Sushmita Roy
How to make your 3D Architectural Renderings more Realistic?
3D architectural renderings have always been an important part of the design and construction process. The computer-generated renderings have allowed both architects and clients to envision a property space even before it is built.
When created properly, the renderings can provide accurate depictions of the building structure and help customers to make conscious decisions. Aside from that, it can aid architects with effective designing, presentation, and marketing of the properties.
While it is a good thing to create photorealistic 3D renderings, but going overboard and creating something unrealistic is not advisable. It will lead to distrust and dissatisfaction within your clients and customers.
So, use this article as a guide to learn how to make an architectural 3D rendering look realistic. At the same time, also try not to make it look deceptive by making common mistakes. Let’s start with the tips to increase photorealism in 3D renders.
5 Best Tips to make your Architectural 3D renders more Realistic
Closely follow the tips mentioned here to obtain photorealism in your architectural 3D renders.
Use linear workflow
The color of the output render and the one displayed on the monitor are usually different. To ensure that your render has the same color you want, you can use liner workflow. It will help in eliminating this issue.
Use depth of field
Use depth of field or blurred background effects to increase realism in your digital architectural renderings. It will help you keep the main subject distinct and enhance the composition of the renders.
Try chromatic aberration
This phenomenon occurs in real-world photography when the lens fails to capture all colors at the convergence point. As a result, it showcases red and blue outlines on the edges. To fake it in digital renders, offset the red or blue channel by one or two pixels.
Mimic real-world lighting
It is one of the best tricks used by professional 3D artists or companies offering 3D architectural rendering services. To ensure photometric lighting in the renders, you can use the IES light profiles. It contains accurate information about light shape, fall-off, and luminance.
Add curves
Be it nature or human-made, no object has razor-sharp edges. So, while adding details, make sure to add a little curve to the edges of the object. 3D rendering software often has a bevel or chamfer tool for this purpose.
Top 10 Mistakes that Make Your 3D Renderings Look Fake
Technology indeed makes our work easier. However, relying on it completely may not help every time. It is especially true when it comes to creating architectural 3D renderings.
With 3D software, you can create the perfect 3D renders. But, the real world is imperfect. So, to ensure that your renderings look as convincing as possible, you need to add a little imperfection.
However, here are some mistakes you might be making that have resulted in fake-looking renders.
Creating renderings without contextUsing lighting without accurate calculationsMaking the mirror facades or glass too flawless or transparentNot using white balance for lighting correctionsUsing wrong perspectivesNot including nature and landscape elementsAdding trees to the skyscraper’s topUsing architectural photos for inspirationReusing a scale people or sculpturesLetting the imagination run wild
How to Overcome Your Mistakes with Fake 3D Renderings?
The tips mentioned here will help you to overcome deception and create realistic 3D visualizations. Use the below points as a solution to the above mistakes.
Create context for your renderings
By adding context, you will let clients envision the final look of the building's exterior or interior design. If your renderings fail to disconnect with the audience, it will not bring the expected results. Present the context in a way that will benefit them or ease their fears.
White balance your renders
If the lighting goes wrong, the context can go wrong as well. Lighting mistakes are often made while working on an evening shot. However, make sure to maintain the white balance in the renders. In the evening shot, use a warm color for lighting instead of a bright and white one.
Use appropriate lighting
A few tools can be used to find out appropriate lighting. For example, in Revit, you will find two add-ons like Sefaira and ElumTools for the same. Learn how lights act in the real world and then implement it in your projects. Using IES emitters can help in this case.
Use accurate reflections
It is one of the difficult things to achieve in a rendering. Accurate reflections for glass or mirror surfaces are a must, or else the render may appear misleading. So, have the best tools in your arsenal to precisely reflect the materials in the 3D visualization.
Use the right perspectives
A right camera angle is very important to create powerful and convincing 3D visualizations. Therefore, ensure to pay maximum attention the camera perspectives. Learn about the different camera angles so that you can clarify your intent through the renderings.
Include nature into your 3D renders
Adding nature and landscape elements can certainly add realism to your renders. However, make sure that you don’t add too much so that it overpowers your renderings. Start with smaller elements and then a few larger ones to create the desired effect.
Placing trees in the renderings
While placing trees, make sure that you don’t add them to the top of the skyscrapers. It is practically impossible and hence, will make your renders look deceptive. To avoid this, consider if the floor slabs in the 3D building models can support the root system or not.
Get inspired by architectural photographers
The difference between architectural 3D renderers and photographers is that the former creates something which does not exist. So, carefully study the architectural photos and find out small details that can add realism to your renders.
Reusing scale people or sculptures
The scale people and sculptures you have downloaded might be suitable for almost every rendering. However, you do not have to use them in every rendering you create. Instead, you can stock up your library with multiple options and use them in moderation.
Avoid creating futuristic renderings
Creating renders that look too futuristic or like a science-fiction movie is another deception you need to avoid. Even though it looks stunning, you need to avoid it since it is unnatural. Also, avoid adding too much lighting, details, or any other effects.
A realistic architectural 3D rendering is the sole aim of every architect and designer. Even though creating the perfect 3D render is difficult, it is not impossible. If you have understood this guide, you may create a photorealistic 3D render in no time.
But, first-timers must understand that it takes a lot of practice to reach this level. If there is an important project coming up, we recommend seeking assistance from a professional 3D rendering service provider. Otherwise, you can do it yourself and try to improve your skills.
Whether you are choosing a service provider or not, the guide can still help you. So, use the tips and tricks correctly to create the best 3D architectural renderings for your project.