Gaming development software engines such as, Epic Games Unreal Engine and Unity, which were used to create the latest PC, Playstation, X-Box, Nintendo, and Wii games, are increasingly finding applications within the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (A/E/C) industry. These engines are revolutionizing the way professionals visualize, design, and present their projects. They also bring advanced real-time rendering capabilities and interactive experiences that were previously limited to the gaming industry.

In the A/E/C industry, firms are leveraging gaming engines to create immersive walkthroughs and virtual tours of buildings and spaces. DRMP uses Beyond Typicals and Twinmotion real-time rendering software to bring its projects to life. These two programs are built upon the Unreal Engine gaming platform.

DRMP also uses LumenRT rendering software, which is integrated with Bentley’s ConceptStation, OpenRoads Designer (ORD), and Trimble Sketchup. LumenRT was originally developed by e-on software and is now owned and developed by Bentley. These virtual environments allow architects, engineers, clients, and stakeholders to experience designs at human scale, providing a more intuitive understanding of spatial layouts, materials, and lighting conditions.

Gaming engines are useful for real-time design iteration and collaboration. Architects and engineers can update their models and instantly visualize the impact in a photorealistic environment. This not only speeds up the design process but also improves communication and decision-making among project teams. Additionally, gaming engines facilitate the integration of data from various sources, such as BIM (Building Information Modeling) software, GIS (Geographic Information System) data, and CAD (Computer-Aided Design) files, enabling a comprehensive visualization of complex projects.

Beyond design and visualization gaming engines are increasingly employed for training simulations and public engagement. A/E/C professionals use these platforms to simulate construction sequences, safety scenarios, and operational procedures in a realistic virtual environment. This enhances training effectiveness and reduces risks associated with on-site activities. Moreover, gaming engines are used for public engagement through interactive exhibits and virtual open houses, allowing communities to explore and provide feedback on proposed developments in an engaging and accessible manner.

DRMP has used both LumenRT and Twinmotion on large scale projects, where real-world visualization techniques were critical to these projects’ success.

FDOT D1- SR 31 Project Development & Environment (PD&E) Study

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District 1 requested a fully realized 3D animated model to help explain the design intent of fly-over ramps for SR 31 at SR 80. DRMP engineers used Bentley Openroads software to create the CAD model and then imported it into LumenRT for lighting, landscaping, and traffic movements. DRMP’s visualization designers developed the surrounding buildings and facilities in Sketchup and added them to the LumenRT model. This gave the model a sense of place and context. Still renderings from various angles and a fly-through video were created for the client to show at a public hearing. It was instrumental in illustrating this complex design.

Cornerstone Park Lighting Project at Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.

The Ponte Vedra Beach Community Association requested DRMP create 3D renderings and an animated fly-through of the proposed lighting design for Cornerstone Park. This issue was particularly sensitive for the local community due to concerns about how large-scale lighting would affect the surrounding area. DRMP visualization designers created a 3D model of the sports complex with Trimble’s Sketchup Pro 3D software and then imported it in Twinmotion. DRMP successfully demonstrated real-world lighting through the use of gaming engine-based software. The client said the renderings and animation were crucial in explaining the issues with the proposed lighting project.

Gaming engines are proving to be transformative tools within the A/E/C community, bridging the gap between design intent and real-world implementation while enhancing creativity, efficiency, and stakeholder engagement. So, why wait? Up your game using DRMP's Visualization Services.