Blender: What No One Is Talking About

Get acquainted with the many aspects of Blender that no one has told you about.

Mon May 1, 2023

Blender is software that has intrigued a lot of designers and architects with its top-notch capabilities. It has enhanced the workflows and paved the way for new opportunities when it comes to purposes such as modelling, rendering, animation, and a lot more.

But is it limited to these conventional utilisations? Not at all. Blender has a lot more in store to offer than we know. Here’s the ultimate guide that will help you delve into the lesser-explored facets of Blender and take a step towards amping up your software skills.

The Ultimate Guide to get acquainted with the multiple layers of Blender

1. Blender’s Seamless Interoperability

blender 3d

Source: blenderbim.org 

Interoperability might be a tough nut to crack in most softwares but with Blender, it comes into play quite seamlessly. The software allows you to import AutoCAD and SketchUp files for you to create designs at your convenience.

However, Blender only supports the DXF format so in case you are handling a file with DWG format, you can simply convert it into DXF and you are good to go.

2. Getting into the details with BlenderBIM

blender for architecture

Source: Pinterest

With the evolution of concepts and technologies such as BIM, the AEC fraternity is moving towards a more collaborative and streamlined way of communicating when it comes to curating projects. BIM allows the sharing of project information across the multiple stakeholders involved in a construction project.

With BlenderBIM, all this is made possible within the premises of Blender. It is a free and open-source add-on that helps in integrating BIM-centric capabilities in Blender. So, if you are on the lookout for add-ons that can be put to use for developing construction projects, BlenderBIM can be the answer to all your questions.

3. Modelling Buildings in Blender

blender for designers

Source: Blender

Even though Blender offers far more options than just modelling and animation, it’s still one of the best softwares in the market for 3D modelling itself. It allows you to go forward with model creation in a wide array of ways such as NURBS, mesh-based modelling, parametric modelling, and a lot more.

Dimitar Pouchnikov, UH Studio Academy, UK, on the multiple utilisations of Blender, “Blender, is a polygonal modelling tool that offers to create both straightforward and complex forms with ease. It has easy-to-use parametric tools in the form of modifiers that ease the process of architectural design without the need for scripting or node-based programming."

He further quotes, “The combination of free-form finding and modifiers creates a unique and very fast workflow for concept design in architecture. It is a particularly well-rounded package for concept design, where with mastery of the tool, I believe it may be the best and the fastest tool in business.”

4. Compositing with Blender

blender 3d for architects

Source: GrabCAD

Once you are done creating renders, there comes the need of enhancing and assembling them for further use. This is where the concept of compositing comes into play.

Compositing facilitates the minimization of render iterations and increases the editability of your render outputs. It entails the segregation of renders into individual components that can be altered or tweaked independently as per requirement.

With Blender’s integrated node-based compositing system, you can incorporate subtle colour grades, infuse flares and glows, enhance depth-of-field, and much more.

Blender for Architects

5. Add-ons for better Blender 3D Creations

blender for designers 3d

Source: UH Studio, Golden Ratio Residence, Dimitar Pouchnikov

Besides its fine built-in tools and features, there are endless add-ons available in the market for you to create better Blender creations. Some of these add-ons are BlenderBIM, Archipack, Archimesh, Gaffer, and Profiler.

Dimitar Pouchnikov, UH Studio Academy, UK, on add-ons available for Blender, “Blender may have the largest ecosystem of plugins because developers are realising it is much better to develop on top of an open source program than on top of a commercial program.”

He adds, “Many addons are free and there are quite a few excellent paid ones. However, all addons need to be GPL open source, even the paid ones, so technically their code can be re-used and enriched further.”

6. Curating a House in Blender

blender architects

Source: BlenderNation

Since Blender allows you to access multiple features related to modelling, sculpting, and rendering, you can create houses right from scratch. You can try your hands at navigating around the scene, manipulating objects, and modelling the blueprint.

Moving forward, you can add materials and textures, lighting, furniture, and a lot more. The best part is that you can also create small components like beds, drawers, and doors as per your choice.

Futurly Plus Membership

The Answer to all your Visualisation Needs: Blender Architecture

What better software that lets you explore the various layers of architectural modelling and visualisation all at once through its diverse toolset? Blender makes this a lot more possible through its features.

With detailed workshops, masterclasses, and courses from Futurly, you can learn more about Blender and take on the journey of adding finesse to your software skills.

FAQs: Blender 3D

1. What is Blender?

Blender is a free and open-source 3D software that can be used for various purposes such as modelling, rigging, animation, and simulation.

2. What are the uses of Blender?

The following are the uses of Blender:

  • Animation
  • Rigging
  • Rendering
  • Scripting
  • Compositing
  • Video Editing
  • Game Creation
  • Modelling

3. How does Blender offer seamless interoperability?

Blender allows you to import AutoCAD and SketchUp files within its premises for you to create designs at your convenience.

4. What are some add-ons available for Blender?

The following are some add-ons that are available for Blender:

  • Blender
  • BIM
  • Gaffer
  • Amaranth
  • Profiler
  • Optiloops

5. How can I create a house in Blender?

Since Blender allows you to access multiple features related to modelling, sculpting, and rendering, you can create houses right from scratch. You can try your hands at navigating around the scene, manipulating objects, and modelling the blueprint.

Architectural Journalist

Saili Sawantt
An Architect + Writer, Saili has worked as an Architectural writer & brand storyteller where she has collaborated with firms, studios, organizations, luxury brands, events & educational institutions to communicate in the real estate & travel industry. Her recent initiatives include curating an online workshop on communication and networking within the AEC industry. She is a commentator on the design industry’s upkeep through her social handles while also being an avid reader and traveler.