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Computer-Rendered Architecture Dares to Dream
Even the most fantastic architecture can seem real with computer-aided design
Houzz Contributor. I am an architect and writer living in New York City. I have Bachelor of Architecture and Master in Urban Planning degrees, and over ten years experience in architectural practice, split between Chicago and NYC. Currently I'm focused on writing and online pursuits. My daily blog can be found at http://archidose.blogspot.com
Houzz Contributor. I am an architect and writer living in New York City.... More »
As a presentation tool, the computer rendering has effectively displaced the hand-drawn one for architects. This goes hand in hand with an increased reliance on computer technology, meaning that an architect's design that is drafted or modeled in CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software is often used to produce a rendering. What computer renderings achieve beyond hand-drawn renderings is a realism that is constantly being improved upon, often with astonishing effects. In this regard, many clients ask that renderings accurately depict the final building, as constructed, to better understand a design and gauge its success.
Yet another use for renderings is as a tool for exploring fantastical ideas, either for a client or as hypothetical proposals. This photo-realism creates an alternative reality that is removed from the norm. These examples below work along those lines, convincing us through renderings that anything is possible.
Yet another use for renderings is as a tool for exploring fantastical ideas, either for a client or as hypothetical proposals. This photo-realism creates an alternative reality that is removed from the norm. These examples below work along those lines, convincing us through renderings that anything is possible.
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by Axis Mundi
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| Axis Mundi's Ark House is a design for the open plains of Big Sky Country in Montana. The animals found in this and the following rendering may give the impression that the wood and steel structure is a modern-day Noah's ark, but inside the wood base is a three-story house. Here we see the entrance pavilion, which leads to a large observation deck; below it is a bridge that provides access to the house at the far end. |
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by Axis Mundi
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| In this rendering, we are looking at the house, which is punctuated by a random scattering of small windows. The large cantilever of the observation deck is also apparent, giving views of the enormous expanse. Even though the exaggerated form may be alien to most, the realistic rendering of the wood and landscape are respectively tactile, and root the design in its place. |
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by Axis Mundi
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| Also by Axis Mundi is this Pool Pavilion in Costa Rica. Mild when compared to the Ark House, this view hints at what makes the design special: The horizontal walls and roof point toward the sea beyond. |
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by Axis Mundi
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| Inside the pavilion, that view is rendered to merge the pool and the distant waters, both framed between the concrete side walls. It is a strong image that would convince even those skeptical of modern design. |
| From die-hard modernism to postmodernism: The Devoo Farms Residence, envisioned by Sandvold Blanda Architecture + Interiors, adopts the "decorated shed" idea defined by Robert Venturi and his associates 40 years ago. The concept was that a building with integral signage was seen as an appropriate means of communicating via architecture, as opposed to "ducks," where form attempts to convey meaning. |
| What looks like a billboard from a distance is actually one long side of a house. The entrance and a small seating area sit behind the freestanding "DE." Behind the large letters is a thickened wall that holds the house's services, such as the kitchen. |
| A view from the other side of the house reveals a much different back: an open and very modern facade. Full-height glazing below an upturned roof overlooks a terrace and what one presumes is the rest of Devoo Farms. |
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| This residential retrofit of a midcentury-modern house by Reveal Studio also has two unique sides to it. At right is a fairly straightforward bit of modern design with a terrace under a butterfly roof. But the trellis at left looks a little out of place, as does something above it. |
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| From the front, that odd volume is revealed: It's what the designers call a "cloud," inspired by the curves and shapes of test cars (the client works with high-end autos). These renderings are more painterly than photo-realistic, but the cloud and the rest of the house receive equal treatment, making them work together. |
| Renderings, and a photomontage in particular, are particularly good at showing the integration of landscapes into designs. The lush lawn may be a stretch for this green roof by Sandvold Blanda, but it is nevertheless a good argument for taking advantage of flat roofs in cities. Here the design uses green roofs for both insulating and recreational qualities. |
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by Stemmler Design
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| In this modern residential rendering by Stemmler Design, the bermed garage is what's really exceptional. It is hidden from the road, it creates some privacy for the house and its driveway with porous pavers makes for a very "green" design, one that just might offset the car use. |
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by Gemelli Design
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| Interiors can be just as fantastical as exteriors, as this and the following rendering by Gemelli Design illustrate. This bathroom is appropriately called "An Oasis in a Sandstorm." The diagonals of yellow give the room a dynamism and blur the distinction between the walls and even the ceiling. |
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by Gemelli Design
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| The same designers' "Cubism in the Kitchen" uses green and orange to organize oddly shaped cabinets and walls. The only straight lines are the countertop and shelves. This rendering and the previous one have a strong photo-realism that makes the complex designs look quite real. More: Architectural Images: Truth or Fiction? |
Comments
Michelle Fries, BeDe Design, LLC Wild! I love it! Do you know what software was used for the Arc home rendering?
13 months ago · Like
Catherine Weiland, Maine Coast Kitchen Design Agreed. Really great work. Also curious how long it takes to create these renderings.
13 months ago · Like
Erika Bierman Photography Truly amazing to see all these renderings, what an inspiration!
13 months ago · Like
jsonderg The last two pictures may cause epileptic seizures for some people...
13 months ago · Like
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kazoog Bizarre renderings, makes one wonder if anyone would want to actually live in one of these projects.
13 months ago · Like
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lizzazz918 I feel like Alice in Wonderland and out of courtesy will stop there.
13 months ago · Like
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Fine Art & Portraits by Laurel well, the pool cabana setting is beautiful. The grass covered berm was done decades ago. If someone presented me with those other ideas, I think a taser might be appropriate.
13 months ago · Like
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Tia Marie McDermid curious as to how you achieve such nice finishing details (ie; texture, color) in your renderings and do you know if this is compatible with 2020? interesting concepts in design.
12 months ago · Like
jsnodgrass34 My company has used a mixture of Revit and Sketchup as the bases for buildings and then used 3ds Max Design for affects and renderings.
11 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on April 30, 2012.
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