BIG & D5 Render

Why BIG Chose D5 Render The landscape of architectural software is complex and constantly evolving, and BIG’s Design Technology team was created to integrate disciplines like BIM, computational design, fabrication, AI, and visualization into their practice. Facing the limitations of traditional rendering tools and the growing complexity of their toolkit, the team sought innovative solutions to streamline workflows while maintaining high-quality output. While V-Ray remained a core tool in BIG’s pipeline, the team needed a solution that could deliver speed, quality, and seamless workflow integration. D5 Render emerged as the ideal choice. Its cloud-based project storage allows teams to easily manage, access, and share files, while its standalone capabilities separate 3D assets from Rhino-based design work, simplifying asset management. Real-time collaboration features enable multiple architects to work on the same project simultaneously, eliminating delays from back-and-forth communication or rigid handoffs. According to Camila Antonella Mina, architect at BIG, “D5 has truly revolutionized the way we work. Its ability to handle some of the world’s largest and most complex projects is a complete game changer.” By striking a balance between speed and quality, D5 Render allows BIG to efficiently produce photorealistic visualizations, streamline workflows, and tackle complex projects with confidence. The combination of efficiency, collaboration, and high-quality output made D5 the transformative solution for BIG’s architectural visualization needs.

Limitations of Traditional Rendering Tools – Existing renderers like V-Ray were powerful but time-consuming and less flexible for large-scale, complex projects. Complex and Expanding Tool Ecosystem – Integrating multiple disciplines (BIM, computational design, fabrication, AI, visualization) created workflow inefficiencies and coordination challenges. File and Asset Management Difficulties – Managing large 3D project files and assets across multiple team members and projects was cumbersome. Slow Iteration and Feedback Loops – Traditional workflows required back-and-forth communication, making revisions and updates slower. Lack of Real-Time Collaboration – Teams could not simultaneously work on the same project, creating bottlenecks and misalignment. Balancing Speed and Quality – Producing high-quality photorealistic visuals quickly was challenging with existing tools, limiting efficiency and creative exploration. Integration with Existing Workflows – Ensuring smooth compatibility with tools like Rhino and Revit while maintaining productivity was a constant challenge.

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Business Impact of Using D5 Render at BIG Since adopting D5 Render, BIG has experienced a transformative impact on workflow efficiency, cost savings, and project output quality. The tool’s real-time rendering capabilities allow architectural walkthroughs and animations to be completed in a few hours, compared to 3–4 days with traditional software, cutting video render time by up to 80%. Features like camera movement templates, built-in animated assets, and phasing animation simplify the creation of visually compelling presentations, enabling faster and more impactful client communication. D5’s multi-editor collaboration allows several architects to work simultaneously on the same project while using separate Rhino files, eliminating bottlenecks and keeping teams aligned in real time. Its intuitive interface and fast onboarding — generally under one hour — reduce training time and administrative overhead. By consolidating AI tools, live-sync plugins, and an extensive asset library into a single platform, D5 streamlines workflows, minimizes reliance on outsourcing, and lowers costs. Architects at BIG can now iterate quickly, refine designs efficiently, and maintain high-quality outputs across large and complex projects. As Jens Majdal Kaarsholm, former Director of BIG DT, notes, D5 is not just a real-time rendering engine but a robust AI-powered workflow solution that grows with the firm, delivering measurable ROI and enhancing both productivity and creative potential.

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