Visualisation in the construction industry
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Visualisation refers to the physical or mental representation of an object, situation, or information as an image.
The construction industry relies heavily on visualisation to investigate and communicate complex situations and objects, in particular relating to the design and construction buildings and other built assets such as bridges, tunnels and so on. It is widely used as part of the design process, and as a way of describing construction works and components to contractors, subcontractors and suppliers. It is also used to communicate proposed solutions to clients, local authorities and other stakeholders.
This means that visualisations can range from very simple block diagrams at the early stages of a project, to highly-technical representations of construction information or visually realistic representations that can be useful for communicating to non-expert stakeholders.
Traditionally visualisations were prepared by hand as sketches, diagrams, technical drawings and 3D renderings. For more information see: Manual drafting techniques and Types of drawings.
The development of computers resulted in the emergence of computer aided design (CAD) techniques that allowed two-dimensional visualisations to be create, changed and duplicated more easily. However, there was some criticism that the expression and artistry that was possible with hand drawn visualisation was lost. For more information see: Computer aided design.
More recently Building Information Modelling has allowed 3D modelling of design proposals, constructed parametrically and including 4D (time), 5D (cost) and 6D (facilities management) information. For more information see: Building Information Modelling.
Specialist software has also been developed that allows more realistic computer generated imagery (CGI) to be created, including perspective views, daylight, shadows, complex textures and so on. It is possible to make 3D fly-throughs of proposals, and real time models that allow viewers to experience proposals as if they were completed. This has been supplemented with virtual reality and augmented reality techniques. For more information see: Computer generated imagery, Virtual reality and Augmented reality.
Three dimensional physical models are also commonly used to communicated proposals. Traditionally these would have to be created by hand, but increasingly, 3D printing techniques are able to automate some or all of the process. For more information see: Models.
Other techniques include:
- Immersive hybrid reality.
- Mixed reality.
- Photography.
- Samples and mock-ups.
- Mood boards.
- Digital twins.
- Virtual construction models.
Visualisations may contain standard notations and symbols that offer simplified representations of common situations and components. For more information see: Notation and units on drawings and Symbols on architectural drawings.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- Assisted reality aR.
- Augmented reality.
- Building Information Modelling.
- Computer aided design.
- Computer generated imagery.
- Models.
- Manual drafting techniques.
- Notation and units on drawings.
- Shaping Space - Architectural Models Revealed.
- Symbols on architectural drawings.
- Types of drawing.
- Virtual reality.
- Immersive Hybrid Reality IHR.
- Mixed reality.
Featured articles and news
The current and future global market dynamics of boilers
Significant challenges but adaptation to sustain for longer.
Designing sustainability and performance into buildings
Specifying and selecting sustainable resilient timber products.
Modifying wood to improve resistance to decay and movement.
A last minute, long look for built environment professionals.
The architecture of creative reuse. Book review.
Installing solar panels on listed structures.
Sustainable development global goals, history in progress?
"Unless we act now, the 2030 Agenda will become an epitaph for a world that might have been."
Mike Kagioglou FCIOB named CIOB President
'Sustainable Development Goals must be focus for construction'
BSRIA training; a look at what's on offer
From energy management to compliance training.
TESP video warns to beware of rogue trainers.
Highlighting the slippery tactics of non-approved providers.
New Building Safety Wiki launched
Boosting awareness and understanding of the new fire safety regime.
New playbook on AI in construction published by CIOB
How to get to grips with, and the best from AI.
Digital Construction Report NBS
BIM, cloud, off-site, immersive tech, AI, twins and sustainability.