Contrary to the perception that CGI is a luxury exclusively for large design teams, it offers significant advantages for smaller practices.
There is a lot that we can do, working to the smallest of budgets, and involving Retina at an early project stage often results in multiple efficiencies.
Lots of projects we have been involved with didn’t result in glossy, photo-realistic renders.
They only concerned themselves with ‘white clay’ renders, outlining the visual impact of a scheme or providing a basis for the design team to sketch over, softening things up.
There is of course, a great deal that can be understood from a designer’s perspective when fabricating a quick physical model, whether in card and balsa, or in something like Sketchup.
We understand this, we’re not designers ourselves (but please send us a copy of the SketchUp model !).
If the client is willing enough to commission a topographical survey, then that’s the time to involve Retina.
We can build an accurate 3D model of the terrain, context, and position early prototype designs within it. We can also use Ordnance Survey data too.
If there are sensitive issues likely to arise with the planning application process, massing models can be useful in demonstrating that the proposals are going to be a good neighbour.
Block models are also very useful in filtering out key viewpoints, if the intention is to produce more realistic photo-montaged illustrations further down the line. Coupled with an accurate Sun and daylighting system, they can determine the best time of day to photograph, with the shadowing working with the proposals, rather than against.
I’ve not talked about design development. At some point, there will need to be clear visual imagery with the sole intention of getting everyone excited.
This is what we do of course, but we still don’t need to overwork things at this stage.
It’s well understood that clients can sometimes struggle with 2D drawings alone, and this is where quick perspective images come into their own.
We can also cut through each storey, and produce an elevated view, demonstrating how the interior spaces flow together. Perspective sectional images look good too, and can show how everything works vertically.
For sure, we have a comprehensive library of 3D assets such as furniture and can indeed source anything required, if it’s important.
But at these early stages, we’re not producing hyper-realistic images, chamfering every plaster junction, or fussing about the sheen of a fabric.
The sole purpose at this stage is to show the volume, the views out of large expanses of glazing, the sunlight flooding in. We can start to show the material finishes at this stage, if it proves to be helpful.
Small things can make a big impact from our experience . If the intention is to bring the ‘outside’ into the interior, then frame the existing outlook with a shot from the interior, looking out.
For something like an exterior, a photo-montage with a more detailed 3D model can be enough. Most smartphones have very capable cameras, and we have in-house techniques for straightening up the backdrop into ‘architectural perspective’ (no tripod required!).
Initial, in-expensive, rendered imagery is all grist to the mill with things like a design review panel meeting or a public consultation, and we’re well versed in providing and/or assisting with the production of content for these.
Often our work can stop at this point, when the design and access statement has been submitted to the local authority. If the project does progress, further detailed design stages or indeed highly polished marketing materials, we’re at an advantage because we will be fully versed in the design thought processes and generators relevant to the scheme.
At Retina, we’re aware of the reluctance from architects and designers about incorporating CGI in the early stages of a project – there’s a danger that the design becomes too pinned down, too early. But it needn’t be the case.
Hopefully some of the ideas I’ve talked about above, show how we can keep things fluid and match the design intent without resorting to the detailed design stage prematurely.