you to present the structure as it is. It allows your client, crew, or investors to focus on the details of the project that actually matter.
Palimpsest
A Palimpsest render is useful for showcasing various buildings or styles together. It’s primarily used by overlaying a new design over an existing building to help illustrate potential changes.
For instance, if you’re renovating an old building, you could create a Palimpsest render that overlays the existing building. This helps to understand how the renovations will integrate with the old structure.
Wire Frame
In a wire frame render there is quite literally no textures, materials, patterns, or solid components. The structure is represented and illustrated by lines or “wire frames.” In order to create contrast, the background is usually black and the lines are white.
A wire frame is also referred to as a blueprint. This style of render is primarily used during the planning or construction phase of a project. The wire frame helps to explain how the different parts of the structure will fit together and express how the overall design is plausible.
A wire frame blueprint is usually the first part of the rendering process. Once the design has been finalized, a more complex style like photo-realistic may be applied
Photorealistic
We’ve iterated the phrase photo-realistic a number of times. We would be remiss if we didn’t list it as a popular architectural render style.
Photo-realistic is just as it states. A render that is made to be indistinguishable from a real life photograph. Meaning the render features realistic lighting, shadows, weather effects, terrain, textures, etc.
A photo-realistic render is ideal for clients and investors. It best encapsulates their/your vision and demonstrates exactly what the building/structure could look like.
Diagrams
A diagram render is one of the simplest architectural renders. An architectural firm will use this type of render to help outline how a structure will interact with it’s environment.
It’s commonplace for a diagram render to be annotated with arrows and notes. The annotations help to provide context about the structure as well as explain it’s purpose and how it works.
As an example, let’s assume you’re designing a mall. A diagram render could help to showcase the public facilities, shops, and access points.
The goal for a diagram render is to include ample information so that any viewer or laymen could understand what the project is.
Central Spotlight
The central spotlight style helps to put emphasis on the structure and allow it to stand out from it’s environment. While the main structure is lit, the environment is muted and the surrounding elements are mired in shadows.
The attention of the viewer is immediately drawn to the structure as a result of the spotlight. This style of render is often used to portray a new skyscraper or a building of importance.
Utopian
The utopian render style is reminiscent of photography. However it omits the imperfections of reality and instead offers a more idealistic vision. This type of render is also referred to as “The David.” It often boasts textures that are too perfect like lifelike grass or precise reflections.
Designers who opt for this style tend to favor a luminous image featuring bright lighting that compliments the background. Due to how the image is lit, it helps to demonstrate how spacious an area is and as a result it’s often used for interiors. However it can also be used to render structures of luxury hotels and shopping malls.
Real World
The real world style focuses on the truth of the image. Unlike the idealistic manner of the utopian style, it allows for authenticity. Meaning it uses real world lighting and colors that don’t evoke specific emotions.
Various blemishes are used on surfaces to help compliment the shapes and lines of the render. They also focus on nature and it’s effect on the building over-time.
