Contents:
Structure of the Brief
To precisely create a digital representation of a room or space it is essential to have complete and accurate information. At a high level the key elements we need are:
- Dimensions and floor plan
- Desired views
- Curtain definition
- Window definition
- Colours and materials
This information can be summarised into a word or pdf document and submitted with your order form. Alternatively you can use a web application such as Milanote to create a digital moodbard and provide us with a PDF export.
Download an example Custom Scene brief here, or for instructions on placing a custom scene order click here.
Dimensions and Floor Plan
The purpose of the floor plan is to give the dimensions of the space, to show the placement of furniture, and to show the placement of doors and windows. The floor plan section should include all of the following:
- Room width, length, and height measurements
- Room elements such as ceilings, cornices, or skirting boards
- Placement of all the furniture - each piece of furniture requires one reference image so that a similar piece can be found from the library
- Placement of windows and doors
- Placement and direction of the "virtual camera" - if multiple views are required then place a camera for each
Example of a floor plan.
To quickly and easily create floor plans use an application like 3d Homestyler. To browse digital furniture to get inspiration visit the Archiproducts BIM library or Design Connected.
If a custom piece of furniture is required please follow the instructions for creating a custom model and indicate in your brief that the piece needs to be included.
Desired Views
The purpose of the desired views is to clearly show the placement and angle from which the final renders will be created. When defining your desired views you're essentially deciding where to place the "virtual camera" within the room to achieve the desired "photo" (render).
Example of a view.
To easily create view examples use an application like 3d Homestyler. As well as being able to quickly create floor plans you'll be able to easily export views to include in your brief.
Curtain Definition
The purpose of the curtain definition is to give us clear instructions for how to compose the curtains within the scene. When defining the curtains ensure all of the following are answered:
- What category of window covering do you require?
- Where should the curtains be positioned?
- Do the curtains require a backing?
- What type of heading do you require?
- What type of fixtures do you want and where should they be attached?
- How should the curtain drape?
- What are the measurements?
For detailed information on defining curtains follow our guidelines for specifying curtains.
Window/door Definition
The purpose of the window/door definition is to give us a clear understanding of the style, the materials, their colour, and a description of any view that can be seen.
When defining the windows and doors provide all of the following:
- A reference image of the style
- The colours for all aspects
- The materials for all aspects
When defining the view through any windows provide all of the following:
- A reference image or HDR file
- An indication of the time of day
- An indication of the season
To browse outdoor scenes and HDR files visit a library such as Substance 3D or textures.com.
Colours and Materials
The purpose here is to define the colours of any remaining room aspects and to define the materials that need to be used. Additional room aspects include the following:
- Ceiling colour and texture
- Cornice colour
- Wall colour and texture
- Skirting colour
- Floor type
When defining the colour please provide either a Pantone reference or RGB value. If a specific texture is required please provide a high resolution image or a digital texture from a library such Substance 3D or textures.com.
Useful applications:
- Milanote: For creating digital moodboards
- 3D Homestyler: For creating floor plans
- Design Connected: For finding digital furniture
- Substance 3D or textures.com: For finding digital textures and HDR files