If realism has an important role, then isn't standalone AI enough? You might have seen some sci-fi images of floating buildings, gravity-defying structures, and neon colored apartments. While they may be visually stunning, clients want to see what their future space is going to look like, not some fantastical version of it.
Lets settle this AI vs Architectural Softwares debate first. Here are the pros and cons of both.
- Speed: AI images are generated faster than Archviz methodologies
- Control: Client has complete control in the design compared to AI. Modifications to AI designs are not accurate.
- Realism: This could be a debate, but both AI and ArchViz can create realistic images.
- Expertise/ Complexity: AI is easy to use and beginner level compared to ArchViz, which requires more knowledge and better understanding
- Creativity: AI creativity is higher but less feasible, vice versa for Archviz
- Detail: ArchViz is more detailed than AI, due to control and higher expertise requirement.
- Accuracy: Archviz can create precise dimensions upto mm scales, while archviz depends on its training dataset for accuracy
- Materials and 3D Models: As, AI has no built in limitations, they can create unique objects, but it might not have the sense of legibility. Archviz can create custom models which can even be provided by manufacturers. Both have their pros.
Hence, AI cannot complete an end-to-end visualization project, but its quickness and creativity can enhance the realism of the designs.
Coming to the real question, does photorealism matter? Here are the reasons why:
Estimation
The estimates regarding the materials requiements, budget, timeline, etc. become precise.
Wait, is that real?!
Imagine an architectural visualization that looks so real, you can practically feel the sun shining through the windows. You proudly show it to your clients, and their jaws drop to the floor. "Wait, is that real?!" they exclaim. The whole constructed building portrays before their eyes. And that, my friends, is the power of realistic quality.
Construction
Renders can help to ensure that the construction team has a clear understanding of the steps involved in building the site and that the project is completed on time and within budget. All the details remain accurate.
Identifying potential problems
If everything in archviz methodology is done properly from scratch, each errors and future problems can be detected beforehand. You spend hours perfecting the lighting, textures, and materials, only to end up with a building that looks like it belongs in a cartoon?!!
Efficient reach through marketing
Suppose, an architect created a water park and he is in the phase of inviting the audience at the opening ceremony. He runs an ad campaign of billboards across the city. There are 2 billboard images, 1 created realistically and 1 created in a hurry.
Which image would bring more audience? Let me know your thoughts
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