Imagine a digital rendering, mind you, not a dodgy sketch, but a proper, believable image of a building or space. This isn't just a basic 3D model; it's been painstakingly crafted to look as real as a photograph.
We're talking about lighting that behaves just as it would in the real world. Sunlight streaming through a window, casting realistic shadows with soft edges, or the warm glow of artificial lights illuminating surfaces. You'll see the subtle reflections in glass and polished materials, and the way light bounces off different textures.
The materials themselves look spot on. Brickwork with its slight variations in colour and texture, the grain of the wood looking just so, the subtle sheen of metal, or the softness of fabrics with their tiny fibres visible. It's all in the detail, you see.
You'll likely see contextual elements that further enhance the realism. Perhaps some carefully placed greenery looking lush and natural, maybe a few strategically positioned figures of people going about their business (not looking like mannequins, mind you, but believable individuals), or even cars parked realistically on a drive.
The level of fidelity is key. You can often zoom in and still see a convincing level of detail in the textures and surfaces. It aims to give you a proper feel for the space – the scale, the atmosphere, the quality of light.
Ultimately, a photorealistic architectural visualisation strives to be indistinguishable from a photograph of the finished building or space. It's a powerful tool for architects, developers, and clients alike, allowing them to properly envisage and sign off on designs before a single brick is laid. It gives you a real sense of what it'll be like, no guesswork involved.