Abstraction and the Photo-real Architectural Visualization

Architectural visualizations based on renderings
from 3D models have developed dramatically in the
past two decades. Increased computational power
and advanced render engines have speeded up the
rendering process and the automation of many
render settings and accessories have made photo-real
rendering accessible to a larger group of users than
the previous exclusive group of tech savvy render
pioneers.
This paper presents an analysis of architectural
visualizations based on their level of realism as
well as their openness to interpretation to guide in
choosing the right abstraction for visualizing and
communicating architectural projects at any stage in
the design process.
Core elements of the photo-real visualization and
its impact on perception and interpretation are
described and explains why focus has shifted within
recent years from aiming solely at the photo-real
towards an addition of artistic abstraction in teaching
visualization of early designs, concepts and visions.
Selected visualizations from the undergraduate
courses in digital architectural representation are used
as examples.