I am an architect and I have been using game engines since 2012, I started with CryEngine and now I use mostly Unreal Engine
Game engines have become potential tools for architects and designers for making their final renderings… The article below explains clearly the pros and cons of using game engines for architectural visualization.
I see the bright future for architectural visualization. However, there is a fundamental aspect of design that is being forgotten: The process. No one mentions about the process of designing a building. The engines are being seen as just visualization tools for the end product of the building.
What I will propose is to think Unreal Engine as a design tool. Currently no game engine includes satisfactory editing capabilities for architectural design process. The engines mostly rely on other tools such as 3dsmax, Maya or Sketchup as sources for geometry.
I believe Unreal Engine can have simple tools and features for an architect to accommodate design process from start to end.
Let’s go a step further, since the engine is designed to create a flexible environment for creating different interaction systems. Since there is an artifact called Blueprint there could be Ingenious ways for an architect to interact and understand the building, It could be an environment for the entire firm to play and design buildings collectively.
In conclusion, the engine has a potential to be more than a visualization tool.
I am willing to work with Unreal to implement new tools and new ways of interacting with Unreal Engine . I have been using design software both for architecture, industrial design and game development so, I have a sense of what to incorporate to make the engine more efficient for architects and designers.
Of course, there is no single solution. The tools should be a product of a collaboration between the architects and the game engine designers.
Please contact me if you decide to implement new modelling and interaction tools for architects and designers. I will be happy to collaborate.