Does the use of CGIs in planning and development risk communicating an unrealistic impression?

A picture is worth a thousand words, as the saying goes. This is particularly applicable in planning and development where a visual depiction can help local residents or potential purchasers to envisage how a housing development will look.

But CGIs are sometimes criticised as being unrealistic and depicting too positive an image. CGIs have the capacity to create an image of perfection – using the perfect time of the day, lighting and happy, healthy humans. So what needs to be done to correct these misapprehensions?

Perhaps some of the mistrust of CGIs is due to the fact that they have progressed rapidly in a short space of time. Only a few years ago, CGIs were blocky computer models and these rarely led to criticism of being overly beautiful. Today, with a combination of more sophisticated IT and visual artists, we can create an image which looks as genuine as a photograph.

In planning and development, there are three main uses of CGIs. CGI masterplans, which gives the audience an impression of the siting and context; individual images showing what the inside and outside of a property will look like once finished; and CGI films and animations – animated renders that allow people to walk-through a completed home or development.

It’s important that CGIs, especially those used in public consultation, show different scenarios. For example, the impact of daylight and shadows at a specific (rather than optimal) time of day, or a view of a less attractive part of the scheme.

Like artists’ impressions which were used previously, CGIs need not look like the finished product. We frequently produce quite ‘sketchy’ images and find that this is popular in the consultation process, as the consultees often prefer that the scheme isn’t presented as one that has already been determined.

I believe that some of the mistrust could be abated if there was greater understanding of the veracity of the information used to produce them. This, of course, depends on the original purpose, but CGIs usually start with the 3D architectural model and also utilise data including topographical surveys, daylight and shading analysis and photographs of the wider context. Another considerable benefit of advances in technology is that this data can be made easily accessible – for example, on a consultation website or in a data room, enabling consultees to understand the level of accuracy.

Sometimes developers are criticised for depicting public open spaces featuring attractive, mature trees. While this is not dishonest, as it provides a depiction of the scheme several years after construction, there is a preference to show the impact of planting in years one, five and 15, so that it is clear that while the image is realistic, it is also a long-term aspiration. This helps manage expectations and demonstrate a long-term commitment to landscaping and biodiversity.

Overall, a successful visualisation is one that includes surrounding context, often using photomontages that combine real-world photography with CGI elements. This addresses the concern that a new development might disrupt the existing character of a neighbourhood.

Whether a fully rendered 3D model or a sketchy artist’s impression, it is crucial to first clarify the purpose of the CGI that’s being used – communicating design standards and methodology, atmosphere, design evolution or several design options, addressing visual impact, addressing a technical solution, or selling the design. This determines the level of accuracy that’s required and the use of site data, vegetation growth data, sun analysis, human scale and surrounding context.

Higher accuracy visualisations are normally accompanied by environmental reports that detail the sustainability measures being implemented and are a result of an entire team working behind the scenes, being very purposeful in what they want to communicate. Transparency and communication are the key factors here, as ultimately the goal is to create a collaborative design process where communities feel heard, understood and confident that the visualisations they see today will become the reality they experience tomorrow.

Vasilena Bocheva is a 3D architectural visualiser at Lanpro