Architectural Visualization Technology Report

The questionnaire asked about the types of technology in use at their firms, the challenges of their workplace, and their attitudes and expectations towards the future of the industry.

The survey reached 5,769 respondents from over 70 countries, reflecting the global scale of today’s architecture and architectural visualization practices. Those surveyed included everyone from freelancers and employees at small studios, to multinational firms with thousands of staff.

Key findings

• Fast changing technologies, including the widespread adoption of BIM and VR, are having a profound impact on the industry
• A majority of architecture and architectural visualization firms will use VR in 2018
• Cloud rendering usage expected to triple in 2018

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Industry changes & challenges

• Increased reliance on technology is the biggest change in architecture and architectural visualization in the past 3 years.
• Respondents from companies of all sizes confirm the most noticeable change in the last few years is the increased reliance on recently introduced technologies such as BIM and VR.
• 70% of those surveyed noted that the increased reliance on technology is the #1 change in the industry over past three years, almost twice as many as the 36% who stated an increased demand for sustainable designs.
• While tight deadlines and limited budgets are always top concerns, 43% of respondents noted that the increased demand for high-end and photorealistic content is also a major challenge.

85% of respondents state that 3D rendered imagery is “very important” to “critical” for winning projects.

Virtual reality

Over two-thirds of architecture and architectural visualization professionals plan to use VR in 2018. While 3D tools have been mainstream for architects and visualization artists for some time, the introduction of virtual reality offers new ways for them to experience their designs. More than half of those surveyed have used VR or are currently experimenting with VR on a project.

Cloud Rendering

Cloud rendering usage could triple in 2018. According to the survey, cloud rendering demand could increase significantly in 2018, with the potential for 233% growth by mid-year, and up to 367% growth by the end of 2018. These numbers could grow even further if any undecided respondents try cloud rendering in 2018.

Download Full Report with industry demographics and charts!