Yugyeong Lee Looking Outwards 05

rendered walkthrough using Unreal Engine 4

Rendering, in profession of architecture, is essential as realistic visualization ultimately betters the understandings of a project for clients than architectural drawings. Through the evolving technology, 3D video game engines grew to be available for architects as developers of game Gears of War allowed their rendering software Unreal Engine to be free to architects as well as other video game render engines that became more cost efficient for architects.
another rendered walkthrough using Unreal Engine 4

However, utilizing video game engines have both pros and cons. Through this technology, architects can produce realistic, animated walkthroughs as shown above that enhance understanding of experiential and spatial qualities such as light in a shorter amount of time. And the fact that this technology is available to architects for free is the most convincing reason to integrate the program into architectural process. On the other hand, it requires time to learn as well as adjust into a new workflow that might further complicates the process. Also, the engine itself was created for video games creating stylistic differences from other architectural renderings. It is possible for architectural programs to evolve into what video game engine provides. Therefore, the debate comes down to who will step forward to make that change occur.