CGI stands for Computed-generated imagery, these visuals can be still or animated, they are most commonly known for their use in filmmaking where Computer-generated imagery is blended with live-action footage to produce fantastical yet realistic images that allow viewers to immerse themselves fully in fictional realms, such as fantastical worlds, dystopian realities, and science fiction. The current level of detail and complexity that is available nowadays is outstanding and it is accelerating rapidly. An excellent example of the potential of this technology is the production of the TV show ‘The Last of Us’. In the images produced by DNEG, the intricate work required to elaborate this project can be appreciated. Entire models of Architectural CGI are generated for the production of this post-apocalyptic TV show.
The firm Rode Fx Visual Effects is a pioneer in CGI, demonstrating the extent to which the technology has advanced. In its collaboration with the hit HBO TV show ‘House of the Dragon’ an entire city is modelled for the sole purpose of generating scenes with flying dragons. The firm successfully creates an outstanding visual that appears perfectly realistic. The ability to bring to life not only fantastical creatures but entire cities is an incredible achievement. With this technology architectural projects have no limits in terms of visualisation, if anything can be created, all ideas can be visualised. The limitless production of Architectural CGI allows us to imagine without restrictions which has always been the fundamental ingredient of the greatest designs.
House of the Dragon Season 2 Breakdown by Rodeo FX
High-quality computer-generated imagery is currently in use as a means of architectural visualisation by studios. Rendering is used to generate images and videos that aspire to look like the final product. This helps the client or potential buyer better understand the architecture and especially the project’s potential use. Like other art forms the success of rendering lies in the details, renders are never decontextualized. In Architectural GGI vegetation and people making use of the spaces are essential to help visualise the purpose of the projects.
Has Computer-generated imagery gone overboard?
The visuals that are generated in architecture studios are incredibly realistic, however, they have surpassed the realm of realism and crossed into the imaginary, renders showcase ideal spaces, always representing desirable scenarios, peaceful imagery, and vegetation at its peak, causing the final product to appear as a downgrade compared to what was promised. The perfect example of this is the renovation project of Plaza España in Madrid. The comparison between the Architectural CPI used to win the contest and the real-life photographs resulted in public shame and social media discourse. The images speak for themselves.
It must be considered to what extent are the use of ideal lighting and fully grown vegetation the cause of this contrast, will the square appear similar to the Architectural CGI once the vegetation is fully grown on a sunny day? Surely it will be an improvement, but it is clear that it certainly won’t be exactly as intended on the imagery. Most significantly even if in the long term the project appears similar to the visuals used to sell the proposal in the first place the initial response was so negative it has become an exemplification of failure. Now when other urban interventions are taking place in the city, citizens are likely to ‘hope they won’t mess it up like they did with Plaza España’. This kind of collective repulsion is hard to shake off, it will take years to clear from the collective memory, probably the same amount of time it will take for the trees in Plaza España to grow to their full size.
One particular image of the square circulated on the internet with a huge graffiti on the floor that reads ‘Emocido Engañao’ this although poorly spelled translates to ‘We’ve been fooled’. Ironically this is an edited image, the graffiti was never there, it has been photoshopped from another image where a building was vandalised with that phrase, and yet that specific image will remain in the consciousness of Madrid’s citizens, just like the Architectural CGI used to win the contest for the project promising them ideal public spaces will remain in their memories as an unfulfilled promise. The moral of the story is that architects shouldn’t be creating imagery that is so visually compelling it predestines the final project to disappoint due to unrealistic expectations.
The Future of Architectural CGI
BIM has improved coordination in the design process, Revit has improved the quality of renders, and AI is knocking on the door of architecture studios with an unprecedented opportunity to re-configure the entire design process. Architects have always adapted to change, but to what extent are these changes improving the final product? BIM has reduced miscommunication effectively shortening the design process, but if the model relies on standardisation does it not potentially limit the architecture? Are architects using BIM falling into easy shortcuts or do they prioritise the final product? The widespread use of Revit and its continued expansion and other forms of Architectural CGI is pushing studios into the production of realistic imagery to better sell their products, but is this shifting focus towards high-quality renders distracting architects from focusing on the design itself?
What is going to happen to all the architects specialising in rendering images when AI finally make its debut? It is undoubtedly that AI will have consequences in this industry, evidently the ability to speed up the process of things should be considered beneficial when this allows the designer to spend more time in the design process. Future architects could be investing more time on how to elevate projects, and less time adjusting the lighting in a render. It is the task of architects to unlearn to prioritise the final Architectural CGI to win competitions and instead focus on producing the best possible architecture.
Rodeo Fx. (2024). House of the Dragon Season 2 Breakdown by Rodeo FX. [YouTube video]. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7NkoWdMjyE&t=3s [Accessed 10 October 2024].
DNEG. (2023) The Last of Us | VFX Breakdown | DNEG.[YouTube video]. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4CACAYm28s [Accessed 10 October 2024].
Casado, D. (2021). Las recreaciones del proyecto ganador de Plaza España en Madrid y su resultado final. elDiario.es. Available at: https://www.eldiario.es/madrid/somos/noticias/recreaciones-proyecto-ganador-plaza-espana-madrid-resultado-final_1_8514708.html [Accessed: 12 October 2024].
Téllez de Meneses, B. (2021). Críticas y memes por cómo ha quedado la nueva Plaza de España de Madrid tras las obras. vozpopuli. Available from: https://www.vozpopuli.com/memesis/criticas-plaza-espana-madrid.html . [Accessed: 12 October 2024].
