Real-time Rendering Considerations Revisited

[Eric Gilbey, PLA]

Hello Site Design Forum family.

 

Almost two years ago, I proposed a question about real-time rendering solutions which gathered some really great responses.

 

Since it has been 2 years, and technology advances have been non-stop, we would like to ask again what your real-time rendering solution of choice may be, if you are not solely relying on Vectorworks for your site design rendering.

 

Of course, we would love to see examples, and if you are excited enough to share your story, we may just tap into your expertise by asking to host a coffee break, you tube video or webinar...or contribute to a blog story or media article. 

 

If you are considering the implementation of a real-time rendering solution, or moving from one to another, which one are you considering?

 

Thank you for your consideration and responses.

 

Best regards,

Eric

[bcd]

Hi Eric,

Lumion is my choice here for sure. It's reliable, produces great results, has an extensive library & LiveSync from the VW model is very stable.

 

 

 

Happy to dive into discussing it in more detail.

 

Edited February 13 by bcd

[Jeff Prince]

I use TwinMotion when I need something nice, Vectorworks when I need something quick.

I outsource when I need something amazing 🙂

 

 

 

[cberg]

@Jeff Prince I am assuming that image was generated in Twinmotion?  Is your image Raytraced, or do you use the Mac Version of the software?

 

If so, it is interesting to compare Renderings from the two packages. Lumion software rents at $749 USD/Year, which is certainly an investment. One might be able to bake it into the fee structure for certain projects.  Or if there's enough render work to justify.  The quality is superb.

 

Twinmotion's quality may be slightly less sharp, but it's pretty darn good.  TM is much more cost-effective, especially when you factor in Vectorwork's promotion a few years ago.  A full version of TM software runs $749 USD (Perpetual) with a $199 upgrade cost if you've ever had a commercial license.  I haven't even upgraded to the better engine.

 

C

 

Edited February 13 by cberg

[Jeff Prince]

3 hours ago, cberg said:

@Jeff Prince I am assuming that image was generated in Twinmotion?  Is your image Raytraced, or do you use the Mac Version of the software?

 

If so, it is interesting to compare Renderings from the two packages. Lumion software rents at $749 USD/Year, which is certainly an investment. One might be able to bake it into the fee structure for certain projects.  Or if there's enough render work to justify.  The quality is superb.

 

Twinmotion's quality may be slightly less sharp, but it's pretty darn good.  TM is much more cost-effective, especially when you factor in Vectorwork's promotion a few years ago.  A full version of TM software runs $749 USD (Perpetual) with a $199 upgrade cost if you've ever had a commercial license.  I haven't even upgraded to the better engine.

 

C

 

I did that in the early adopter/free version of Twinmotion on a Mac.  Made two  different renderings and blended them in Affinity Photo for the effect.

 

it’s rarely cost effective for me to do my own renderings, but I do enjoy using these new real time softwares compared to the early days of ray tracing with Accurender in AutoCAD 🙂

 

if Vectorworks had a better way of managing the switch between VWX plants and ones I’ve built for Twinmotion, I would probably use it more.  I generally have to use a lot of highly detailed, botanically correct plants in my world.

[Ross Harris]

Twinmotion 100% for presentation exteriors. Enscape for something quick - mainly use this for interiors tho.