Architectural 3D renders and 3D animation are a must for creating impactful presentations for interior or exterior design projects. Both options produce spectacular results and are equally good for influencing investors and future customers. But what kind of 3D visualization works better? As a company that produces both architectural 3D visualization services and professional 3D animation, we have compiled an ultimate list of benefits and disadvantages of both for an architect to find out.
Architectural 3D Renders: Use Static Or Animated?
To choose wisely, let’s evaluate both types of Architectural CGI according to such crucial criteria as visual impact, interactivity, story-telling element and cost.
#1. Quality Of Graphics
Professional 3D Max architectural visualization can look breathtaking. Exterior 3D rendering service has the power to show the building in any camera view, time of day or season. So does 3D animation. In addition, it has other means of expression. Such as movement, sound, and special effects. Unlike static architectural 3D renders, animated 3D videos can show fire crackling in the fireplace, water ripples in the swimming pool, and trees swaying in the wind. This is much more convincing when it comes to real estate pitching or advertising.
#2. Motion

3D walkthroughs with motion have become crucial for important project presentations. And for good reason. Why look at a static image when you can be taken on an animated tour around the property?
This has become possible with 3D architectural animations. The complexity of such projects can vary greatly. One can create a basic 3D animated video even by putting together several architectural 3D renders. Moving pictures are perfect for allowing clients to feel like they are visiting the property for real.
Take your design presentation to a new level with interior rendering
#3. Immersiveness
Immersion is another important part of an architectural presentation. It helps to show the selling points of the project and establish an emotional connection with it. Architectural 3D renders and 3D animation both can give this effect. Animated visuals, however, have an advantage. They convey the layout better and create a feeling of seeing the scene with one’s own eyes. That is why a 3D interior rendering company makes the 3D animation feel like a real estate showing.
#4. Visual Storytelling

Visual storytelling is another crucial element of marketing that is helpful in architectural project presentations. Here architectural 3D renders and 3D animated videos have plenty of ways to tell a selling story without words. However, there are several cases where architectural animation has more functionality, and visual storytelling is one of them. Video format gives a perfect opportunity to use cinematographe devices tested by time in addition to standard techniques used in advertising: adding relatable context, showing content visitors or dwellers, dramatic POVs and so on. This makes moving CGI better for selling your ideas.
#5. Affordability And Time
Architectural 3D renders truly shine when it comes to price and turnaround time. 3D rendering process isn’t fast, but it takes just 24 hours to get a set of gorgeous photorealistic pictures. A single 3D animated video may take weeks or even months to make and requires different set of skills from 3D visualizers, obviously costing more than static renders. Who wins here is up to you – do you have time and funds or not?
Want to learn how much your project costs? See how we evaluate 3D rendering projects
All in all, the best solution for project presentations is combining architectural 3D renders and 3D animation. For example, a video can be shown on screen while images are handed out to attendees or sent via email or social media. 3D renders can be also enhanced with some interactivity, like 360-degree views, VR and sliders with variable decor elements, color and lighting – be creative. To sway investors with gorgeous visualizations of your designs, we have a perfect solution just for you. Make your architectural presentations stellar with our professional ArchiCGI services!

Irma Prus
Content Writer, Copywriter
Irma writes articles and marketing copy for ArchiCGI. Her dream is that more people discover the power of CGI for architecture. Irma is into neuromarketing, ruby chocolate and Doctor Who series.