Architectural Animation for Renovation Projects: Bell Uptown Charlotte Case
Architectural animation is often used to visualize renovations — and this project is a perfect example. Here, our client — Builders Design, a Maryland-based design studio with over 45 years of experience in homebuilding, real estate, and hospitality — needed marketing visuals for their renovation of Bell Uptown Charlotte, a luxury high-rise apartment building in North Carolina.
To promote the project, Builders Design contacted our 3D rendering studio to create a CGI animation that showcases the renovation and transformation of the building.
Curious how architectural animation for existing buildings works? Read on!
#1. Project Overview
This was a renovation architectural visualization for an existing residential building — not a concept. Every detail had to match the real structure. Architectural animation for renovation projects requires this level of precision to be effective.
Bell Uptown Charlotte sits in one of the city’s most desirable neighborhoods. Romare Bearden Park and Bank of America Stadium are within walking distance. The LYNX Blue Line is just blocks away, and bike paths make car-free living easy. Charlotte’s South End — known for art galleries, breweries, and restaurants — is only minutes away.
For references, we received geolocation data, building plans, photos of the structure, the new exterior paint scheme, and drone footage.
#2. Challenges of CGI for Existing Buildings
CGI for existing residential buildings is harder than new construction. There’s no room for approximation — proportions and details must match reality exactly.
3D modeling of existing buildings requires precision. Any error would be obvious to anyone who knows the property. The 3D animation for building renovation had to show the real structure while highlighting planned improvements.
#3. 3D Modeling and Renovation Visualization
We used reference-based modeling to recreate Bell Uptown Charlotte. Building plans, photos, and drone footage helped us match every architectural element.
The detailing of the façade was crucial for creating the CGI of the high-rise building renovation. The new paint scheme needed to look convincing on the existing structure. We then optimized the model for smooth camera movements and efficient rendering — essential for quality architectural visualization for renovation.
#4. Drone Footage and CGI Integration
A powerful technique for architectural animation for renovation projects is blending real drone footage with CGI. This drone CGI integration architecture approach mixes reality with visualization.
The process requires camera matching — aligning our virtual camera with the drone’s position, angle, and movement. Perspective and lighting must be perfect. For architectural animation for downtown renovation like this, the technique shows the building in its actual surroundings.
#5. Urban Context
Urban architectural animation needs to capture the dense city environment. The building interacts with neighbors, streets, and the skyline.
For Bell Uptown Charlotte, we showed how the renovated building fits the Uptown neighborhood. This architectural animation for real estate marketing balanced renovation details with lifestyle benefits — parks, entertainment, and transit nearby.
#6. Results
The animation is now used on the project’s website for marketing. Architectural animation for renovation projects like this one helps attract residents by showing the end result before renovation is complete. Architectural animation with drone footage makes the visuals even more convincing by grounding CGI in real surroundings.
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We’re grateful to Builders Design for the smooth collaboration and look forward to future projects together.
Need to showcase your renovation project? Use our CGI services — and get results that go beyond expectations!
Catherine Paul
Content Writer, Editor at ArchiCGI
Catherine is a content writer and editor. In her articles, she explains how CGI is transforming the world of architecture and design. Outside of office, she enjoys yoga, travelling, and watching horrors.
