The three-dimensional interior design technology has grown a lot for the better in the past decades. With most of the companies testing 3D prototypes instead of building final prototypes, 3D modelling has seen various applications.
Moreover, interior designers use 3D rendering to showcase their design ideas via 3D images. Companies like Tooliqa are significantly contributing by covering major aspects of machine learning in interior design.
Let’s dive deep into its history and learn about breakthroughs that gave rise to the three-dimensional interior design technology boom in 2021.
What is 3D Modelling?
3D modelling is used to create a digital representation of an object or space in three dimensions. It’s a subset of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software that has various use cases in interior designing, film, animation, architecture, etc. It’s mostly used to create prototypes of products that when approved by the client are greenlit for working on the final product.
Vision-based 3D modelling is used to get a 3D representation of an indoor setting with furnishing intact with correct measurements.
This helps in planning the floor plan before designing or redecorating the interiors.
History
3D modelling dates back to the 1960s when its foundation was laid by Ivan Sutherland who developed Sketchpad – one of the first graphical user interfaces.
This led to the development of imaging software like CAD.
Almost all user interfaces we see today have their origin in Sketchpad. Modern 3D modelling was developed in the 1990s when CAD was at its peak. Free software like Blender gained widespread recognition. At that time, 3D modelling was popular among users of all levels with students being taught and certified in Blender software and it being added to the university level curriculum.
By the end of the 1990s, a new and emerging manufacturing technology called 3D printing was popularized. With 3D printing operating on different rules and constraints, new software surfaced to cater to 3D printing.
Since 2000, CAD and 3D modelling software have evolved for better with cloud software wherein files and accounts can be accessed from anywhere in the world.
Recent Developments
Breakthroughs in 3D modelling have given rise to many futuristic technologies that could be a boon for mankind.
Technologies like 3D printing have made it possible to create product prototypes within a few hours. With advancements in virtual reality technology, companies are creating virtual reality tours that teleport the audience to a new world.
However, if data is inaccurate, for example, if the structure of the sofa is incorrect, then the VR experience would take a hit. To solve this, 3D captures and mapping technology use scanners to capture accurate mappings of real-life furnishings, so users get to experience a virtual reality that’s not far from reality.
3D model design and testing technology are used to test dozens of scenarios virtually without creating a prototype every single time. For instance, car companies used it for crash modelling to design a car that collapses without harming the passengers.
What is 3D printing?
3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is the process of creating a physical model of an object using a digital 3D model.
3D printing has revolutionized many sectors and has opened new avenues. For instance, this technology is used in interior design to build special elements like décor, lighting and furniture. It’s sustainable, more efficient, and easier to use and that’s the reason why most of the companies worldwide use it to produce commodities. It is used to build 3d printed lamps, puzzle chairs, sketch furniture and many more awesome things.
Its significance lies in the usage of materials to build physical objects. 3D printing uses the minimum material to create physical objects using techniques like injection molding to minimize material wastage.
Applications of 3D Modelling in Interior Design
3D modelling has applications in almost every industry; however, the interior design industry has been heavily impacted by it. Let’s look at some of its applications:
- Creating a draft of prospective designs for spaces
Earlier, interior designers faced a lot of difficulty in designing 2D sketches for client approvals. This is especially so because those designs that were rejected would go in vain. But now, with the inclusion of technology and advancements in 3D modelling, designers have the freedom to create drafts of prospective designs for spaces and share them virtually.
Moreover, they can digitally amend their designs from the comfort of their home.
- Interior space management
Interior designers use 3D modelling to map the interiors of a house and show the real-time floor plan. This helps them in planning the space furniture would occupy.
Interior space management using 3D modelling lets clients get a clear picture of how much space they would get after placing all furniture.
- Creating renders for clients to see before the development of interior design projects
With the amalgamation of 3D rendering and 3D modelling technology, interior designers can now get client approvals easily.
Moreover, they can create 3D renders for clients to approve way before they start developing the projects. This enables them to overcome all the shortcomings of the prototype before developing the final product.
Future of 3D Interior Design Technology
Ever since 3D modelling emerged as a revolutionizing technology 40 years ago, it has massively evolved for the better.
3D modelling and interior design are intertwined to reinvent what we think of designing.
With recent breakthroughs in 3D printing and Virtual Reality technologies, the future of 3D modelling is even brighter. Interior designers, with the help of various tech tools, can bring any idea to life, that too very easily.
With 3D rendering technology, the feedback loop is shortened with interior designers editing their designs in real-time from the comfort of their home if the client rejects them. There is no more use of drawing sketches every time the client rejects them.
3D printing technology has made it possible for small companies to make their prototypes easily to pitch their products to investors, but with a low investment.
Virtual reality has promised a bright technological future for interior designing industries as designers can now allow clients to walk through virtual living spaces. Moreover, they get a real measure of scale and space requirement and can now test various designs with a tap of one button.
To know more about insights about 3D modelling and architecture, read our blog on Impact Of 3D Modelling on Architectural Design Education.
Also read: Adding A Dimension To Interior Design: The 3D Experience | Insights - Tooliqa
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