The art of adding people to architectural renderings: enhancing realism and storytelling

Has an architectural rendering ever made you think “This seems off in some manner”? If it looks like a beautifully rendered empty space devoid of any life, you certainly are not the only one. The reality is that people in architectural renderings can truly enhance the difference between an image that is vibrant and real versus one that is lifeless. People help fill up empty spaces and also assist in creating a breathtaking scale that makes the design feel real and worth stepping into.

Moreover, people are powerful storytellers for any architectural rendering. They aid in defining the purpose of space, may it be a busy office, a tranquil park, or a friendly home. People provide emotional attachment, which, in turn, can enhance your architectural visualization. In simpler terms, adding realistic people in 3D visualization is imperative and not optional if one wants to achieve a truly immersive experience.

Picking the right people for your renderings

Choosing the right figures is the first step when adding people to 3D renders. Characters should be in line with an architectural design, therefore, they must be appropriate: 

• Demographic Diversity: Different age ranges, genders, and ethnic groups contribute to a well-rounded, authentic mix. As sociocultural beings, there is bound to be diversity in the people using a space, so why not showcase that in the renderings? With these elements incorporated in the figures that have been designed, the space feels relatable, and the design looks modern and inclusive.
• Static vs Dynamic Figures: Is it your preference that people are standing still, looking at the space (static)? Or having a more active vibe with people talking, walking, or interacting with their surroundings (dynamic)? Static people work well with calm minimalist spaces where the focus is on the environment. Dynamic people add energy into the scene, making it feel alive and functional.

Knowing when and how to use each type of figure will make a difference to the realistic people in 3D visualization and deepen its beauty.

Strategies for adding people seamlessly into renders

The humans have already been selected; now it is time for them to blend into the setting. Here are a couple suggestions on how not to make the people in your architectural renderings look out of place: 

• Consistent Lighting and Shadows: This might be the most important piece of the puzzle. In the real world, light and spaces give rise to shadows, which are cast in a particular manner – the same applies to your renders. Pay special attention to the lighting in the figure’s area and make sure that it is the same as in the rest of the scene. 

If the space is brightly lit, then the shadow will be soft as well; therefore the people should be shadowed with soft light. It is of huge importance that the shadows also align with the light and fall smoothly and gently, ensuring that the figures seem natural and seamless.

• Avoiding the «Cutout Look»: One of the most common problems with adding people to architectural renderings is creating the dreaded “cutout look.” This occurs when the human figures in renderings do not integrate with the surrounding environment. 

To prevent this, pay attention to advanced blending methods, such as feathering the borders of your figures, color temperature matching, and altering the opacity of the figure to blend with the background. These finer points ensure that your people do not appear as though they were affixed to the scene.

We also recommend employing identical textures and colors within the figures’ clothing and the environment. You can also apply environmental effects (subtle reflections) to improve realism. And remember that all perspectives must be aligned in agreement with the rest of the scene.

The future of human integration through AI & 3d scanned people

The addition of 3D-scanned people for architecture is getting easier, thanks to the advancement of AI powered tools. Tools that use AI require only a few clicks to add a perfectly realistic figure into the render, and these tools do not require any additional resources: Krea is a good example.

What’s even cooler is 3D-scanned models. These are scans of people that have been captured in actual 3D, which offers unparalleled detail and realism. The presence of these models in your renders is truly breathtaking. You can place them and adjust the lighting to fit the scene, and they will always look incredibly real. 3D-scanned people are photorealistic results for every detail, whether you are working on an architectural project of high standards or not. If you need a place to find them, check Renderpeople: there’s a lot.

Mistakes to avoid when adding people to renderings 

AI-generated people for renders can greatly improve your architectural renderings, but there are common mistakes that can bring a scene closer to a horror movie than high-end design. Let us examine some of these mistakes that you should not make: 

• Overcrowding the Scene: One of the most frequently made mistakes is trying to include too many people, and as a result, overwhelming the viewer. Always maintain a level of balance in the scene. The space should remain open and functional, and the people should enhance the space rather than dominate it.

• Using Outdated or Unrealistic Models: Outdated models are one of the easiest ways to date a 3D visualization with people and make it look unprofessional. Technology always advances, and so does the quality of human models available. Almost every design application today has a human model. 

However, dated and poorly crafted models can age your work and routine application instead of elevating it.

Final thoughts

Take your architectural designs to new heights and transform them into immersive experiences. Choose our rendering services and watch how including people in 3D renders adds emotional value, scale, and realism to your designs. 

With our years of experience in architectural visualization with people, your clients won’t be able to look away, and your portfolio will never look the same. Contact our rendering agency to find out more about creating 3d architectural renderings with people.