A R C H I R I U M
LOTUS
BREATHING LIFE INTO VISIONS FRAME BY FRAME
THE ARTIST
ARCHITECTURAL VISUALIZATION: A DESIGNER'S LENS
3D Visualization is not just about creating images but breathing life into designs.
With my experience as an architectural designer, an interactive unreal developer, a storyteller, a cinematographer, and an innovator. I am not a mere 3D visualizer.
I use my skills to enhance my own design and presentation abilities, creating immersive, interactive experiences
that truly express the effort and passion that goes into each design.
My work is not about producing mindless 3D renderings, but about understanding the intricate connections of a design and doing justice to it. I believe in the power of visualization to transform visions into reality, to communicate ideas in a way that wasn’t possible before
*I am selective about the projects I take on, focusing on those that allow me to create high-quality, meaningful work.
*I value good design and appreciate clients who understand and value the work that goes into creating high-quality visualizations.
As you explore my portfolio, remember that you’re not just looking at the work of a 3D visualizer. You’re witnessing the journey of a passionate professional who believes in the power of design, the importance of quality, and the magic of bringing visions to life. You’re stepping into a world where design, technology, and artistry converge to create vivid realities.
KC THEATER REDESIGN
AN ORGANIC ARCHITECTURE MARVEL
PROCESS, CHALLANGES & REFLECTIONS
The challenge: The redesign of the renowned KC Theater was a prestigious project that presented a unique challenge. The architect had a compelling design with drawings and references but was unsure of its final manifestation in the Chandigarh context. The design was complex and organic, which is notoriously difficult to model and render in 3D. The in-house designer, despite being proficient in Rhino, struggled with the organic modeling. The difficulty of the model was further compounded by the fact that it was to be submitted for a competition, raising the stakes and the need for precision and quality in the render. This set the stage for a challenging task that required innovative solutions and a deep understanding of 3D visualization techniques.
My Role: As a 3D visualizer, my role was to breathe life into the 2D drawings and 3D curves, and help the architect visualize the end product. I was responsible for creating a beautifully composed render with meticulously chosen materials to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the design.
The Process:
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Understanding the Design: The architect provided simple 3D lines created on Rhino as the basis for the model. I studied these lines to understand the design’s complexity and organic nature.
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Research and Exploration: Traditional 3D modeling methods were inadequate for this task, leading me to explore alternative solutions. I conducted extensive research on organic structures and identified a pattern in the trusses.
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Choosing the Tools: Based on my research, I decided to use NURBS modeling and RailClone for parametric modeling. These tools allowed me to define parameters for the truss curves and assign geometry to the nodes.
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Creating the Organic Truss: Using the chosen tools, I successfully created an organic truss. This was a significant step in transforming the 2D drawings into a 3D model.
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Modeling the Shell: The shell of the building presented another challenge, with around 50 curved panels of 3D shells to model. I used a semi-parametric hybrid approach to tackle this using nurbs modeling as an alternative to traditional methods.
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Refining the Model: After 15 days of diligent work, I was able to refine the model to a point where it was suitable for high-quality rendering.
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Designing the Site: Despite the site being initially empty, I decided to invest extra effort into designing it and incorporating it into the rendering. This added a significant level of detail to the overall render, enhancing its quality substantially.
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Creating the Parametric Sector 17 Model: I demonstrated my skills further by creating a parametric model of Chandigarh’s famous Sector 17. While not an accurate representation, it was convincing enough for believable renderings as you can see for yourself.
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Adding Landscape Details: With the help of Forest Pack, I was able to detail the project up to the level of grass blades, add hundreds of cars with a parametric parking lot, and create several layers of trees and roof structures in the backdrop, nearly matching the Sector 17 street picture.
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Detailing the Interior: Since the building was a glass structure, the interiors were inevitably going to be visible. I added detailed mall assets after refining them in a separate file for performance render. This added depth to the visualization and made the final render more realistic.
The Result: The final product was a high-quality 3D render of the KC Theater redesign. The render not only accurately represented the architect’s design but also enhanced it with meticulously chosen materials and a beautifully composed scene. Despite the initial doubts from the architects, the final model was well-received and exceeded their expectations.
Reflections and Conclusions: This project was more than just a task; it was a journey of learning, growth, and self-discovery. It taught me the importance of resilience, patience, and self-belief. While the recognition and appreciation from the architect were lacking, I learned to value my own efforts and contributions. This experience, although challenging, has strengthened my skills and confidence as a 3D visualizer. Today, I stand proud of my work and the journey I undertook to create it.
NEW CASTLE: LUXURY RESIDENCE, SYDNEY
The challenge: Embarking on the ‘New Castle’ project was a journey of discovery, innovation, and growth. This project was not just about creating a 3D visualization of a luxury residence; it was about pushing the boundaries of architectural visualization, overcoming challenges, and reflecting on the learning experiences that shaped me as an expert today.
