As Architects and Designers one of our skill-sets is providing visualization for our clients. This comes in many forms: hand drawings, black and white collages, sketched perspective views, computer renderings and virtual reality. At CSHQA, we are investing heavily in technology and training and focusing on computer renderings and virtual reality. These approaches allow clients to view a photo realistic image of the final product we expect to be built by the contractor.
In its simplest form, a quality rendering is a good medium to convey a final product to the client. Technology advancements allow these renderings to be highly realistic and completed in just minutes, where only a few years ago computer produced renderings could take 2-6 hours. The downside is that now we run into requests for a series of minor changes that can result in numerous repeat renderings. Changes include colors, patterns, view locations, etc. which take additional time to adjust and create. We understand the need for validation of our design decisions, but I feel the realistic nature of today’s renderings have lost the nostalgic sentiment that evokes emotion.
Design is a way to provide a solution for the layout of a space. Many times, these designs are intended to provoke an emotion in the guests who will experience the space. Technological advancements are fantastic for design and imagery, but could we be losing our grip on the emotion and experience through this visualization technique? Is too much precision damping down the delight of seeing an idea become real in three dimensions? Are first impressions being replaced with too much reality, something the whole design industry is seeking develop? Almost seems like Less is More.
Early Lamb Weston Office Concept Rendering c. 2017
Hand Water-Colored Rendering – Wayland, Cline & Smull Architects c. 1963
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