Introduction
An architect’s role in the design process isn’t just a technical one. Their skills are required beyond detailed floor plans and dormer placements and extend into other creative areas such as marketing too.
While the details are indispensable, it is the artistic flair that captures the imagination and gives life to a design in many people’s eyes. Architectural animation plays a key role in this process.
What is architectural animation?
Designs start their lives as simple 2D representations of a client’s ideas. Everything needs to start at a basic level, and from there, an architect can begin to work their magic with the aid of 3D modeling and architectural animation software.
Once a 3D model has been created, the design now takes on a semi life-like feel. We are able to perceive depth from these details and begin to imagine the end result. To feed the imagination further, it’s necessary to maneuver the design and show people how it will feel to live or work in that setting. But models don’t move unless we tell them to. And this is where animation software lends a hand.
Designers can showcase the entire build from various angles while moving the model to assist them. But it isn’t just the model’s exterior that needs to move. Sometimes the viewer needs to get inside the design and see everything as if they were casually passing through the finished build. There are a couple of types of animations that designers can produce and each one has its own uses and set of benefits.
How is architectural animation used?
One of the most powerful uses that architectural animation offers is to evoke emotions in clients and potential clients. It has the ability to take people to the scene and let them imagine what it would be like to live there, work there or even pass through the area. Our brains need to connect with an everyday scenario to truly appreciate the design’s potential.
This is important for clients during their journey as it helps them make adjustments and other critical decisions along the way. It is also fantastic from a marketing point of view as many potential investors will rely on an emotional connection to a product to help them make their decision.
Walkthroughs
Even when clients are fully committed to a project and have a good grasp of detailed drawings and other designs, it can still be hard to get a feel for the layout. Walkthroughs take you there and let you stroll around for a while and form a connection. Now, clients can get a true feel for how their lives and the building will begin to interact with one another.
Flythroughs
Flythrough animations can give a fantastic overall sense of how different parts of a building and various spaces begin to fit together. In a short time frame, it’s possible to showcase different angles and give a great feel for dimensions and spacing. This is particularly useful for viewing the exterior of a building.
Benefits of presenting work with architectural animation
We have already discussed a few of the benefits that architectural animation will bring to the table. We’ve seen how producing lifelike animations are fantastic for helping clients through the process and attracting new investors as well. But there are other side benefits that are also worth considering.
Architectural portfolio
Gone are the days when a portfolio was simply a paper-based collection of work. Digital portfolios now contain many visual aspects to show exactly what a designer is capable of. Adding animations to a collection of work can only be a good thing.
Website influence
The first place that many people visit when looking for an architect to undertake a project is the internet. And the designer’s website is almost like an extension of their portfolio. It shows exactly what they’re capable of and starts the process of instilling the client’s faith in their ability. Obviously, websites need to display various aspects of the design process. Examples of floor plans, 3D models and rendering elements, but it is the animated parts of the page that will catch the eye.
Finding architectural animation software and software extensions
Architectural software comes in many forms. And it isn’t usually one product that offers everything a designer will need. Some packages may provide a great all-round solution with far less detailed tools available. And these may be sufficient in a part-time or more amateur environment. But professional architectural agencies need to consider the type of design program that will suit their specific needs. The solution will invariably present itself as a 3D modelling software package with various add-ons that can achieve the results they are after.
Summary
Architectural animation may not always seem like an obvious part of a project. And for some builds, it may not always be necessary. But when it comes to attracting clients and helping existing ones to appreciate the finished look and feel of a design, there’s no getting away from the power that animation brings.
