Comments on: Best architectural visualization workflow?

By: Phil Sullivan

Phil Sullivan — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:05:34 +0000

Normally, in the architectural practices in which I have worked, there are two main scources of CAD information that I would recieve.

Here in the UK a lot of architects work in Sketchup which outputs 3ds files for import into Blender or 3d Max.

I have found this the most useful way to get good clean meshes having tried other formats into Blender with mixed results.

Sometimes I will work with an architect who will design as we go with Sketchup in the morning and want to send out some sample images by 5.00pm to the client. Speed is the essence…..

Blender is very good and quick for these type of images especially with images being 50/50 Blender and Photoshop workflow.

Generally most Architectural practices I have worked with will not use 3dMax and Vray due mainly to a lack of skilled operators and cost considerations. 3D visualisation does not come within the RIBA fee structure so getting the client to spend hundreds to thousands of pounds in this area is difficult but not unknown.

It is important that visuals are produced when there is a design freeze stage, re-jigging a model mid deadline is not for the faint hearted especially if the client expects images.

I would be happy to share images done using the above workflow in Blender/Sketchup btu bear in mind these sort of images are for real world clients and not precious images produced for self/peer gratification.

By: Brandon

Brandon — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:28:31 +0000

I pretty much have gone to just asking for pdf’s from the cad files that I can turn into jpegs and scale them in as background images to build the 3D up from. It has just taken too much time for importing and correcting.

By: Johannes

Johannes — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:50:57 +0000

This is very useful information.
Thank you!
I really enyoing your blog.

Thanks
Johannes

By: Alain

Alain — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:58:26 +0000

In the firm I work we do about the same workflow.
Sometimes 3DS-Files from customers are pretty usable if the project isn’t to complex and if they don’t modify things on the geometry later on. But normaly we build everything new with the 3D software.
CAD files in most of the cases are pretty easy to handle if you use the newest version of AutoCAD.

Do you use Remote Control to discuss camerasettings or composite elements with your customer live on screen ?

Kind Regards
Alain