Architectural visualisation (archviz) has undergone a radical transformation over the last few decades. Traditionally, architects and designers relied on static renderings, hand-drawn sketches, and physical models to showcase their visions. However, with the rise of video game technology, the landscape of archviz has evolved to offer immersive, dynamic, and interactive experiences that blur the lines between reality and digital design. This shift has been propelled by innovations in game engines, 3D models, and real-time rendering, all of which have reshaped how spaces are visualised, presented, and experienced.
In this blog, we’ll explore the intersection of gaming technology and architectural visualisation, focusing on how tools like real-time rendering, 3D textures, and digital fabrics have enhanced realism and interactivity in architectural design.
The gaming industry has long been at the forefront of cutting-edge visual technologies. Early video games, with their pixelated environments, served as rudimentary simulations of real-world spaces. However, advances in graphics processing units (GPUs), real-time rendering engines, and 3D modelling software have propelled the video game industry to offer hyper-realistic environments that mimic the complexities of the real world. These technologies are now being adapted for architectural visualisation, allowing 3D artists to create immersive, interactive experiences that were once the stuff of science fiction.
One of the biggest breakthroughs in gaming technology is real-time rendering, powered by advanced game engines like Unreal Engine and Unity. These engines allow for the instant generation of photorealistic environments, making it possible for architects and designers to explore their designs in a highly detailed, dynamic way. In the past, rendering an architectural scene could take hours or even days. Today, with real-time rendering, it’s possible to see changes to a design immediately—whether it’s adjusting lighting, altering materials, or experimenting with spatial layouts. This interactivity allows for faster decision-making, better collaboration, and more intuitive presentations for clients.
An often overlooked aspect of video game environments is the role of textures. In video games, textures are crucial for creating lifelike surfaces—whether that’s the roughness of a stone wall, the shine of polished metal, or the softness of fabric. These textures, and the techniques behind them, have become just as essential in architectural visualisation.
In the world of archviz, 3D textures are used to simulate materials like wood, stone, glass, and textiles, offering a highly detailed, realistic representation of how a material will look in a space. Twinbru’s 3D fabrics, for example, are designed to seamlessly integrate into digital environments, giving designers the flexibility to simulate fabric textures that react to light, movement, and interaction within a virtual space. The level of realism offered by these textures allows designers to present not just a static image of a room but a complete sensory experience where fabrics, upholstery, and finishes appear as lifelike as they would in the real world.
For instance, a designer working on a digital rendering of a living room might use Twinbru’s 3D fabrics to show how a sofa will look in various lighting conditions or how the fabric’s texture changes when touched. This level of detail adds another layer of immersion for clients, who can experience the space in previously impossible ways with traditional 2D renderings or physical models.
One of the most significant changes in architectural visualisation has been the widespread adoption of game engines. Unreal Engine, initially developed for the gaming industry, is now used extensively in archviz to create interactive and immersive environments. With its ability to render complex, high-quality graphics in real-time, Unreal Engine has transformed how architects and designers present their work to clients and stakeholders.
Similarly, Unity, another popular game engine, is becoming increasingly common in architectural visualisation for its versatility and ease of use. Both engines allow for the creation of highly detailed 3D environments that can be explored interactively. This has given rise to Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) applications in architecture, where clients can step into a fully immersive digital model of a building before it's even constructed.
Incorporating 3D fabric simulations into these engines further enhances the realism of these experiences. Great digital assets offers designers the ability to integrate realistic fabric textures directly into their VR and AR environments. Whether designing a luxury hotel lobby or a modern office space, there is a tangible sense of depth and texture that elevates the realism of the design.
Several iconic video games have had a profound influence on architectural visualisation, particularly when it comes to the creation of virtual environments. Games like The Sims, Minecraft, and SimCity have been lauded for their ability to build and simulate complex structures and urban landscapes.
For example, The Sims has allowed players to design and decorate homes with a wide range of furniture, materials, and finishes. This game’s influence on architectural design is particularly evident in the way it allows for the experimentation with different design styles and spatial configurations. While the game's primary aim is not architectural design, it has inspired countless architects and interior designers to explore new ways of thinking about spaces.
In Minecraft, the simplicity of block-based construction has given rise to a whole community of architects who use the game to experiment with digital architectural design in a playful, creative way. Similarly, SimCity has had a lasting impact on urban planning, with its city-building mechanics providing insights into zoning, traffic flow, and resource management. These games, among others, have bridged the gap between video game design and architectural practice, offering valuable lessons in spatial organisation, material simulation, and design thinking.
As technology continues to evolve, the future of architectural visualisation looks even more exciting. Real-time rendering engines like Unreal Engine and Unity are becoming more powerful, offering new possibilities for interactivity, realism, and immersion. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning into design tools is also promising to revolutionise the way designers create and modify architectural models.
Moreover, the increasing integration of virtual and augmented reality technologies is expected to push the boundaries of how architects and clients interact with spaces. As VR and AR become more accessible, architects will be able to offer fully immersive design experiences that allow clients to step into digital representations of their future spaces. In this context, the role of 3D textures and digital fabrics, like those offered by Twinbru, will continue to be vital in ensuring that these virtual environments are as realistic and engaging as possible.
Furthermore, the growing use of gaming technology in architectural visualisation is not just limited to high-end professionals or large-scale projects. With the democratisation of game engines and the rise of affordable VR/AR devices, smaller design firms and individual designers can now take advantage of these tools to create immersive, interactive environments that showcase their work in innovative ways.
The influence of video game technology on architectural visualisation has been profound, offering architects and designers new ways to explore, present, and experience their designs. With the advent of game engines, real-time rendering, and highly detailed 3D textures, the line between virtual and physical spaces is becoming increasingly blurred. Our digital textures are at the forefront of this transformation, providing designers with tools to create photorealistic virtual environments that engage the senses and tell compelling stories. As technology continues to evolve, we can only imagine what the next frontier of architectural visualisation will look like, but one thing is certain—gaming technology will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the future of design.