Adding A Dimension To Interior Design: The 3D Experience

What Is 3-D Interior Design?

Interior designing is the art of enhancing an interior space by converting it into an aesthetically pleasing area. With growing technologies, interior design has become simpler.

The use of computers to generate 3D layouts similar to the actual design helping in visualizing better and more effectively, is known as 3D interior design.

3D interior designing omits the tireless work of drawing and sketching layout to visualize a space.

3D models are specifically used to showcase how a particular undertaking will look.

Background Of 3-D Designing

3D designing has been here since the 1960s. It was created by people working as computer engineers who had more knowledge of the working of computers than any designer or architect.

The first person to introduce the world to 3D designing was Ivan Sutherland. He designed a program called sketchpad that allowed people to draw 3D objects.

Ivan Sutherland, together with David Evans were the first ones to teach students about 3D designing. They also started the first 3D graphics company in 1969.

Here, they worked with 3D designing in various fields relating to advertising and TV.

Eventually, people slowly began to realize the benefits of 3D designing which led to its wider use, including in the field of interior design.

Creating 3-D Models

Creating 3D models is the next big step in 3D interior designing. Here is how one can make such models:

1. Mechanized/ Automatic - The name itself suggests that it requires the use of electronics (here, a 3D scanner) to create models.
2. Manual - In this method, the designer has to use a program to make the sketches. This method is more time consuming than the previous method.
   

Programs For Creating 3-D Models

3D models can be created using many programs and software, giving interior designers the freedom to work at their preference. Listed below are a few programs and software used by interior designers:

1. Blender - The most popular software for 3D modelling, the blender is free software that is easy to use.
2. Adobe Aero - It is a powerful new augmented reality (AR) tool. Adobe Aero comes with 2D, 3D assets perfect for interior designing.
3. SketchUp - A perfect tool to aid your 3D modelling, SketchUp is here to make your work easier.
4. Fusion 360 - Fusion 360 is another software that makes your work simpler by providing flexible 3D CAD software.
5. Tinkercad - It is a free-to-use application that provides a platform for new generation designers and engineers.

Companies such as Tooliqa are working tirelessly to improve the user experience in 3D using deep tech, engineering and computer vision.

Steps Used For 3-D Visualization

1. Collecting References - One of the most crucial steps in any field of designing is collecting reference images. Reference images help formulate ideas.
2. Scaling and Measurement - This step is quite essential before starting 3D modelling. Measurements help provide an accurate representation of the space.
3. Creating Objects - The first step that marks the start of the 3D visualisation process is creating objects of a particular space based on predetermined measurements and scale.
4. Addition of Physical Qualities - Adding materials, textures and other qualities is the next step. Different materials have different properties that make them react differently to environmental impacts such as the sun.
5. Light Sources - Adding a light source is as important as the rest of the steps. Light sources need to be accurate to avoid any blunder. The depth, brightness and shadows created by the light source provide a better understanding of the project.
6. Virtual Cameras - Positioning virtual cameras for the client can help them visualise their space effectively. They can then suggest their opinions or doubts and get them resolved.
7. Rendering - The final step - rendering. There is a certain amount of precision when it comes to 3D rendering. This helps in presenting concepts skillfully and successfully.  

How to get equilibrium in Interior Designing?

The other important question every interior designer faces is - How to bring balance to their work?

Improper distribution of objects around a room leads to a visual imbalance that instantly makes the space unattractive.

Balance/equilibrium in interior designing is the visual representation of a space that is aesthetically appealing.

Here are a few styles of balance used by many interior designers:

1. Symmetrical Balance - Most pleasing to the eye, symmetrical balance is the simplest and most used balance type to create traditional style looks. It is usually preferred for square-shaped spaces.
2. Asymmetrical Balance - For a modern style, asymmetrical balance is much sought after. In asymmetrical balance, interior designers focus on balancing the visual weight of objects on one side of the room with other articles of similar composition on the other side.
3. Radical Balance - The rarest of them, radical balance, is concerned with curved structures in the interior. From staircases to chandeliers, radical balance is hard to achieve due to the difficulty in finding elements that go along with it.

Essential Aspects Of 3-D Interior Design

Some aspects need to be considered when designing and balancing a room.

The following aspects have the power to make to break a design:

• Emphasis - It is of utmost importance for a designer to guide the eyes of a person visiting a room to where the client wants to direct. Rooms without any focus can seem disrupted and unappealing. Methods to create emphasis:

1. Furniture placements
2. Pattern
3. Texture

• Contrast - Contrast is quite a common concept seen in people's rooms. It is advised to use colours on the opposite ends of the colour spectrum. Methods to create contrast:

1. Colours
2. Textures
3. Materials

• Rhythm - Rhythm creates a sense of flow in the room. Variety is the key it exciting. Methods to create contrast:

1. Repetition
2. Colours
3. Sizes

Benefits of 3-D Interior Design

1. Easy Visualization - Clients can see your ideas in front of their eyes and express their opinions.
2. Driving Consensus - Thanks to 3D designing, the client and designer can finally be on the same page about things, further avoiding confusion.
3. Time-saving - drawing and sketching multiple options take time, with 3D designing can allow people to experiment with colors and layout in a wink.
4. Legal Agreement - A good 3D interior design package comes with the city's regulatory guidelines. That means you don't need a separate due diligence.

Drawbacks of 3-D Interior Design

With so many upsides, it is only natural that 3D interior design comes with its shortcomings:

1. People can work conveniently with the software, making it a tough competition for people trying to stand out in this field.
2. Due to online platforms, some companies might not return to offline office work routines which, in turn, affects their social life.

However, the true costs and benefits assessment would factor in lot many variables and so, only time can have a final verdict on such technologies.

Read also: Why Interior Designers Need 3-D Modelling | Insights - Tooliqa

Tooliqa specializes in AI, Computer Vision and Deep Technology to help businesses simplify and automate their processes with our strong team of experts across various domains.

Want to know more on how AI can result in business process improvement? Let our experts guide you.

Reach out to us at business@tooli.qa.

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