If a 3D walkthrough is the best way to showcase the interior design of an architectural project, a 3D flythrough is an ideal option to highlight the exterior elements. Both are animated architectural visualizations, differing only in camera movements and perspectives. A 3D flythrough sees everything from a birds-eye perspective, which means viewers are positioned as flying over the building and the surrounding area. A 3D flythrough is mostly popular for large residential projects thanks to the aerial POV.
However, it does not mean a small architectural project cannot use the same animated render. Combined with the more conventional eye-level walkthrough, a 3D flythrough helps architects showcase exterior styles and details. It also helps clients understand the spatial design of a project more efficiently.
The cost of 3D animated 3D flythrough
Much like all other animated renders, 3D flythrough design services are not cheap. The pricing is established based on various factors, encompassing the project’s scale, the intricacy of the model, environmental elements, and the project’s duration. The visual effects, as well as camera movement/transition, are also essential aspects to consider. Finally, the deadline and number of revisions can add to the total cost. Extra elements like storytelling and secondary assets in the animation (people, cars, animals, or trees) increase the complexity, too.
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The average price for a top-quality architectural “static” render is around $1,000. You can get away with good-quality static visualization for $500 – $800. Remember, the price is only for one still image, and a smooth animation (at least when viewed on a modern screen) should contain at least 24 images per second (24fps rate). Some studios also offer services to create 60fps animations. Duration is an important factor because longer animations also use more images. Providing an exact price range is impossible as the cost depends entirely on each project’s specifics. For the same reasons, most 3D architectural rendering experts are reluctant to provide upfront information about pricing.
The project size might seem like the most significant cost factor, but it can change if clients provide additional 3D assets for the modeling work. Even if the 3D flythrough or 3D architectural animation project itself is monumental, the scope of work is not always as large. Using recycled 3D assets or a combination of drone footage and CGI can minimize the cost to a certain extent. The professionals you hire for the job and the location will significantly affect the cost. A freelancer or CGI studio in the United States and Canada will likely charge more money, perhaps twice higher, than their counterparts in China or India.
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Ways to reduce the cost of 3D flythrough design services
Considering how labor-intensive, hardware-demanding, and complex a 3D flythrough project is, it only makes sense if a single short animation can cost thousands of dollars. A reputable company or freelancer will not do the job for anything less than $1000 unless the duration only lasts a few seconds or you’ve hired an inexperienced 3D flythrough designer. However, price is not always a definitive mark of quality, and you can always negotiate the term with the studio/freelancers before you sign the deal. Although $5,000 is probably the bare minimum for an architectural animation of any reasonable quality, there are some methods to help save money.
1. Focus on key points only
A comprehensive 3D architectural flythrough should encompass all areas of the house or building, spanning from the driveway to the front door and extending from the backyard to the roof. A 3D flythrough also makes a big deal of the surrounding environment, including the neighborhood and nearby public facilities. The problem is that a comprehensive 3D flythrough costs a lot of money. If a minute of full HD animation costs $5,000, a lengthy visualization can set you back twice or three times as much.
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An effective way to save money – without sacrificing quality – is to highlight only the most critical points of the presentation. For example, the 3D architectural animation professional may only showcase the landscape design at a glance instead of following the cobblestone footpaths from the gate to the garage. Lengthy animation does not always equal effective visualization.
While it is true that viewers spend more time analyzing exterior elements and details, they still might not be able to capture the ambiance due to information overload. The whole purpose of a 3D architectural 3D flythrough is to take the audience into the virtual world and create a lasting impression on their mind. It is not about giving as much information as possible but about providing the correct information to trigger a flow of curiosity among viewers.
2. Provide readily-available materials
A good portion goes towards 3D modeling design services. An animated 3D flythrough does not just happen, and the render artists work closely with 3D modelers or purchase ready-made assets from an online marketplace. A 3D flythrough meant to showcase furniture, windows, doors, cars, trees, clouds, and nearby public facilities must use 3D models for those elements in the first place. The cost for the walkthrough increases with every additional asset.
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If possible, include some relevant 3D building models with the project brief. The rendering artist doesn’t have to create every from scratch, and the cost decreases accordingly. There might be refinements necessary, but the scope of work is small compared to the alternative. A 3D architectural walkthrough can use real video from a drone, too. Once all the models are ready, the work begins by inserting 3D models into the footage. The more assets you can include in the project brief, the more affordable the project will be.
Some 3D architectural modeling studios have an extensive database of 3D assets from previous projects. Not every model in the library suits your specific requirements, but chances are you can use generic models like vehicles, animals, people, road signs, home appliances, and trees. They are secondary elements in the 3D flythrough, so using generic models to save money shouldn’t be a problem. The elements are there to enhance the realism effect. The 3D flythrough doesn’t suffer in their absence, and viewers may not even notice, but a few extra details at no cost cannot hurt.
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3. Submit a comprehensive brief
The 3D flythrough can be concise, but the brief should be as comprehensive as you can manage. Besides the technical matters like duration, resolution, frame rate, and format, a client must prepare an explanation about the specific purpose and style of the 3D flythrough. A 3D flythrough intended for investors might need a different approach to styling from an animation for consumers. It is also essential to specify weather conditions, time of day, camera movement, footage coverage, soundtrack, voiceover, and list of buildings.
Even the atmosphere or horizon (sky color, clouds, wildlife, vegetation, and land characteristics) must also be specified. The point of providing a detailed brief is to avoid having too many revisions at the end of the project. Frequent back and forth from the artist to the client also add to the turnaround time, and minimum turnaround and zero revision can cut the cost to a reasonable degree. To guarantee that you possess the necessary information before commencing the 3D flythrough project, it is recommended to solicit the animator for a comprehensive list of files that ought to be incorporated.
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4. Hire ahead of schedule
When you place the order, you cannot expect a CGI freelancer or 3D architectural animation studio to immediately put your project at the top of the priority list. Every professional strives to maintain and improve quality, and a rushed project comes with challenges as it requires the animators to work many times quicker than average without sacrificing details.
Any new project may have to wait in line until the animators evaluate the brief. If you must get the 3D flythrough done as quickly as possible, putting aside all other projects in the process, you will pay an additional fee. There is nothing wrong or even remotely unusual about it. You can save money by hiring the service ahead of schedule. There is no extra cost without overtime and a sleepless night or two on the animator’s part.
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5. Maintain active communication
Another suitable method to avoid revisions and miscommunication is to keep in touch with the animator throughout the project. Prompt feedback and quick response lead to a compelling discussion between buyer and seller. Regular communication, either via email or video conference, allows the client to monitor progress and offer inputs every step of the way. The animators receive feedback on every deliverable, and the client is constantly informed about any updates and changes to the project.
Minimizing guesswork is the most effective approach to saving money on a 3D flythrough project. By providing a comprehensive project brief and 3D assets for the modeling process, the animator has fewer things to worry about. A smaller scope of services comes at a smaller fee and a shorter turnaround time.
How Cad Crowd can assist
To make great architectural designs, you’ll need to hire the right people— an expert with great expertise, experience, and software. At Cad Crowd, we have what it takes to give you or your clients impressive designs. Reach out and request a free quote when you need architectural or 3D rendering services. We are here to help.