Architectural animation

Architectural Animation is usually a short architectural movie created on a computer. A computer-generated building(s) is created along with landscaping and sometimes moving people and vehicles. Unlike an architectural rendering, which is a single image from a single camera point of view, an architectural animation is a series of hundreds or even thousands of still images made by a moving camera. When these thousands of images are assembled and played back they produce a movie effect much like a real movie camera except all images are atificially created by computer. It is possible to create a computer environment around the building to enhance reality and to better convey its relation to the surrounding area; this can all be done before the project is built giving designers and shareholders a realistec fiew of the completed project. Architectural renderings are often used along with architectural animation.

Who uses it

Commercial demand for computer-generated rendering is on the rise, but three-dimensional scale models are still popular. Typically members of the AIA (American Institute of Architects) and NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) prefer to use 3D animations and single renderings for their customers before starting on a construction project. These professionals often find their clients are unable to grasp the complexity and spacial qualities of large projects without the help of computer generated visuale aids. Those who provide animations and renderings are usually small animation studios.

Future

Architectural animation is not considered to be the the ambition of most small computer rendering firms simply because of the man hours and computer rendering time that is required to create so many single still images and the software to assemble and incorporate them into a moving sequence. These smaller companies specialize in high quality single single frame computer renderings. Architectural animations require a larger team of artists and animators than single renderings and a much longer time frame is required to complete an animation project.. However, many architectural firms are now opening their arms to architectural animation because it attracts investors and customers who may not know much about building designs. Architectural animation is considered to have a bright future ahead of it as more and more architects and realestate developers are including computer animations in there marketing programs.

* Architectural visualization: : 3D rendering: 3D walkthrough : 3D demo of city planning : 3D demo of landscape planning : Restoration of ancient architecture

* Animation: : Rendering : Simulation of product and engineering design

* Virtual Reality: : Digital sand-table system for city/community planning : GIS (Geographic information system) : Multifunctional educational system : Simulation and restoration of cultural heritage and ancient architecture : Virtual shopping mall

See also

*3D animation
*3D computer graphics
*Architectural rendering

External links

* [http://www.aia.org American Institute of Architects] Official website
* [http://www.nahb.org National Association of Home Builders] Official website