Architectural Visualisation

‘A picture is worth 1,000 words!’ The visual communication of architecture and interior spaces through photography and digital rendering is the first way most of us experience many of the buildings around the world. Understanding how photographers capture these images provides a foundation of knowledge that underpins today’s visualisation industry. What can be learned from architectural photography? How can these principles and skills be transferred to the digital creation of architectural visualisation? 

In this module, you will develop an awareness of composition, balance, exposure control, etc., through architectural photography. Using both analogue and digital forms of photography, you will learn to critically review your work, using precedent imagery for comparison. Alongside this, you will be introduced to the core skills required in architectural visualisation, including modelling, lighting, etc., using industry-standard software. Your critical eye will then be applied to reflect on your digital visualisation work.

Today, ever more advanced equipment and software enable us to incorporate motion into the way we communicate architectural space. The opportunity to navigate the spaces we design (or pay for) is compelling. Since the inception of film and animation, architecture has occupied a strong relationship with moving image. How do we read the architectural forms and spaces that we see on the screen? Why is this relationship important in today’s visualisation industry? 

In this module, you will be introduced to the study of film and animation, and the synergies between these disciplines and architecture. Through a series of lectures and seminars, you will analyse this relationship, developing an understanding of how architecture is depicted within film, games, and animation, deciphering the notion of ‘film space.’ This theory will underpin your practical explorations of time, motion, and space, as you learn the principles of animation, using 2D and 3D software, investigating the use of augmented reality to change architectural space.

In recent years, the range of communication methods of visual presentation has grown as technologies and software have advanced. Whilst this has opened the field to new specialisms, the ability to create dynamic still imagery continues to be a fundamental skill needed throughout the visualisation industry. 

In this module, building on the compositional skills you have developed in the previous term, you will continue to perfect your skills and judgement through the creation of a portfolio of imagery. Continually referencing influential and contemporary work from industry, you will further develop your skills in modelling, lighting, and texturing of digital 3D spaces and environments to an advanced level. Through a series of architectural examples, you will explore the creation of both interior and exterior perspectives, using the latest modelling software and rendering engines.

Since its inception in the 19th Century, moving image has continually evolved, but no more so than in recent years. 360-degree screens and virtual reality immersion are challenging the way we engage with film. Advances in technologies have increased accessibility to immersive experiences, raising expectations across the visualisation industry. What are the different approaches to creating cinematic architectural space when retaining directorial control, compared to when the viewer takes over? 

In this module, you build on the time-based work that you have explored in the previous term, advancing your experience and knowledge of the disciplines of film and virtual reality. You will be taught key principles and skills in film directing, cinematography, film editing, and sound production. Alongside this, you will also explore virtual worlds through game engines and real-time rendering. Using the latest industry-standard software, you will capture and create cinematic depictions of architecture, building your portfolio of work.

The quest for perfection in architectural visualisation can consume disproportionate amounts of time – you can spend 80% of your time completing the final 20% of the image. How do we make the most efficient use of time, using postproduction tools to enhance our imagery to professional standards? How can artificial intelligence help with (or hinder) this process? 

In this module, you will explore techniques in digital postproduction and image manipulation. Developing an understanding of the processes through which traditional 2D image manipulation, together with the use of Artificial Intelligence tools, can assist with the enhancement of 3D CGI imagery, you will be empowered to enhance the aesthetic quality of your portfolio work. Alongside this, you will learn crucial industry-focused skills in compositing, camera tracking, rotoscoping, and keying, enabling you to incorporate your CGI imagery into live imagery and footage.

What perspectives and research methodologies do different disciplines offer? How can these be utilised to address questions relation to the built environment? How can they help you to address the particular challenges associated with the development of research methods for use in creative processes or industry-based projects? 

This module brings you together with peers from different PGT programmes in order to encourage the exploration of cross-disciplinary approaches to research on the built environment. You will develop a proposal for a written dissertation, research-led creative project, or industry-based project in a topic of your own choice. Delivered over the course of two terms the aim of this module is to support you in developing project proposals in preparation for your final module Dissertation or Industry-based project. You have the options to develop proposals for three kinds of projects: (1) traditional written thesis, (2) research-by-practice, and (3) industry-based project.  Through a programme of seminars and practical workshops you will develop the knowledge and skills required for designing projects within academic and professional settings. You will apply these skills in the development of project proposal that covers a literature review, outline of the methodology, project schedule, and where required, will also involve full research ethics approval.

You will develop your research skills through a large project under the guidance of a supervisor. This can be untaken within an academic or professional setting. You can choose between research-based or practice-based projects in a topic related to their field of study. This provides you with the opportunity to demonstrate your capacity to work as independent researchers in your chosen area of specialism. You will have the choice between three options. You can choose to produce a substantial piece of written work, undertake a creative project, or a project undertaken in the context of external placements within industry or public sector organisations. During the development of your proposal you will have chosen between three pathway options for your project, distinguishing between projects in which you can demonstrate the application of advanced skills and knowledge within the context of an academic research, creative projects or professional placements. The pathways are:  

- **Research project**: You will undertake an independent research project on a topic related to their discipline, which will be assessed on a written dissertation of 12,000-words. This is the pathway for students on the MSc Urban Planning & Resilience.    

- **Creative project (practice-as-research)**: You explore your research questions in the context of a creative project within their field of study. This will be assessed on a portfolio, together with a 4000-word written essay, which will frame and discuss the project theoretically. 

- **Industry-based project**: You explore your research questions through projects within the professional settings of a work placement within the public or private sector. This will be assessed on a project portfolio, together with a 4000-word written essay, offering a critical reflection on research in practice.