As 2024 draws to a close, we thought we’d look forwards to next year and touch on some of the new and emerging technologies from this year that we think will make a real difference to the architectural visualization industry into 2025 and beyond, as well as one that’s overhyped but we’re still on the fence about.
The world has changed a lot in the last couple of years. AI is a thing now, computing technology is improving very quickly, and architectural trends continue to change. But one thing is still a constant - architects, builders, developers and homeowners need architectural visualization!
In this article we’ll look at virtual reality and other immersive experiences which we think will continue to grow, how 3D printing might come into play more, and how cloud rendering will make projects more timely and efficient. We’ll also talk about how sustainable design trends will likely dominate the architectural landscape now and into the future. Here are our predictions:
Virtual Reality Will Be Used More and More in Real Estate
2024 has been a rollercoaster year, and in 2025, we expect the pace of innovation to reshape the landscape for architectural trends and visualization.
Here at Render 3D Quick we were early adopters of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) for real estate. We predict the use of these technologies will increasingly impact how architects approach their projects, especially the way structures and spaces are visualized.
These tools provide clients with immersive experiences that can totally transform their understanding of spaces even before they’re built or re-developed. VR and AR for real estate is like magic! It makes designs more interactive and engaging, showing clients what’s possible for their designs. With these advancements, architects can present their designs with an amazing amount of detail, which makes decision-making much easier. As computing power increases, we expect to see much more use of VR as people see how powerful it is and it becomes a normal way to view real estate.
3D printing Will Become More Widely Used to Bridge the Gap Between Design and Construction
3D printing is cheaper and more accessible than ever before. We expect these rapid advancements to contribute more to the architectural landscape in 2025.
By using 3D printing, either we, or consumers can take 3D CAD files used for visualization and turn them into accurate physical models. Seeing designs in real life in a way you can touch streamlines architectural processes, which means faster ideation and concept creation.
3D models like this can help bridge the gap between design and real-life structures because they help visualize complex development with lifelike accuracy.
VR and 3D printing technologies can transform the ways we engage with architectural designs. Here at Render 3D Quick as we continue to innovate and adapt we remain at the forefront of these emerging technologies, helping architects worldwide turn their most interesting ideas into reality. It's an exciting time and what we're seeing today is likely just the beginning - we’re interested to see what happens next!
Cloud Rendering Will make projects quicker and more efficient
Final rendering of 3d images is one of the most time consuming aspects of the archviz process. It is limited predominantly by the power of the computers used by the CGI artist. We all know time is money, and so in this part of the process staying ahead of the curve is critical.
Previously this meant constantly upgrading computer hardware, but more and more cloud rendering is playing a significant role in the process - where artists offload the rendering to render farms in the cloud. By properly leveraging cloud technology, architects, designers and 3D rendering companies like us can substantially reduce project timelines, for a fraction of the cost of constantly replacing hardware.
Looking into 2025, the role of cloud rendering in speeding up projects is becoming increasingly important. With advancements in cloud computing power, the rendering process has increased in speed but also in quality, which makes it possible to create high-res renderings with even more detail than before.
Cloud rendering allows companies like us here at Render 3D Quick to provide timely services that are very scalable. We can quickly show our clients multiple design trends within the same project. This flexibility can be particularly useful for larger scale projects like urban planning, or when working with projects that need a high degree of detail across a very large area.
Evolving architectural trends and client expectations require an evolution in the tools and techniques used to create architectural visualizations - they need to be able to handle the ever increasing complexity of modern designs. By outsourcing rendering to the cloud, we are free to focus on the creative aspects of our client work, without having to worry about the technical constraints of inhouse computing resources. This also allows us to effectively work remotely with CGI artists with lower powered machines, which means we can keep our costs down for our clients.
Cloud rendering technology also makes it easy for our team to collaborate across borders, which breaks down geographical barriers and allows us to have a more multicultural team, which effectively means we can be working 24/7 and can deliver our projects very quickly - that’s why we’re called Render 3D Quick!
As we head towards 2025, we predict that cloud rendering will become almost a necessity, not just a technological convenience. Rendering companies will find it's a very essential component of keeping pace with the ever-changing landscape of architectural design.
Artificial intelligence: Just a Fad or Here to Stay?
It’s hard to believe that two years ago almost no-one had heard of artificial intelligence. No-one expected the impact it has had on society. But is it a magic bullet?
