LIEW XIAO HUI / 0353121
BACHELOR OF DESIGN (HONOURS) IN CREATIVE MEDIA / COMPUTER APPLICATIONS
Project 02: Architectural Visualization
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Instructions
Project 02: Architectural Visualization
Project 02: Architectural Visualization
This project requires us to use 3ds Max to render the selected architectural design completed in Project 01. The task involves incorporating appropriate materials, camera views, and other elements to achieve the desired visual outcome. We are required to render both exterior and interior views.
Progress
Research
Before starting to source furniture or render the architectural design I completed for Project 01, I decided to conduct some research on Pinterest for inspiration. My focus was on styles and aesthetics that are modern, minimalist, and clean. Considering the architectural design I created, which resembles a bungalow with ample exterior space and a private garden, I searched for similar visual references on Pinterest to help refine the style I want to portray for this project.
Figure 1.1.1, 1.1.2 Visual references (Pinterest).
For the color selection of this architectural design, I decided to opt for a warm color palette combined with darker tones such as black or dark brown. The warm colors convey a sense of warmth, a lovely atmosphere, and a comfortable home that feels inviting to viewers. Meanwhile, the darker tones provide contrast against the warm whites, making the design more visually dynamic and interesting, avoiding a plain or monotonous appearance.
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Figure 1.1.3, 1.1.4 Visual references (Pinterest).
Exterior Rendering
After finalizing the styles and colors for this project, I saved my Project 01 architecture design model as an AutoCAD FBX file. Then, I opened 3ds Max and imported the FBX file. I began by placing a physical camera inside the scene, adjusting its height to align more closely with a human eye level. Next, I positioned the sun and adjusted its north point to achieve the optimal angle of sunlight and shadows for the desired view.
Next, I placed a plane and applied a green grass material to it, as I realized the building's background would appear gray without any ground material. Afterward, I created a box and adjusted its height and width to serve as the garden pathway.
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| Figure 2.1.1 Progress screenshot. |
However, I noticed that even though I added a large plane with the grass material, some distant areas still appeared gray. To address this, I decided to add trees to cover the gray spots. Since my style leans toward warm colors, I selected trees that complemented this aesthetic.
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| Figure 2.2.1 Progress screenshot. |
I also wanted to make the garden ground look more realistic. I attempted to change the color from a plain green to a grass texture I found online, but it looked odd. Then, I searched online for ways to create 3D grass so it wouldn’t appear as a flat-colored ground. However, since the project required using ART renderer, I faced issues. Many methods I found relied on V-Ray, which wasn’t suitable.
I first tried using Forest Pack, a tool I found online that includes various types of trees, flowers, grass, and stones to apply to the scene. It worked in the standard view, but when I switched to ART renderer, nothing showed up.
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| Figure 2.3.1 Progress screenshot. |
I also experimented with the Hair and Fur feature, as taught by Mr. Khairool in class, but the same issue occurred. It disappeared when I rendered using ART renderer, even though it worked in the standard view. I was confused by this and searched online for more information, but I couldn’t find any posts or articles addressing the problem. Eventually, I decided to ask AI tools, like ChatGPT, for more details or potential solutions, but after trying a few suggestions, I still couldn't find a solution. I decided to move on and focus on completing other parts of the project first, planning to come back to this issue later.
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| Figure 2.3.2 Progress screenshot. |
I decided to place a parasol on the left side of the building. Initially, I considered placing a vehicle there, but after experimenting with it and researching on Pinterest, I realized it didn’t make sense to have a vehicle in that space. So, I changed my approach and decided to add a parasol along with some chairs and a table, creating a spot where people could enjoy their tea and relax in the corner.
Figure 2.4.1, 2.4.2 Progress screenshot.
To find a parasol model, I searched online for websites offering free 3D models that would fit the quality and style of my architecture design. The websites I used during this stage were TurboSquid and RenderHub. These sites provided free 3D models, but I felt the quality and style were somewhat outdated. Unfortunately, other options required payment, so I had no choice but to work with what was available.
Next, I changed the color and materials of the architecture building from Project 01 to match my desired design.
Figure 2.5.1, 2.5.2, 2.5.3 Progress screenshot.
Afterward, I decided to incorporate a plant divider to cover the gray areas in the background. I chose a plant divider because the setting is a bungalow, and I wanted to emphasize the garden atmosphere. Walls and gates were not my first choice for this concept. As before, I searched for a suitable 3D model on TurboSquid, imported it, and assigned a color that complemented the plant divider's style.
Figure 2.6.1, 2.6.2 Progress screenshot.
At this stage, the overall exterior design and appearance were complete. I then added some decorations and lighting to the viewport. To enhance the view further, I included a variety of plants, as I felt the building’s warm white tones made the scene appear too plain. Adding greenery brought more life to the design. Additionally, I incorporated flowers to introduce more vibrant colors, making the view more engaging and dynamic.
Figure 2.7.1 2.7.2 Progress screenshot.
I then returned to solve the 3D grass issue for the lawn. I found a 3D grass model on TurboSquid that worked correctly when imported into my 3ds Max file. Initially, I was a bit conflicted about whether to copy and paste the grass model manually across the entire plane, as it would be a highly time-consuming task. Fortunately, I discovered a YouTube tutorial explaining how to use the Compound Objects > Scatter feature to automatically duplicate models across a selected area. I tried this method, and it worked perfectly with the ART renderer. To enhance realism, I duplicated two different grass models, adding more variety to the lawn.
