Having lots of high-quality project visuals is a must for architects and real estate experts. That’s because to catch a potential client’s attention, their portfolios, social media, and presentations have to look irresistible. But taking alluring photos for this purpose is impossible when the project is at the design or construction stage. In this case, 3D visualization comes to help. With CGI, you can have any number of images to cover all your needs. You can order CG pictures of the future look of your designs shown from different angles, as well as in different weather conditions, times of the day, and seasons. So, there is quite a lot of creative freedom. But what are the best angles for architectural exterior rendering? What to ask of 3D artists to bring your vision to life at its finest?

Our architectural visualization studio knows how to help architects and real estate experts make the most of exterior rendering. So, if you want to discover the best and most winning angles to present your designs, read on! 

#1. Eye-level 

This type of architectural exterior rendering shows the construction from the viewpoint pedestrians would see it. Such an angle is the best for the viewer to understand how they will perceive the building when passing it by or going into it. In a sense, this is the most natural viewpoint. In such an architectural rendering, it might be a good idea to have people, cars, or other secondary elements added. They will enliven the image and make it more atmospheric. 

However, if a building is tall, there is a good chance the whole of it will not fit into the eye-level rendering. That’s why you will probably need additional renders to show the project in its entirety. 

#2. Elevated 

Our next option on the list of the best angles for architectural exterior rendering is an elevated view. In comparison to the eye-level perspective, it shows the building a bit from afar, so it’s a convenient solution to showcase the project more comprehensively. Namely, this angle allows you to show some more of the surroundings. This way, the viewer can see how the exterior will work with the neighboring structures and the location in general.  

#3. Aerial

3D Exterior Rendering at a Bird-biew Angle

Aerial (also called bird-view) angles show buildings from both afar and above. They look just like photos made from a drone or even a helicopter. Using this imagery is the best way to demonstrate a tall building in full splendor. What’s more, the viewer will see how it would work not only with the immediate surroundings but also with the whole neighborhood. Whether the architect wants the exterior to blend in or stand out, this angle will show it off.

Making the background for aerial angles in 3D can be quite a long process. One can opt for either full-CGI option or photo montage, which will impact the exterior rendering cost. The fastest, most budget-friendly solution is to use photo montage rendering. Using this technique, a photoreal render of the future building or group of buildings is blended seamlessly into the real-life photo of the environment taken by a drone. This saves time and money while making the architectural rendering stunningly realistic. 

#4. Worm’s eye

Next on the list of the best angles for architectural exterior rendering is the polar opposite of the aerial view – the worm’s eye angle. It’s the lowest angle, lower than the eye level. A worm’s eye view shows the structure from the bottom up and is used to emphasize its scale. The impact of this perspective is especially huge when it comes to skyscrapers. While the previous angles are more about informativity, the worm’s eye architectural rendering works best for evoking an emotional response. With such an image, the viewer is bound to be impressed by the exterior’s grandeur. 

#5. Close-up

Close-up 3D View of a Building

Last but not least on our list of the best angles for architectural exterior rendering is a close-up view. Close-up angles have two main benefits. First of all, they provide additional information on materials, design details, and any selling points that might be left unnoticed in distant views. Secondly, this angle allows the audience to establish a better emotional connection with the project. Focusing on the architectural details creates a more intimate atmosphere, as well as allows the viewer to imagine themselves almost touching the exterior surface. As a rule of thumb, close-up shots don’t work on their own but make a great addition to renderings with more distant camera angles.

Make sure your exterior design project takes your clients’ breath away

These were the 5 widely used angles for architectural exterior rendering that can cover all the bases of your project. Whether you need to convey information on the building’s design and neighborhood, impress the viewer with the structure’s grandeur, or appeal to the audience’s emotions by focusing on details, CGI is the best tool to do it all.

Looking for professional exterior 3D visualization services? Contact us at ArchiCGI to get top-notch 3D imagery with the “On time or for free” guarantee! 


Daryna Romaniv
Senior Client Manager

Daryna is a Senior client manager at ArchiCGI. She can guide you through our workflow and quickly resolve any issue along the way. In her spare time, Daryna enjoys cooking, reading fantasy books, and watching “Friends”. She also loves traveling, especially to sunny Italy.