Pool Designers are always looking for the latest and greatest 3D rendering programs. Today we evaluate Lumion 10 . Take a crash course on Lumion. Learn how to import 3D objects from Sketchup into Lumion to create 3D renderings for your Pool clients. Lumion 10 is taking the pool industry by storm. The question pool designers have been asking themselves is – “Is Lumion better for pool design than Pool Studio?”.
Lots of pool designers have seen the capabilities of the program. Designers are excited about the possibilities of incorporating more life like renderings into their pool designs. We’ve been using Pool Studio for a few years – so we feel we are qualified to unbox Lumion 10. We give our honest interpertation of the capabilities of the program.
Is Lumion Better For Designing Pools Than Pool Studio?
Upon using Lumion 10 to create our 3D rendering, we found that it’s pretty user friendly. Unfortunately it doesn’t offer anywhere near the amount of functionality that Pool Studio offers or that pool designers need in a stand alone design program. In terms of creating a sophisticated 3D rendering inside Lumion, the program offers some really cool features. You are limited by the 3D that you start with and you will not be able to create 3D objects inside Lumion like you can in Structure Studios.
Lumion is not a magic bullet for creating the sophisticated 3D Pool Renderings that are going viral. You will still need to master the various aspects of the program to achieve the same results. You are also limited by the material you start with. Of course you’re not limited to 3D from Sketchup. You can use a much more sophisticated 3D rendering to start with – from say 3D Studio Max.
For the purposes of this demo though, we thought how most Pool Designers will think when they attempt to review Lumion. The trial does not come with a free pool example to start with you, will have to import your own. Most will attempt to download a Sketchup or other 3D rendering to test their trial account. This is something Lumion may want to address in their further releases. While their core user base is landscape and architectural, many pool designers are interested in this software. Not having a pool example will be a bit dissapointing to most who attempt to check out the program for the first time.
Interested In Giving Lumion A Try?
One thing to note, Lumion is pretty expensive. The cost for the software is $3,259 at the time of this writing. If you have never used the software, before you go out on a limb and spend thousands of dollars for the program, sign up for a free trial. You can use Lumion absolutely free to 2 weeks to try it out for yourself. Watch the video above for some time saving advice that will get you sorted out with using Lumion 10 in a hurry.
The video will walk you through how to do the following:
- How to import from Sketchup into Lumion
- Creating a walkthrough video
- Setting filters and the basic controls of the interface
Getting Optimum Results Takes Patience, Practice & Skill
We’ve seen some magnificent examples of Lumion pool renderings, but allow us to clarify, if your CAD 3D object is not detailed and well designed, Lumion is NOT going to magically make it look amazing. If you expect that to be the case you will be sadly disappointed. However, if you have great 3D to start with, Lumion can put it on steroids and make it look absolutely breathtaking. There are a ton of sophisticated filters and tools to take a really cool 3D rendering and make it look likes it’s ready for the cover of Architectural Digest.
Lumion has live integrations for 3D programs like Sketchup. You can make edits inside of your 3D program you can see them reflected in real time in Lumion. This example isn’t going to teach you how to do that. It is a pretty good walk through of the program and an honest assessment of how it will be perceived by pool designers.
Lumion does solve one of the major gripes that pool designers have with 3D design software – namely cartoony looking pools. Again, getting the optimum results will take plenty of time, patience and good source material to start from. Pool Designers can’t kiss their CAD guy goodbye just yet.
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