Figure 2.8.1, 2.8.2, 2.8.3 Progress screenshot.
To further improve the garden's appearance, I searched for stone models, placed them in the view, and rearranged their positions. I also adjusted their colors, as some imported models had missing materials. This step added a more natural and complete look to the garden.
Figure 2.9.1, 2.9.2, 2.9.3 Progress screenshot.
Once the lawn and stones were done, I focused on lighting. I searched for light models that complemented my architectural style, imported them, and adjusted their size and materials. Then, I placed light sources within the models and fine-tuned the light distribution to achieve the desired look. Adding light models and sources enhanced the scene's realism, making it resemble a real house. I also added lights along the garden pathway to ensure visibility at night.
Figure 2.10.1 - 2.10.4 Progress screenshot.
Finally, I included a human figure model to make the scene feel more lively. However, the first model I used lacked material and texture, so I replaced it with another one.
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| Figure 2.11.1 progress screenshot. |
While the second model included materials and textures, the color appeared faded when rendered in the ART renderer. I consulted ChatGPT for solutions and adjusted the output level of the material, which successfully darkened the colors and made the human figure look more realistic in the rendered scene.
Figure 2.11.2, 2.11.3 Progress screenshot.
Research
Before starting the interior view rendering, I began by researching inspiration to determine the overall style and design direction I wanted to pursue. This process helped me visualize the desired aesthetic, including the layout, furniture selection, color scheme, and decorative elements, ensuring a cohesive and appealing design for the interior view.
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Figure 3.1.1, 3.1.2, 3.1.3 Visual references (Pinterest).
Interior Rendering
After completing the research, I moved on to rendering the interior view. I began by placing the camera and adjusting its height and shutter speed, setting a lower shutter speed to make the scene brighter and capture sunlight streaming through the windows. To enable this, I updated the window material to allow sunlight to pass through.
I started by placing a light model in the living room and adding a light source to determine the initial brightness and overall ambiance. However, the brightness felt excessive, so I adjusted the intensity for a more balanced look.
Figure 4.1.1, 4.1.2 Progress screenshot.
Next, I placed a sofa in the living room as a placeholder while experimenting with the best camera angle. I also added a kitchen set and looked for a bar table or kitchen island to divide the living room and kitchen.
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| Figure 4.2.1 Progress screenshot. |
When I couldn’t find a suitable model, I opted for a fireplace instead. While the fireplace fit the design, the fire material was missing, and attempts to create a fire effect didn’t work in the ART renderer. Ultimately, I decided to replace it with other furniture.
Figure 4.3.1, 4.3.2 Progress screenshot.
At this point, I noticed the room felt small and cramped, so I adjusted the camera position for a better perspective. I replaced the original sofa with a second model from CGTrader, a website offering higher-quality free 3D models. I also added a flower-shaped mini sofa to create a more interesting visual contrast and placed a carpet beneath the sofas for a cozy touch.
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| Figure 4.4.1 Progress screenshot. |
Later, I found another sofa that better matched the design, so I switched the another sofa again.
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| Figure 4.4.2 Progress screenshot. |
I then imported a tea table model that came with books, a candle, and a vase, enriching the living room.
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| Figure 4.5.1 Progress screenshot. |
Despite these additions, the space still felt slightly empty, so I searched for wall panels or patterns to place behind the sofa. I experimented with a wave-shaped wall panel, but it appeared abrupt, so I added a ceiling feature to conceal its top edge.
Figure 4.6.1, 4.6.2, 4.6.3 Progress screenshot.
I also added curtains to the windows and rotated one of them slightly to show it could open, making the room feel less constrained.
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| Figure 4.7.1 Progress screenshot. |
To enhance the sofa area, I added cushions in brighter colors. Since the overall palette was dominated by warm whites and browns, I introduced an orange cushion and changed the mini sofa's color to orange for contrast.
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| Figure 4.8.1 Progress screenshot. |
Next, I worked on strip lighting for the ceiling. Most online tutorials used V-Ray, which wasn’t compatible with the ART renderer, so I consulted AI for alternative solutions. I adjusted the strip light’s intensity to serve as ambient lighting rather than a primary source.
Figure 4.9.1, 4.9.2 Progress screenshot.
Towards the end, I decided to replace the light models as the initial ones felt outdated and didn’t match my style. Using CGTrader, I found new light models and placed them in the scene. I also added an indoor plant in a corner to bring freshness to the view.
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| Figure 4.10.1 Progress screenshot. |
Finally, I searched for a human figure to add to the scene. Since the interior view featured a woman, I replaced the exterior view’s human figure with a man to create a logical narrative. A man leaving for work while his wife and son remain at home.
Figure 4.11.1, 4.11.2 Progress screenshot.
Before rendering the final image, I deliberated on which lights to keep on. Turning on all lights made the scene overly bright, while turning off the main light and keeping only the strip light created a warm and cozy atmosphere.
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Final Rendering JPEG
Exterior Rendering
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| Figure 5.1.1 Final rendering jpeg - exterior. |
Interior Rendering
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| Figure 5.1.2 Final rendering jpeg - interior. |
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