Beitrag | Ungebaut

In the world of architecture, visualization is a powerful tool that enables visions to be transformed into tangible reality. As an aspiring architect, I have discovered the fascinating world of 3D visualization, which has not only enriched my work but also opened up new possibilities. With Blender, a powerful open-source program, I have found a way to bring unbuilt architecture to life. In this blog post, I would like to share my journey into architectural visualization, from the initial steps to the techniques I use today to create impressive 3D models.

I have always been fascinated by architectural visualization, and so I decided to learn a 3D program. My journey began in 2020 during the first lockdown when I discovered Blender. Since then, Blender has become an indispensable part of my design process. Today, I work as a freelancer in the field of architectural visualization (Archviz).

Modeling

The basic model for this project was initially created in ArchiCAD and then exported as a 3ds file to further edit it in Blender. In Blender, I added all the additional details and furniture, which made the model appear even more realistic. Particularly the windows, which I seamlessly integrated using the Archipack Addon, contribute to the level of detail.

Texturing

For texturing my architectural visualizations, I mainly use textures from Megascans and adjust the colors as needed to achieve the desired aesthetics. For the ceiling, I chose a concrete texture from Textures.com, which I used as a displacement map to give the surface a realistic texture.

Lighting

Successful architectural visualization heavily depends on lighting. For this project, I opted for an overcast HDRI fmPolyhaven, which creates a soft and natural light atmosphere. This is complemented by a sunlight setting that I adjusted with a blackbody node to a temperature of 5500K to optimally light the scene.

Post-Processing

Post-processing is a crucial step in creating architectural visualizations. I first used Blender's compositor to perform the basic post-processing steps. I then exported the result as an EXR file and carried out the final corrections as well as adding filters and grain in Photoshop.

Blender has proven to be an indispensable tool in architectural visualization. Despite its origins as open-source software, it has evolved into a powerful and versatile program that enables architects and designers to bring their visions to life in impressive 3D renderings. Through my work with Blender, I have learned how flexible and adaptable the program is—from detailed modeling to realistic texturing and atmospheric lighting to post-processing. Blender not only provides the necessary tools but also offers creative freedom that is invaluable in architectural visualization. I am excited about the possibilities that Blender opens up in this field and look forward to continuing to use this software in my future projects and perfecting my skills in it. Blender definitely has a permanent place in my professional future as an architect and 3D visualization artist.