What do 'renderings' in architecture refer to?

Renderings in architecture refer to visual illustrations of proposed designs. They play a crucial role in the presentation of architectural concepts, allowing both architects and clients to visualize how a completed project will look. These illustrations can be highly detailed and lifelike, often created using various techniques such as computer-generated imagery (CGI), hand-drawing, or even physical models, depending on the desired outcome and the tools available to the architect.

Renderings serve essential functions in the design process. They help convey the architect's vision, facilitate discussions with clients and stakeholders, and assist in obtaining approvals from planning boards and regulatory bodies. By presenting a clear and attractive representation of a project, renderings can also be effective marketing tools for developers and architects seeking to showcase their work.

In contrast, architectural materials pertain to the physical elements used in the construction of buildings, technical drawings focus on the specifications and details of structural designs, and survey data collects information about the site's existing conditions and characteristics. Each of these aspects is important in architecture, but they do not represent the visual or conceptual nature of renderings.