If you use Blender to create architectural visualization and would like to include some environmental analysis in your workflow, you should take a close look at the incredible VI-Suite. That is an effort from Dr. Ryan Southall at the University of Brighton (United Kingdom). He created the VI-Suite a long time ago and was one of the few solutions to integrate tools such as Radiance and Energy Plus in Blender 2.7x.
The first version of VI-Suite dates back to 2013!
After a long wait, we finally have some great news about a new version that is compatible with Blender 2.8x and possibly 2.9x.
According to a post on the VI-Suite blog, it is close to a final release, with the Add-on currently in a bug fix state. You can get an updated version of the Add-on from this link.
If you plan to take advantage of those tools and give your designs a more efficient energy use, you should take a close look at the VI-Suite. As an alternative, you also have the Lady Bug tools for Blender!
Using Blender for architecture
Do you want to use Blender for architecture or render your projects using Cycles or Eevee? We have three books available that could help you!
They cover the use of Blender for producing architectural content and also all information you need to render projects in real-time:
- Blender 2.9 for architecture: Modeling and rendering with Eevee and Cycles
- Blender 2.8 parametric modeling: Drivers, Custom Properties, and Shape Keys for 3D modeling
- Blender 3.0: The beginner's guide
- Blender 2.8 for technical drawing
- Blender Eevee: The guide to real-time rendering with Blender 2.8
You can get them in both digital and paperback formats. By ordering those books, you will not only improve your skills with Blender for architecture but also support Blender 3D Architect.