My Role: As the 3D visualizer, my role was multifaceted. I was responsible for site detailing, building and texturing, interior design, lighting and photographic exposure, environment simulation, and rendering and compositing. Each phase presented its own set of challenges, requiring innovative solutions and a deep understanding of 3D design tools.
The Process:
Phase One: Site Detailing: The first challenge was the site detailing. The terrain was contoured, and the landscape was lush with trees and grass. I had to create a realistic representation of this vast site, complete with roads and other features. Drawing from my experience with the ‘Belle Vue Chalet’ project, I modeled the contours and added a procedural texture to the ground. I used RailClone to model the roads and meticulously detailed the entire 360-degree view of the site.
Phase Two: Building and Texturing: The second phase involved building and texturing. The goal was to achieve highly detailed textures that looked realistic from both far and close.
Phase Three: Interior Design: The interior design was a significant part of the project. I was tasked with detailing the interiors myself, which involved researching luxury interiors in white and golden and creating a theme for the lobby, double-height entrance, grand stairwell, kitchen, drawing room, and cellar.
Phase Four: Lighting, Photographic Exposure, and Day-Night Cycle: One of the most critical aspects of this project was achieving a balance between the interior and exterior lighting. This was crucial to create a seamless transition between the indoor and outdoor scenes, and to ensure that the textures and details were accurately represented in different lighting conditions.
In addition to this, I also created a full day-night cycle for the project. This involved simulating the changing light conditions from dawn to dusk, and then into the night. The exterior and interior lights were programmed to gradually turn on as the day transitioned into night, adding a layer of realism to the visualization.
Phase Five: Environment Simulation:
The fifth phase, arguably the most challenging, involved simulating the environment. I leveraged my scripting skills to program the simulation using a node-based scripting tool, tyFlow. This tool allowed me to simulate the physics of dynamic landscape elements, curtains, leaf interactions, and even vehicle physics. The trees and plants were individually simulated to sway gently in the wind. Next I simulated curtains. I created a wind actor and clothes actor from the curtain geometry and scripted them to simulate the subtle movement of the curtains as if being moved by a gentle breeze. I wanted to create a dynamic scene, and having vehicles moving naturally along the roads was a part of this
While these details might seem minor, they significantly contribute to the project’s realism and uniqueness. These advanced techniques, though difficult to master, set the project apart from others.
I didn’t stop there. I added another layer of realism by incorporating realistic people into the scene using Daz Studio. This involved creating custom characters and animating them to move naturally within the environment. This significant undertaking further enhanced the project’s realism, making it a standout piece in architectural visualization.
Phase Six: Rendering & Compositing: This was a mammoth task, given the size of the scenes. I tested different rendering scenarios for the specific scene and eventually created my optimal render setting. This phase was a significant learning experience, and it paved the way for handling larger projects in the future.
I chose to render simulated parts separately, including elements such as cars, curtains, people, and leaves. This approach provided me with greater flexibility over the rendered frames. In this final phase, I utilized DaVinci Fusion to combine different animated render elements into a cohesive video. This process allowed me to have control over each element and fine-tune the details to achieve the desired result.
Phase Seven: Editing & Colorgrading: The last part of this phase involved editing. I selected a fitting music track that complemented the visual narrative of the project. The aim was to create a cinematic edit of the project, weaving all the elements together into a compelling story. This process involved making creative decisions based on my experience in editing, color grading, and storytelling. The goal was to create an impactful presentation that truly showcased the project’s essence and the journey behind its creation.
The Result: A captivating architectural visualization that resonated with viewers and left a lasting impression. A stunning 3D visualization walkthrough of a $2M luxury residence located in the serene outskirts of Sydney, Australia. The project showcased meticulous detailing, innovative solutions, and advanced 3D design techniques.
Reflections and Conclusions: Looking back, the ‘New Castle’ project was a transformative journey for me. It pushed me to learn new skills, overcome challenges, and create a stunning 3D visualization that I am incredibly proud of. This project served as a stepping stone for future projects and helped me establish a strong presence in the field of 3D visualization. The lessons I learned from this project continue to shape my approach to architectural visualization, reminding me that every challenge is an opportunity for growth and innovation.
PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES OF ARCHITECTURAL WALKTHROUGHS
PROCESS, CHALLANGES & REFLECTIONS
THE CONTEMPORARY RESIDENCES
PROCESS, CHALLANGES & REFLECTIONS
The challenge: Despite having in-house 3D visualizers working in Lumion, I was contacted by the architecture firm to help them with the visualizations of their high-value residential projects. They were having difficulty achieving the desired level of quality to present to their exclusive clients.
