Finalization of architectural designs is a tough task since developing approvable designs that gives a green signal from all the disciplines of building construction project is critical. Architects, interior designers and interior decorators find it excruciating to explain their design intent, despite using 3D modeling. Perception of building element orientation is very subjective even when there are 3D models ready for references.  

However, an in-depth and influential analysis drives researchers to insights that clearly point out the necessity of having rendering tools along with BIM for better 3D design visualization and coordination. These 3D visualization tools and rendering software such as 3ds Max or Photoshop join the foray of delivering engaging designs, its context and making spatial and temporal attributes clear. 

Photorealistic models developed using 3D modeling tools will add to the value of 3D models by adding  visualization capabilities. By assigning physical attributes and characteristics of designs and nature such as shadows, their movements, lighting, shades, illumination changes as per weather and many more  contributes to the enhancement of architectural designs.  

Different color schemes and weather effects

Once designs are prepared by architects, they essentially need enhancement of design features, and other hard and soft objects used. Different color schemes and variation of property shadows, lighting and other things in the designed model will also vary. Inculcating such attributes drives better 3D visualization capabilities of the renderings and delivers precise design understanding.  

Changing seasons also have varying sunlight which causes the illumination to give a different feeling. Architects and interior decorators work closely in depicting such details in their renderings to ensure that the changes are reflected well in designs and all involved in the construction project can ask for design amendments early, if in case

                                            Interior during summers

                                           Interior during winters

Shadows: Need of wall or window shading

At sunny places like Jacksonville, one of the most popular towns for sun soaking; as the Sun rises and sets, the light rays entering the facility will also change. It will also change the shadows of the objects cast as the position of the sun changes. Furthermore, the period of illumination, external shadows, heat received etc. will also change with the changing weather.

When such phenomena are included in the building design and rendering, along with animation, it essentially brings insights to decide whether there will be any need of shades over the windows or doors. A visualization of the kind, developed in Lightroom, helps architectural consultants and architects understand the pattern of the Sun and shadows of the respective objects cast at any time of the year. Based on this knowledge, the need of shades can be justified for better living conditions; and yet not feel divorced from the natural light.

Another aspect that such design visualizations encompass is the need of atrium or cladding. On days with clear skies or cloudy times, will the cladding be uncomfortable to occupants because of the disparate rays entering the building envelope? Will the glare be obnoxious for the occupants? Such are the answers derived based on the design visualization which will play an important part in setting up the places of windows for the best possible visual comfort in natural light.

HVAC Performance evaluation for better architecture and reduced costs

When glare and illumination are considered for the building architectural designs, MEP and HVAC layouts of the building get affected and vice versa. With building envelope performance analysis, impact load and working of compressors and coolers can be reduced by making the maximum available use of natural light.

Taking in account conduction of heat through walls, direct sunlight received, the natural light available through strategic placement of windows, natural ventilation and many more such factors; architectural designs can be developed with an objective to reduce operational the loads on critical HVAC components. 

Seals provided at the doors and windows, during winters, prevent the outside air from entering and leakage of inside air. Keeping these aspects at the center of design dashboards, while making better architectural and profitable design decisions, will empower architects to land at the best possible outcomes inevitably. Without such design visualization tools, design support experts and comparison through animated patterns; insights would remain discerned and architectural design outcomes wouldn’t be half as much profitable as they are now.