While we’d be hard-pressed to argue that AI will not redefine the future through its transformative nature, at least in 2025 we don’t think it will significantly effect archviz.
AI is definitely redefining the way architects approach their work, offering a more streamlined and efficient way to develop architectural projects. For example, AI-driven personalization is creating a more tailored experience for architecture clients, allowing them to participate more actively in the design process. This could potentially lead to a global shift that doesn’t just reshape the aesthetics of buildings but also how they are conceptualized and built from the ground up.
Automation is making it possible to speed up recurring tasks and to check for and reduce human error, which is changing how architects manage and oversee large projects. Many firms are already making use of these advancements, by using them to improve on office productivity and to improve creativity without getting bogged down by the smaller details of traditional methods.
As of yet however, AI innovations are not developed enough to replace architects or digital artists, particularly in decision-making processes. AI is smart, and creative, but within bounds, and it is often hard to direct and frequently makes mistakes. We use it to supplement our work, not replace it.
As we look to 2025 though, we can't help but wonder how AI will change the 3D rendering landscape. We predict that the increasing reliance on artificially intelligent systems will probably redefine how buildings are designed and experienced globally, creating a collaboration between AI, automation, and human creativity the likes of which we haven’t seen before.
Those who adapt to using artificial intelligence will likely thrive, staying informed through ongoing education and keeping up with global design influences, while those who are stuck in the past may very well die out as businesses.
The way we approach office spaces, homes, and community buildings will certainly be changed by technological developments in AI, and while we don’t think the shift in how we approach our work in 2025 will be significant, it’s definitely an area to watch.
Global Design Influences that Are Shaping Architectural Trends
Global design influences play a pivotal role in shaping the architectural developments we see today. One of the biggest narratives in 2024 was climate change, and looking to 2025 we expect this focus to continue strongly, as echo friendly and sustainable design choices like terracotta (for its earthy colors and sustainability) or biophilic design with an abundance of plants and green features becomes more popular.
Last year the forecasting company WGSN produced a report highlighting the increasing demand for sustainable materials and designs that not only serve aesthetic purposes but also withstand varying weather conditions. This was especially true for architectural designs in cities prone to extreme weather, where resilience is as important as beauty. As climate change continues as a hot topic into 2025 (pun not intended…) we predict this trend will continue.
It's not just the exterior design that's being transformed by these global trends as we can see in the image above, but interior renderings will also be effected. Expect to see designers using much more in the way of sustainable resources, plants, recycled materials etc. The focus on sustainability isn't just a trend - it's a commitment that has begun to establish itself as a new normal in the field of architecture.
Color palettes are also evolving with these changes. Nature inspired colors are becoming ever more popular. There's also a growing trend towards integrating technology with design, for example creating buildings based on solar passive principles. Architects leverage digital tools like 3d renderings to convey their commitment to a climate-friendly future beautifully and realistically.
By recognizing these global design influences and the continuously emerging commitment to sustainability in the architectural industry, CGI artists can prepare for a future of design which is even greener.
Your Architectural Rendering Partner in 2025 and Beyond
So there you have it. While many things will stay the same when it comes to archviz in 2025, we predict there will be some continuing trends and also be some big changes that unlock new possibilities for rendering professionals and their clients.
VR and AR will continue to immerse clients in the spaces they’re developing, 3d printing will be used to make CGI files tangible, cloud rendering will improve the speed and precision of workflows, and global design trends towards sustainability will likely reshape the creative landscape.
Here at Render 3D Quick, we stay on top of all emerging trends in our industry so you don’t have too! As we embrace new innovations, we pass the benefits onto you without you having to do a thing.
So if you’d like to work with a company who keeps up with the trends now and into the future, get in touch with us today on 1-877-350-3490 or by filling out our quote form!
Alex Smith
Manager & Co-Owner Render 3D Quick
Article by Alex Smith: a manager and co-owner at Render3DQuick, with over 6 years’ experience project managing our large team of 3D rendering professionals. Alex is obsessed with architecture and is a CAD design specialist in his own right and an expert in the field of architectural visualization, 3D rendering, and virtual reality tours.
As the first point of contact when you get in touch with Render3DQuick, Alex loves sharing his knowledge and answering any questions you may have about architectural visualization or the latest technologies and techniques they utilize.
Connect with Alex on LinkedIn here.