With the emergence of groundbreaking tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney last year, AI has sparked considerable interest. This naturally leads us to ask: Can AI be utilized for architectural visualization? Is there a Midjourney for architectural rendering?
In this blog post, we'll delve into these questions by exploring five practical use cases.
Effective communication is vital in all architectural projects, making architectural visualization a fundamental skill for every architect. Currently, this is primarily achieved using 3D rendering applications like 3ds Max, Enscape, or Twinmotion. However, the complexity and time-consuming nature of these tools limits the quantity and context of the images created. A new generation of AI tools can generate renderings quickly, potentially saving time and allowing for visualizations in earlier phases.
We have collected five use cases where we see AI rendering can truly be a game-changer.
While somewhat outside the scope of traditional visualization, tools like Midjourney can prove invaluable during the early ideation phases when the design concept is still taking shape. By simply describing a project in a few words, iterating on the phrasing, or even using references, architects can easily generate hundreds of inspirational images with Midjourney. These images can effectively guide client communication, outlining preferred directions or broadening a designer's perspective.
These tools excel at exploring forms, materials, and capturing the overall essence of a project. It's important to approach these generated images with an open mind—don't scrutinize them for precise construction details or logical spatial arrangements. Instead, view them as a source of inspiration, akin to a Pinterest board.
As projects progress and design concepts solidify, the dynamics shift. Tools like Midjourney become less applicable as there's no efficient means of visualizing a specific design. This is where AI-powered rendering tools such as Visoid, Veras or LookX step in. Unlike other image generation tools that rely solely on prompts, these applications base each rendering on the actual design.
These tools offer various workflows, from early-stage exploration with low-detail models or sketches, to final visualizations based on fully modeled scenes.
Visoid takes it a step further with its iterative workflow, blending the creativity and speed of AI-based rendering with human interaction. Users can initially explore multiple directions, then iteratively tweak elements until the image aligns with their vision.
The creative potential of AI makes these applications ideal for experimenting with materials and designs. The degree of control users have over the output varies significantly among these applications. MNML is a great companion for testing different design ideas, while Visoid excels in swapping materials while staying true to the original design.
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In traditional rendering processes, architects are often constrained by time and complexity, typically showcasing projects in a single selected season or time of day—most commonly, a neutral, sunny day. While this approach is pragmatic, showcasing a design across various seasons can evoke more emotion and conviction.
AI-powered rendering tools excel in capturing mood and can be easily used to showcase a design in different seasons or times of day. Visoid, for instance, can effortlessly adjust lighting and seasons in any render or image, from any software.
Last but certainly not least, AI can simplify the process of enhancing 3D renderings. Instead of laboriously adjusting settings in Enscape or Twinmotion to achieve perfect lighting and materials, these tools allow users to upload partially completed 3D scenes and let AI refine them into high-quality images, saving time and producing stunning visuals effortlessly.
The effectiveness of an AI tool depends on the project type and phase. It's crucial to choose the right tool and utilize AI to address a specific challenge. While AI unveils myriad possibilities, it's ultimately up to the user to leverage its potential. One thing is certain: with the emergence of AI, the visualization game has been changed for good.
Ready to explore the possibilities of AI-powered architectural visualization? Try Visoid and unleash it’s potential to transform your design process today.
Mark is an experienced architect and visualization designer who worked at leading international architect offices. Now, he is set to make high quality visualizations accessible to all architects with Visoid.