3D animation, also known as architectural animation or fly-by animation, is a powerful tool that can be useful for real estate agents and anyone working in the architectural industry. Over the past few decades, video submissions have become increasingly popular as a quick and easy way to showcase properties already built or under construction.
In short, 3D animation is a video clip that allows users to look at a building from the air and fly or walk around the surrounding area. The flythrough animation highlights the building’s design from all perspectives. Although it was quite short (2-3 minutes), it was effective as the entire building and its surroundings were visible, as well as its details. Read on to learn more about how 3D animation is created, how it works, why it’s so popular today, and the key things to consider when evaluating its value.
How does 3D animation work?
A typical architectural animation video includes the following “modes”:
- Viewing a map with infographic elements;
- Bird’s-eye view of the property;
- Ability to enter buildings with a camera.
This can be done in various ways, but the most common and perhaps the most logical is to move from the outside of the property to the inside. All modes or stages merge into one smooth and seamless video animation.
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Key differences between 2D animation and 3D animation
As the name suggests, 2D animation is video animation that has only two dimensions (height and width) and is very similar to hand-drawn drawings or old cartoons. 3D animated objects consist of height, width, and depth. This helps us get a more realistic view of what is being displayed, as you can see everything as it is in real life. Although 2D animation is still very popular among artists because of its uniqueness, most people find 3D animation to be a more effective tool in real estate.
3D animation costs
If you are planning to create an architectural animation within your budget, the main questions that probably come to mind are: How do you calculate the cost per minute, and what factors should be considered when determining the price?
Of course, the price of a 3D animated video varies depending on the scope of work, and each project must be presented separately. But when calculating costs, the following important aspects must be taken into account:
- The type of area you want to display – the size of the area, the type (indoor or outdoor), the environment itself;
- Complexity of elements modeled and displayed as a 3D scene;
- Use of photographed environment (photos or real footage from a drone), use of real environment if necessary;
- Resolution (720p / Full HD 1080p / 4K 2160p);
- Duration (usually 1.5-2.5 minutes);
- Speed of implementation. It usually takes 4-8 weeks to create a 3D animation, but in some cases, it can be completed in 14 days.
Before we start developing an architectural animation, we need the following input from the client:
- Important elements of the map around the site and territory of the project;
- Description of architectural features: building plans, floor and facade plans;
- External information: Current images of the territory, height of the master plan, landscaping/improvement standards;
- Interior design information: selection of interior furniture, design samples, and images of the environment as a guide for design. If you want to use an existing environment, you need a real video of the location showing the landscape and the property;
- Preferred type/style of infographic elements to illustrate the main element of the project;
- Video script idea. For example, some how-to videos that I like for their style and feel.
Key stages of creating 3D animation
What is the process of creating a 3D animation? When creating an animation of the planned property, it is necessary to take into account that it does not exist in reality yet. In this case, we need to do more 3D modeling work. Sometimes this includes not only the building itself but also the surrounding landscape and landscaping.
However, it is possible to use photographs of the existing landscape and surrounding buildings and combine them with the 3D environment.
How can we create 3D animation? This process can be divided into two stages: static (preparation of 3D objects that will later be included in the video) and dynamic (creation of the animated video itself).
At first, we usually have to create simulated static objects from scratch, but sometimes we use photos or stock images/videos from the website if needed. We then merge the 3D content into real footage and add stock footage to add more emotion to the video.
Now that we have static 3D images, the next step is to create an animation (the “dynamic” step).
The first 3D environment is created, which can be completely computer-generated or a combination of live footage and computer-generated content.
We provide camera work to show and confirm the sequence of scenes and the overall plot of the video.
Once the 3D model is complete and the camera path is approved, we apply materials and textures to each element of the 3D scene.
The lighting is adjusted to create the right overall atmosphere
Watch videos at 25 or 30 frames per second.
Add infographic elements (highlights, points of interest, map markers, etc.).
The final touches are made during post-production. We fix some things in Photoshop, adjust lighting parameters, and add special effects for smooth, quality content.
Key advantages of architectural animation
Much has been said and written about the wonders of 3D animation, but let’s try to summarize the most important benefits that you can get as a developer, real estate agent or broker by using this technology:
- The ability to present real estate on the plan as if it exists means the realization of the most unique design ideas;
- The ability to manage your clients from the first minute to the last and view real estate videos at will;
- Pay attention to the smallest details of the property and choose visual effects to create a certain atmosphere and impress potential buyers.;
- If the property exists, it can switch contexts. For example, change the environment, add special effects, or make corrections;
- It is known that video makes more impression and attracts people more than static images. It may seem more expensive at first, but it will be more beneficial in the long run as it seems like a more ingenious way to present your architectural ideas.
Architectural animation and social networks
3D animation can also be used for social media advertising. A longer video lasting 2-3 minutes can be cut into several shorter parts. You can use them in your Instagram or Facebook stories and on YouTube.
Your customers will be impressed and your videos will get more exposure by sharing them with your friends and family. Architectural animation videos are an ideal tool for selling real estate and running effective marketing campaigns.