Selecting the Best Software for Architectural Renderings

by Jon Anderson⁽³⁾
http://www.HomeImprovementU.com

There is nothing that impresses a client more than seeing their future project come to life through the use of graphics. Architectural renderings have always been a means of presenting the architect's ideas to clients so they can envision the end result and obtain a clear picture of how the building, space, design and site work together.

There are many software programs available for architects that make the hand rendered exhibit a thing of the past. With a vast array of products to choose from, it helps to narrow down choices by determining the level of complexity you need from the program, and whether or not you want it to do more than just make a pretty picture. Considering the cost of the program, the amount of training involved to learn how it works, and whether or not it can interface with other software, such as AutoCad, are important factors in the purchase decision.

Touted as one of the easiest software packages to learn and use is Google's Sketchup. This program allows 3D sketching from conceptual to precise drawing. You can add color and textures to the drawing, and the modeling feature allows you to move around the design as if you are actually there. It also includes the ability to virtually walk up and down stairs. Sketchup allows you to add Google Earth images so you can create and modify terrain. You can add photos to walls or inside windows so you feel like you can see through to the outdoors. Sketchup also has a pro version, which lets you interface with AutoCad, print to PDF or other rendering programs. Sketchup is easy to use and learn, so you can be drawing and rendering in no time. Unfortunately, that means its application is limited, as it does not allow rendering to the point of photo realism.

Chief Architect Premier is another software package available, which is specifically for residential and light commercial designs. The rendering capabilities include artistic formats that mimic watercolors, line drawing and a feature called 'Glass House', which makes the whole house translucent. You can import images, materials and textures from any website to make the design unique.

Vista, by Sierra Soft, is a program that not only provides rendering options, including adding textures to scale, but the ability to create and save your own custom textures.

One of the most up and coming programs in the design field is Revit by Autodesk. As for features, Revit is a complex program which goes far beyond its excellent rendering capabilities. Revit is fully functional. The architect can go from conceptual design into construction documents easily and accurately. The building is actually 'built' in the computer; you can literally see all of the buildings components from 2 by 4 posts to beams. In addition, its ease of interfacing with other disciplines, such as the structural engineer, allows the creation of spreadsheets with materials lists and quantities with the click of a button.

Choosing a program for renderings really comes down to what you expect the program to do for you. If you just want renderings and don't need complex features, Sketchup may be the one for you. If you want a program that will take you from the design phase to construction documents, it may be worth looking into programs such as Revit.

Choosing a program for architectural 3D renderings really comes down to what you expect the program to do for you. If you just want renderings and don't need complex features, Sketchup may be the one for you. If you want a program that will take you from the design phase to construction documents, it may be worth looking into programs such as Revit.

While researching options, you may want to contact design schools that offer rendering classes and ask instructors about rendering software they use to teach students. Another good idea is to contact software manufacturers and ask about the benefits their programs have to offer. Most manufacturers offer a 30 day free trial of their software, so it pays to take a test drive until you find one that works for you. In the end, remember that extensive product research will assure that you find the best software for your particular needs.

With all of this in mind, visit Anderson Studio Architects for the highest quality architecture by an awesome Tucson architects. Armed with years of construction experience, we know building needs. Our Tucson custom homes cost less to build and beautiful. Now you can't beat that.

Article submitted Saturday, August 06, 2011 & read 40 times.

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