Abstraction and the Photo-real Architectural Visualization

Architectural visualizations based on renderings<br/>from 3D models have developed dramatically in the<br/>past two decades. Increased computational power<br/>and advanced render engines have speeded up the<br/>rendering process and the automation of many<br/>render settings and accessories have made photo-real<br/>rendering accessible to a larger group of users than<br/>the previous exclusive group of tech savvy render<br/>pioneers.<br/>This paper presents an analysis of architectural<br/>visualizations based on their level of realism as<br/>well as their openness to interpretation to guide in<br/>choosing the right abstraction for visualizing and<br/>communicating architectural projects at any stage in<br/>the design process.<br/>Core elements of the photo-real visualization and<br/>its impact on perception and interpretation are<br/>described and explains why focus has shifted within<br/>recent years from aiming solely at the photo-real<br/>towards an addition of artistic abstraction in teaching<br/>visualization of early designs, concepts and visions.<br/>Selected visualizations from the undergraduate<br/>courses in digital architectural representation are used<br/>as examples.