Markers vs. 3D Max

     I found these fashion sketches/illustrations during my hunt for a pair of patent leather pumps for work. Yes I know, random, but it reminded me of a question that was discussed quite frequently during my school years:


Which is more effective overall in the design industry: hand renderings or computer renderings?


     The most popular answer to this would be that both has its place in the industry. The common response is while loosely rendered sketches are essential in residential projects, complete 3d renderings are mandatory in commercial projects. 

    
      One of my favorite blogs is 
A Schematic Life. Michelle does such a great job showing us that even these simple renderings give us the overall idea of what the space looks like, feels like, and yet still give us room to imagine ourselves in it. 
     In some ways, these loose renderings can communicate more information than a 3d rendering. While a 3d rendering illustrates a room/building accurately down to every inch, what it lacks is a hierarchy and the human touch in design. In the sketch to the left, though the drawing may not be accurate down to the last 1/2 inch, the proportions, color, and overall idea is still being communicated accurately. Most importantly, it shows us what the key pieces and ideas are in this setting: the green sofa, contrasted by two black wing chairs, an iconic flooring, and the same shape on the back wall mimicking the floor pattern. Whether that hierarchy is verbally communicated to our clients or not, a rendering like this one will allow them to understand that naturally. 


     What I do have to admit is that 3d drawings are just a standard now in the industry. With investors pouring millions of dollars into commercial projects, these investors demand to know what EXACTLY they are getting for their money. 
     These 3d renderings are so life-like. They show you exactly how the light will enter the windows, exactly how all elements of the room will work together. You can even set the rendering to particular times in the year and how that will affect the lighting of that specific room! 3d renderings make design possible for those that may not be the most visually geared person - and that's okay! If anything, 3d renderings helps us reach an entirely new market of clients. 
     Still, I don't feel like every commercial project has be to done in 3d. Disney, for example, makes million dollar investments on the expansion of their parks. Still,  they do all their rendering loosely as well, and go into detail for construction when needed. 

Concept drawings for the new California Disney Main Street 2012

     At the end of the day, perhaps it's not the type of project that determines the appropriate rendering technique so much as the type of CLIENT. 
     Though 3d renderings have always fascinated me, my heart is still closely attached to hand rendered drawings - for residential and commercial projects.  Loose renderings allow the mind to wander and leave room for our clients to fill in the gaps with their own imagination. It's such an important part of the design process to create a comfortable forum for our clients to give us their input- after all, it is their money and their investment.