Blog: 3D sketching and visualisation

3D Landscape Visuals

Designers sell ideas and solutions; so there is little point in having a great concept if the client cannot visualise the proposal. 3D drawings communicate design in a universal language to gain feedback and approval.

Broadly, there are 2 main styles which both have a role to play in presenting the scheme.
1. Sketch / Hand-drawn
2. Photorealistic CGI Renders

Below is a brief description of my workflow for each method:

Sketch Landscape Visuals

A rough line drawing, sketched at a meeting is often enough for clients to understand the idea in broad terms. Sketching is used both to convey small details, such as a step, edge or water feature or the overall general arrangement.

Hand-drawn layouts tend to be more fluid and expressive and break away from the confines of CAD. I prefer this as the design process feels more organic and intuitive. Generally, drawings are completed on an iPad which avoids scanning to digitalise the image. I use Sketchbook® which is available via the App Store.

I will post a tutorial on my process at a later date.

Photo-realistic renders

3D Fly-throughs and visuals are quite standard now that computers (both software and hardware) have also become faster and easier to use. We use Vectorworks, SketchUp and Enscape to develop our designs. This is less than ideal as it means using three different software packages however each tool is perfectly suited to it's task which allows us to work faster and with a smile.

Video fly-throughs:

Realistic lighting, shadow studies and animated water bring the garden to life allowing the client to fully appreciate the proposed concept.

The landscape design can also be viewed in VR which provides a more immersive experience.