City Gate Plaza

City Gate Plaza represents the pinnacle of modern office design, featuring three state-of-the-art buildings in Cork's Mahon business district. With its sustainability-focused architecture, including LEED Gold-targeted designs, column-free layouts, and energy-efficient glazing, the development balances functionality and environmental responsibility.

To convey these strengths effectively, our visualisation services aimed to:

• Showcase the unique architectural elements and how these would fit into the landscape of the Mahon business district
• Emphasize the sustainable aspects like energy-efficient materials and natural light optimization.
• Highlight the working spaces and amenities using a dynamic approach  

Service Deliverables:

1. Computer-Generated Imagery (CGIs)
2. Verified View Montages (VVMs)
3. Animation

1. Computer-Generated Imagery (CGIs)

Steps:

1. Concept Understanding:

• Review architectural designs, mood boards, and material specifications.
• Conduct meetings with architects and developers to grasp the project's vision and select the desired viewpoints for exteriors and interiors.

2. 3D Modelling:

• Use 3D software such as Autodesk 3ds Max to create detailed models.
• Focus on accurately replicating dimensions, materials, and textures.

3. Material and Texture Mapping:

• Apply high-quality textures, materials, and finishes to surfaces.

4. Lighting Setup:

• Simulate natural and artificial lighting conditions using HDRI maps and light sources.
• Optimize lighting for the time of day that best represents the project’s mood.

5. Rendering:

• Use rendering engines like V-Ray, Corona, or Lumen to produce high-resolution images.
• Incorporate post-processing using Adobe Photoshop for colour grading and final adjustments.

6. Stakeholder Reviews:

• Present drafts for feedback and refine based on client requirements
• Final render and deliver as full high resolution CGIs

2. Verified View Montages (VVMs)

Steps:

1. Data Collection:

Gather architectural plans, elevation drawings, and Revit models of the development. Establish viewpoint locations for onsite photography.

2. Onsite Photography:

1. Capture high-resolution images of the development site using calibrated DSLR cameras.
2. Employ GPS and survey equipment to record precise camera locations and lens details.
   

3. 3D Model:

• Create a detailed and accurate 3D model using the architectural plans and drawings
• Position the 3D model within the context of the photographic data.
• Ensure geometric accuracy through surveyed reference points and overlays.
  

4. Rendering and Composition:

• Render the 3D model with lighting and materials that match the site’s real-world conditions.
• Combine rendered views with the base photograph, ensuring seamless integration.
  

5. Verification and Presentation:

• Collaborate with planning consultants to verify the montage's accuracy.
• Annotate images into a collected booklet with camera positions and technical data for submission to planning authorities.
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3. Animation Steps:

1. Storyboard Development:

1. Develop a narrative script that aligns with the project’s marketing and communication goals.
2. Define camera paths and focus areas for the animation with the clients.

2. 3D Model Optimisation:

• Prepare a version of the 3D model optimised for animation.

3. Camera and Scene Setup:

• Develop camera paths using cinematic techniques such as panning, dolly shots, and zooms.
• Set up key frames to control motion and focus dynamically.

4. Dynamic Elements:

• Integrate animated elements like moving people and vehicles
• Add environmental effects like wind-blown foliage or water ripples for realism.

5. Rendering:

• Render the animation sequence using GPU-accelerated engines like Unreal Engine or V-Ray.

6. Post-Production:

• Edit using software like Adobe After Effects
• Include voiceovers, sound effects and music to elevate the narrative.

7. Final Delivery:

• Deliver in multiple formats over Vimeo platform.