Computer rendering is fairly new to the waters of art, home building, and real estate, but another even more seaworthy vessel has been built: 3-D computer generated home model simulation. And the people of the architecture and art industry are finding this new ship even better transportation.
3-D computer graphics technology, the stuff of the old ship captains» dreams, is here. This stunningly realistic graphic representation tool enables the depiction and display of an object (in the case of architectural computer rendering, a floor plan, a building, the landscape»that was, pre-computer, a 2-D print). Architects, designers, and real estate developers are able to «turn quantified data into a 3-dimensional representation,» (as Lev Manovich defines it) and to in turn enable computer users to view that real time object from «an arbitrary viewpoint in order to understand the object»s structure. By this act, too, the user/consumer is visually and aurally encouraged to «emotionally experience» the object on display in 3-D.
3-D computer rendering technology has interactive capabilities, animation properties, and the tools for providing marketing take-aways»tools such as Flash animation, Javascript, mp3 interface, avi and mpeg formats, PowerPoint integration, VRML (virtual reality modeling language), and RealNetwork, QuickTime, and Windows Media. That is, the client can experience home-buying from a remote distance»even another country»from the actual property, can get what would be the equivalent of a walk-through (or fly-through), can point and click to look more closely or look from a different vantage point, and then can get the «brochure» or print rendering of yore on a CD--in the equivalent of a tour video tape he/she might have taken in person--to share the same experience with friends and family members who can load/play the virtual tour on their own computers.
Artists and Architects Cruising on the New Computer Rendering Ship
Rendering artists can now give more comprehensive and accurate computer rendering of structure, materials, colors, details; marketers and real estate developers can present options, influence and simulate ideas, and provide visual dimensions that prospective buyers will be able to «emotionally experience.»
New Home Builders Taking a Ride on the New Vessel
Besides using the new computer graphic technology on their websites, where potential long-distance customers can also emotionally experience their creations, new home developers are setting up 3-D renderings on computers in their sales offices, a new appeal for the potential home buyer who can now do a virtual walk-through, can assess realized floor plans, and can make decisions about specific architectural elements. Customers can essentially benefit from the interactive nature of the 3-D software by virtually «[customizing] the interior with their choices of upgrades and colors»and then [creating] a color graphic [or a CD] of their virtual reality home» (Amuroso) to take with them to their current residences for final considerations.
Real Estate Developers Working those Waves
Having seen the auspicious benefits to 3-D computer rendering, developers have begun to use the latest software programs to plan their building sites, to advertise and market their properties, and to «streamline» (as Becker calls it) city approvals for new projects.
Computer-generated home model simulation has not knocked the traditional computer rendering tools off the board. It has just made the commercial ground swell surfing more cost-effective, more time-efficient, and the sailing even more intriguing and fun.
Sources
Amoruso, Dena. «Builders Embracing Virtual Walkthroughs.» Realty Times. http://realtytimes.com/rtnews/rtcpages/19981106_virtualwalkthru.htm.
Becker, David. «Bye-bye, Blueprint: 3D Modeling Catches on. CNET News.com October 4, 2004, 4:00 AM PT. Reprint. Zdnews.net.
