3D Renderings + AI Images = Design Success?
3D renderings have transformed the field of architecture and interior design for decades. Now it’s time for AI to shine. Are these technologies mutually exclusive, better alone or together? Let’s compare and contrast 3D renderings + generative AI images, explore how they can be used together, and discuss their implications for the future of design.
3-Plex Elevation: AI (left), 2D (middle), and 3D (right)
Benefits of 3D Renderings
3D renderings are digital images that are created by applying realistic or artistic effects to 3D models. They can help you visualize your design ideas in a lifelike way and communicate them to your clients or stakeholders. Let’s start from our most basic service, 3D elevations. Shown below, we typically create 3D models from CAD drawings (elevations and floor plans), add lighting, texturing, and vegetation. The process is very accurate but it requires more input from the client to get the exact look they want to show their clients.
Typical 3D Rendering Process: Converting 2D elevation to 3D rendering
What are AI Generated Images and How do They Work?
AI (artificial intelligence) generated images are images that are produced by artificial intelligence software that uses algorithms and neural networks to interpret inputs and generate outputs. Simply put, you supply the text and/or original image and the AI outputs an image based on what you’ve described.
(1) 2D Elevation to (2) AI Image. (3) Photo turned to AI and (4) Combined with 3D Rendering.
Why Use AI?
It’s fast. And by fast, we mean “done in seconds” fast. We have found that it delivers excellent fidelity for conceptual designs without the knowledge traditionally needed to produce the same quality images in 3D or a photo manipulation software (i.e. Photoshop).
It’s also more affordable than 3D which allows a user to create many variations. These variations have led to new ways of thinking how architecture and design could look. And since it’s fast, both the client and design professional can meet together to collaborate on ideas in real-time. With AI, it’s now possible to remove those pesky “design clarification” follow-up emails, phone calls and meetings.
(1) Screenshot from Revit, (2) AI Line Detection, (3) AI-Generated Rendering
(1) Extending / Outpainting with AI (2) Elements Added with AI
What are the Drawbacks of AI Generative Images?
While AI generated images are getting better and better every day, they are not perfect. They are usually more suitable for conceptual designs than for final presentations. They may not be very accurate or detailed, and they may have some glitches or artifacts. The examples below show issues with an exterior roof and 4 issues from a kitchen section drawing: (1) missing sconces, (2) artifacts, (3) missing stove control knobs and (4) missing its tempered glass.
(1) Roof Issue (2) Sketchup Screenshot (3) AI-Generated Rendering (4) AI Render Issues
3D Renderings + AI Images = Design Success?
At 3DAS, we believe that 3D renderings and AI generated images can work together to create amazing visualizations throughout the entire design process. We’ve used both technologies to convert 2D to 3D elevations, make furniture changes, adjust landscapes, and add people to make the scenes more lively. By doing so, we’ve achieved more clarity and flexibility in our designs and reduced the need for lengthy rendering times on our powerful computers.
Which Path Will You Take?
- Are you looking for a conceptual images for internal use, early stage investments, or simply don’t have the CAD plans? Consider AI generative imagery.
- Are you looking for a polished / photorealistic images for marketing? Are you needing precise decisions to be made before building a real structure and have CAD drawings? Consider 3D renderings.
- Unsure on how to use AI tools? Looking to combine 3D renderings and AI generative imagery? Schedule our 2-hour consultation below. We’ll generate the AI images for you, enhance them in Photoshop and teach you how to use these tools.
