Research: Computer as Artist

The goal for this midterm presentation was to explore different methods of creating non-photo real architectural images, specifically how architectural renders could be manipulated both during the render process and during post-render processing to create more impressionistic based images that emphasize the sensations of a space (particularly light and color). As the limitations of Revit’s rending engine are well understood by most architects and architecture students, I chose to explore rendering and render manipulation. After completing a model of one of my interior spaces in Revit, I imported the model into 3DS Max. After encountering massive problems with my attempts as rendering and general lack of familiarity with the program, I changed my focus to post-render processing.

After doing more research on post-render processing, I concluded that there were 2 main avenues for creating more artistic images in photoshop: layering and painting. Both require a base render to start with. In this instance, I used a rendered image from Revit.

Then, making sure to save each as a new image, I ran the base image through multiple photoshop filters. For this purpose, the artistic and stylized filters work best. It is necessary to make adjustments to the base settings (brush stroke, detail, texture) to create the proper balance of clarity and artist design.

After creating 3-4 different filtered images, I layered them over the original image, adjusting opacity to emphasize different filters.

Individual layers can be manipulated. Curves, in particular, works well to adjust the brightness and contrast to an image with more control than using Brightness/Contrast.

The lasso tool may also be used to affect a certain area of the image. In this case, I used the lasso tool to isolate the ceiling to help to differentiate it from the walls.



The resulting image:

The painting method also requires a base image. If the goal is to digitally paint the entire image, a line drawing works well as a base image. In this case I used a realistic render and painted on top of it. It is important to explore different brush types, opacities, different paint methods such as burn or luminosity.

When selecting colors, it is important to use a color existing in the image as a base and then to adjust from there to create a more unified color pallet.

The resulting image:

I would like to explore running the painted image through the filter process eventually as well.