Architectural Visualization is a system of graphically representing spaces in multidimensions. It helps Architects and Clients survey the design of an object or a space in its comprehensive form beforehand. It’s a great tool to make communication ends meet because of its easy viewing process. 

In other words, it’s a digital model of representation and producing complex models, images, videos etc. A broad range of software is employed to create these models and drawings and are available with an absolute toolset. 

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Evolution of Architectural Visualisation  | Architectural Visualization

The field of Architectural Rendering and visualising has grown tenfolds over the years. Technological refuses to take a breather, and therefore the end-users also need to keep updating and acclimatise to new tech. What started with just a charcoal pencil and a piece of paper has now grown into a real-time modelling system. 

Architectural Visualisation Phases 

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Freehand Sketching 

The first and foremost form of jotting down and representing concepts and ideas stems from sketching. Before the dawn of computers, paper and pencils were an architect’s comrade. Freehand was and still is the fleetest and most honest expression of a design idea. The only deviation being- architects who once used to carry a notebook now prefer a MacBook. 

2D Drafting 

The leap that architects saw in the 1960s was the introduction of Computer-Aided Design. This prologue outmoded drafting boards once and for all. The growth in CAD has been colossal since then. Therefore, 2D drawing is widely accepted and utilised in several industries. 

3D Modelling 

Architects probably felt the itch for something a little more visual and pragmatic. And that’s when 3D software happened. With the introduction of 3D design, the architect and client’s relationship became more reliable and solid. Architects were empowered to represent their ideas more precisely, and the clients did not have to imagine anymore. 3D modelling is in its highest demand in today’s time and keeps developing. 

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Photorealistic 3D Rendering 

After the wire mesh models, the idea of rendering and presenting the ultimate look of space emerged. With this evolution, the clients are given a comprehensive view of their project. There’s no room for vision left because it’s all presented in front of you. The designer can recreate every lighting, material, fixture, furniture, colour, texture accurately how it’s supposed to look in real life with the use of various rendering software. 

And apart from that, one can take a full tour of their space digitally with the use of Animation and Walkthroughs. 

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Architectural Visualisation as a Career

Today’s Architecture is all about rendering and visualising and presents complete collections of designs before the client. Computer life has become the way of life for all architects and designers in general. The world is in dire need of architectural renderers because of time constraints. 

In this fast-paced world, where prompt results are imperative, architectural visualisation has received a massive breakthrough. And that’s because architectural visualisation is very responsive and swift in producing ideas in the form of a model within minutes.

 So if you are looking for a full-time career in this field, have no doubts. There are opportunities out there waiting to welcome you. 

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Qualifications for a Career in Architectural Visualization | Architectural Visualization

Anyone with a genuine interest in architecture and 3D modelling/rendering can opt for Architectural Visualisation. The following qualifications help propel a career in Architectural Visualization:

  1. Bachelors of Architecture – 5 years 
  2. Interior Design 
  3. B.Sc. in Gaming
  4. BSc Animation and Gaming
  5. B.Sc. in Graphics
  6. Bachelors in Media Animation & Design 

These qualifications are not the only way to be an architectural visualiser, but it makes the journey easier and interesting. 

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Skills required to become an Architectural Visualization

This career is exciting for tech-savvies, but it also requires tremendous patience and the willingness to learn and update. Here are a few things to keep in mind before diving into Architectural Visualization:as a full-time career.  

  1. Recognise your area of interest 
  2. The ability to multitask
  3. Keen attention to detail. The devil is in the details!
  4. Practice, practice and practice to build swiftness and precision.
  5. Be up to date with the latest technology and learn them once you are well-versed with the older versions. 
  6. Develop effective communication styles.
  7. Originate your graphic and presentation style. 
  8. Knowledge about light and shadow. 
  9. Patience is vital. 
  10. Analytical and creative thinking

These simple yet effective skills will help you kickstart a career in Architectural Visualization:and prosper. Put in the time and effort that the field demands, and it will pay back. 

Top Countries to pursue Architecture Visualisation as a Full-time Career:

An architect’s salary is ordinarily known to be light on the pocket, and that’s the loudest complaint that most architects have. But it’s not the same if you’re solely an Architecture Visualiser. Here are 3 countries that fill your sacks amply:

  1. Zurich, Switzerland- It’s unheard of or rather rare for Switzerland’s name to show up in architecture, but it’s true. Switzerland comes bearing a king-sized cheque for Architectural Visualisers. A lot of architectural firms and others require well-versed visualisers. So if you’re looking to experiment and at the same time live an affluent life, Switzerland could be your pick. 
  2. Toronto, Canada Toronto’s architectural growth has been exponential. It is known as one of the biggest hubs of architects and architectural practice. Newbies are taken in with open arms and are well paid. As the number of architectural firms keeps growing, so does the need for visualisers. Therefore, it’s a great place to consider. 
  3. India As unexpected as it may sound, there are a lot of architects and people in general who are willing to pay a tidy sum to architectural visualisers. Architects want to present their work and ideas in the best graphical way possible and are compliant to give aspiring and skilled visualisers an opportunity. Therefore, newbies, you can stay put. You don’t have to travel the world to prosper in the field, as long as you are prepared to learn and put in the right work, you are good to go. 
onlinecourse_©robmarvin
onlinecourse_©robmarvin

Online courses to learn Architectural Visualization:at home 

These courses are easily accessible and don’t hurt your pockets. 

  1. Udemy- 3D Photorealistic Architectural Visualization by Kalim Blagov.
  2. LinkedIn Learning-Improve Your Architectural Visualisation Skills with Unreal.
  3. www.archvizinstitute.com. has a few courses that one benefit from.

These are some of the well-recognised courses online. You can learn, improve and develop architectural visualising from your screens. 

Architectural Visualisation is an upcoming field and has a prolific future. If you are looking for a career in this field, have no doubts. With the right skillset and interest, you will only flourish. Take the plunge if you haven’t already. 

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render_©easyrender

Citation 

Business West. (2020). What is Architectural Visualisation? [online] Available at: https://www.businesswest.co.uk/blog/what-architectural-visualisation.

www.easyrender.com. (n.d.). Architectural Rendering as a Career Choice – Things Newbies Should Know About. [online] Available at: https://www.easyrender.com/a/architectural-rendering-as-a-career-choice-things-newbies-should-know-about [Accessed 12 Sep. 2021].

  • Vanguard Studio. (n.d.). The Evolution of Architectural Visualization | Vanguard Studio | Architect Austin, Texas. [online] Available at: https://www.vanguardstudio.com/blog/the-evolution-of-architectural-visualization [Accessed 12 Sep. 2021].‌
  • Leverage Edu. (2021). Game Designing Courses After 12th. [online] Available at: https://leverageedu.com/blog/game-designing-courses-after-12th/ [Accessed 12 Sep. 2021]
  • www.easyrender.com. (n.d.). 6 Skillsets That a 3D Visualizer Should Have. [online] Available at: https://www.easyrender.com/a/6-skillsets-that-a-3d-visualizer-should-have [Accessed 12 Sep. 2021]
  • www.archvizinstitute.com.au. (n.d.). Courses (Grid View). [online] Available at: https://www.archvizinstitute.com.au/our-courses/courses-grid-view [Accessed 12 Sep. 2021].
Author

She is an architect, trying her hands at architectural writing currently. She’s charmed by the 3C’s of architecture- conscious, contextual, cultural. Her heart does not lie in a high profile job or an elaborate resumè. She yearns to enrich the architectural world with honest, humble, and free-spirited writing.