3D Rendering Engines for 3D Architectural Visualization

The process of 3D visualization is based on the usage of three-dimensional graphics, and goes within several stages – designing of a 3D model of the object, the scenery of environment, texturing, setting the optimal level of lighting, selection of camera’s angle and selection of effects and 3D rendering.

There are many rendering programs, which are used for visualization, so in this article we shall consider the most popular ones.

Chaos Group V-ray www.chaosgroup.com

Among the modern rendering programs, the external program of visualization named VRay, developed by Chaos Group, is in great popularity. The reason is that the program for the calculation uses only the most advanced computing techniques and is based solely on the method of Monte Carlo. Besides that, the program includes a lot of interesting, innovative technologies and solutions that allows to perform all the calculations quickly and accurately. V-Ray is available as a plug-in for Maya 3ds max, Rhino3D, SketchUp and Cinema 4D.

VRay is not so demanding to the geometry as other similar applications, for example, programs that use radiosity, so it is very important to analyze initially and to fix the geometry of the scenery before starting the rendering process.

Thanks to VRay, a global illumination can be adjusted, resulting in improvement of photorealistic scenes that are created. You can use different algorithms required for imaging calculations to display the global illumination – Photon Map, Light Cache, Irradiance Map.

It is worth noting that VRay is well known in all areas of visualization thanks to pretty large arsenal of different tools required for integration.

Among the main advantages of the given program are the ability to distribute rendering on multiple PCs, adding of procedural tools and textures in 3ds MAX, which may ease the work with the scenery. It is worth noting the presence of different algorithms, flexible settings and own materials that can accurately reproduce the properties of the objects.

Corona Renderer www.corona-renderer.com

Corona Renderer is new photorealistic renderer, fully integrated into the 3ds MAX, designed by Ondra Karlík in 2009. This render actively develops and supports more and more functions, while having high stability at large postproductions.
Corona renderer is relatively young rendering system and still has a limited number of possibilities, but even on the eve of the release is capable to solve complex problems. Corona confidently used in architectural visualization and objects visualization. Gradually it goes into an area of TV production.
Stunning visuals, lightning speed and enviable simplicity, along with the free, outdated, but still an excellent version of Alpha6, Corona renderer is simply an irreplaceable tool for any visualizer!

Mental Ray www.nvidia-arc.com

This graphics software is a professional integrated system of visualization and rendering from the German studio named Mental Images (a branch of the Nvidia corporation).
Mental ray is a powerful rendering technology used in many software products of industrial design and creation of digital content, such as Autodesk, Autodesk Maya, Solidworks.

The application supports technology of distributed rendering, thanks to which rationalization and equal distribution of computing on PCs comes, supporting the segmented visualization.
The program allows generating images of the very highest quality, to create realistic visual effects, harmoniously combining all the latest technologies of computer programming and lighting.
The function of the built-in volume shadowing, as well as the method of final gathering are the necessary tools by means of which a natural look of the frame achieved without the use of additional settings.
In addition, this app is equipped with a diverse set of tools that allow to simulate multiple light reflection of elements in the scene (Global Illumination) and allow calculate accurately the parameters of the level of lighting to create realistic effects when objects are moving.

Author
Recent Posts

Maxim S

With 17 years of experience as a 3D visualizer, Maxim has mastered many programs and has the ability to complete a multitude of project types with a professionalism that exceeds your expectations. He has a background in Architecture and has expert knowledge of AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, 3DS Max, Photoshop, Unreal Engine 4, Vray and combine abilities in CGI and architecture to provide the highest quality service for clients.