Digital design software is critical in the modern architecture sector, clients expect to see more than just conceptual drawings, blueprints and physical models.
They want to see virtual representations that provide more detail. With 3D modeling, you can design the interiors and filling of your buildings.
With some of them, you can also adjust lighting effects and calculate how external forces affect the building.
Beyond that, design software automates common processes, this allows you to save time.
You can get designs to customers faster and enjoy a more efficient workflow,
However, you will not be able to experience these benefits if you choose the wrong software. Your choice must suit your needs and be suitable for your business setup.
Every piece of software has something different to offer, and with this list we’ll pick out ten of the best on the current market. Plus, we’ll explain why you should consider each one of them.
Rhino 3D
Since its inception in 1998, Rhino 3D has become one of the most popular tools for architectural design,
Users can enter drawings or physical models into the software, and from there, Rhino can create 3D models and provide documentation for the design.
You can also scan real-world data and enter it into newer versions of the software.
Moreover, Rhino offers all the tools a designer needs to edit designs, aside from basic templates, you can create professional animations and presentations.
It is also one of the most flexible design packages, designers can translate solid objects and surfaces into the software.
It even allows you to work with point clouds and polygonal meshes, for this reason, the program is usually preferred by those who do not want to spend a lot of time learning about the intricacies of computer-aided design (CAD).
There’s more, people with programming experience can fine-tune the Rhino workspace.
Using RhinoScript, they can create their own plugins, those who can’t program can also access a database of pre-made plugins.
What’s more, you can export Rhino designs into the real world using 3D printers or laser cutting, which is what sets Rhino apart from other packages that don’t offer a manufacturing aspect.
Revit Architecture
The concept of Building Information Modeling (BIM) is fundamental in modern architecture, it is about developing sustainable buildings.
In a world where environmental awareness is at an all-time high, sustainability is high on the agenda for many customers.
This is where Revit Architecture comes into play, and the program focuses on providing the necessary tools for effective BIM.
The main advantage is automation – the changes you make to your model are recorded throughout the project.
The software coordinates these changes to ensure complete projects are created that take BIM into account at every turn.
As such, if you make a change in the 3D view, those changes are reflected across the Layout, Elevation, and Section views.
The same applies to changes you make in any other view.
The program offers automation in other places, for example, it allows you to create libraries of parametric objects.
You can access these objects across all designs to quickly implement common forms in your project.
Revit Architecture software also allows for more teamwork, you can schedule separate project elements to ensure they are completed on time.
The software also allows you to bring team members from multiple disciplines into the project, all while keeping the core concepts of BIM at the forefront.
Sketchup
Many architects prefer SketchUp because of its real-world applications. Google bought SketchUp in 2006.
Although it has since sold the company, Google has implemented a lot of useful features, e.g.
You can drag topographic images from Google Maps into SketchUp and the same goes for satellite images.
The main advantage of SketchUp is its price, you can download SketchUp for free, it may lack some features of other software packages.
However, it offers enough to help you create professional forms, however, most of the export features are turned off in the basic package.
However, this gives you flexibility – you can choose the features that suit your project. Therefore, you only invest in what you need.
The cost makes it ideal for students and those working on tight budgets, many use SketchUp
To learn about 3D models before moving on to other programs.
Speed is also a key aspect of SketchUp. You can quickly create simple 3D models,
With the right features, you can also create complex presentation-ready models.
In the opinion of
V-Ray is not a standalone design program, it’s actually a plugin, you can use it with ArchiCAD and SketchUp.
Its purpose is to create a photorealistic rendering, this allows you to view your 3D models as they look in the real world.
This makes V-Ray ideal for those who need to add that extra spark to their designs. The software provides access to amazing materials.
Moreover, the color palette has few competitors,
This means you can use light and shadow to your advantage with V-Ray more than most other design software.
Designers in many industries use V-Ray technology in their work, apart from architecture,
It has proven to be ideal for video game design and CGI rendering for film and television.
Going back to architecture, V-Ray is about placing customers in a visual space,
It helps them see what your designs will look like once they’re built.
What’s more, designers benefit from an extensive resource library to help them take their basic designs to another level.
For more architectural news