My Role: Being an expert in this field with 20 years of experience, I understood their requirements, and what quality they were aiming for. Going through the process, I transformed their basic 2D drawings as per their descriptions into these magnificent renders.
The Process:
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I started modeling the buildings in a ‘BIM environment’ despite having only 2D CAD drawings. This gave me accurate details for each project.
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Then I linked the BIM models to the ‘rendering environment’ in a reverse-compatible manner to make changes in the BIM models and properly update the imported models in the rendering engine, overcoming the limited scope of modification of polygon meshes in case of any changes.
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Material research - I then researched building materials suitable for the desired outcome and suggested in draft renders, further refined with their own research.
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The lighting research was also done carefully studying the reference material and implementing it into the given designs to create the exact ambiance. The designers were concerned only with the look of the fixtures, overlooking significant factors in creating the required lighting and visuals. I filled the gap and created visually pleasing lighting models for each project.
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Photographic Expertise: Managing the exposure and light levels of multiple interior and exterior spaces in the same project is always challenging, the lights and exposures are always competing with each other. With my years of experience in managing the most complicated of lighting situations as a rendering artist as well as a professional photographer, I figured out these challenges for each project.
Reflections and Conclusions: The design is always the cornerstone of any project. While good visualization can enhance a design, it cannot compensate for a lack of thoughtful design intervention. These projects have not only honed my visualization skills but also deepened my understanding of design principles. They’ve shown me the lengths a designer must go to in pursuit of design excellence. Each project has been a learning experience, pushing me to constantly improve and innovate. Despite the challenges, these experiences have reinforced my passion for 3D visualization and design, and have shaped me into the professional I am today.
BELLE VUE CHALLET: A 3D VISUALIZATION JOURNEY
PROCESS, CHALLANGES & REFLECTIONS
The challenge: The Belle Vue Chalet project presented a unique set of challenges. The site was located in the beautiful valley of Nainital, in the foothills of the Himalayas, and featured a complex contoured terrain. It was a challenging task to model and accurately represent the site’s complex topography and the architect’s vision for a retreat resort. The project also demanded the rendering of thousands of trees, natural vegetation, and detailed landscaping, pushing the limits of the technology and hardware available at the time.
My Role: My role was to transform the architect’s 2D drawings into a detailed complex 3D model and create a 2-minute walkthrough, This involved not only the technical aspects of 3D modeling and rendering but also the creative process of conceiving the architect’s design and giving it a tangible form. I was responsible for working out the materials, the landscaping, composing the render, and presenting a visualization that would do justice to the architect’s design.
The Process:
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Terrain Modeling with the surrounding landscape: The undulating terrain of the site was one of the first challenges to tackle. Using reference geometry, I placed each tree as an instance, enabling me to render thousands of trees despite the heavy geometry.
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Ground Texture: I downloaded a large map from Google Earth, enhanced it, and used it as the ground texture. This was further blended with procedural materials for a closer look.
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Site Modification: The most time-consuming task was modifying the contoured land to create platforms and pathways throughout the site. This involved creating 30 platforms for the cottages, walkways connecting them, the base of the clubhouse, two lotus ponds, a couple of stone walls, a driveway, and parking, all on different levels.
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Trail Modeling: I also modeled a wooden jogging/walking trail that started from the clubhouse, went up the hill, and ended at a second swimming pool on the uphill side, supported by a huge retaining stone wall.
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The landscape design: The final step was a challenge because no landscaping detail was provided, I went the extra mile to create a suitable landscape design and add the finishing touches to the project. This included adding trees and shrubs in the context of surrounding structures and enhancing the environment with mountain fog and sunlight glare using the technology of that time.
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Rendering: The last phase of the process was rendering the walkthrough. This was a huge challenge as I had to render around 3600 frames in a few days. It was a foundational learning experience for me on how to bring render times down for complex walkthroughs.
Reflections and Conclusions: Looking back, the Belle Vue Chalet project was a journey filled with challenges and learning experiences. This project stands as a testament to my ability to tackle complex projects, work independently, and deliver excellent results. I believe in sharing my work with the world, not just as a gallery of artistic impressions, but as a journey that showcases the effort, dedication, and passion that goes into each project. “Belle Vue Chalet” is a project that I hold close to my heart, as it allowed me to push my boundaries and grow as a professional.
A SCENIC COTTAGE COMPLEX NESTLED IN THE SERENE VALLEY OF HIMALAYAS
A FOUNDATIONAL PROJECT FROM THE PAST THAT SERVED A SIGNIFICANT ROLE TO SHAPE ME AS AN EXPERT TODAY
UK RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS
#ArchiriumTheater
THE ARTIST'S SHOWCASE
Interactive Architectural Experiences & Walkthroughs
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