How do you activate physical-based rendering in Archicad?

Issue description

When viewing your model in the 3D window, the standard rendering shows harsh shadows and inconsistent lighting as you navigate. The visualization lacks the realistic ambient lighting and soft shadow effects needed for more impactful model exploration and client presentations.

Solution

Physical-based rendering is an experimental feature introduced in Archicad 28 that simulates soft shadows and ambient lighting for more realistic visualization while modeling. The feature creates a procedurally generated sky and improved shadow mapping for enhanced visual quality.

1. Go to Options > Work Environment > More Options > Experimental Features.
2. Check the box next to Enable Physically Based Rendering in 3D.
3. Click OK to close the dialog box.
4. Open a 3D window to see the changes in rendering.

For additional control over visualization:

• Fine-tune the appearance using 3D Styles from the context menu in the 3D window.
• Adjust Ambient light settings in Sunlight Settings (View > 3D View Options > 3D Projection Settings) to control brightness and color.
• Experiment with different times of day in 3D Projection Settings to see how the physical-based renderer simulates changing light conditions.

It's recommended to create a separate work environment profile for switching between standard and physical-based rendering.

Understanding Archicad 28 physical-based rendering enhancements

• Procedurally generated sky - Simulates light scattering effects in the atmosphere for a physically-based sky dome.
• Improved ambient occlusion - Uses a low-discrepancy sequence to distribute samples more efficiently, eliminating artifacts in under sampled regions.
• Shadow mapping - Produces faster results with soft shadow edges through perspective warping optimization
• Automatic exposure control and bloom - Adjusts exposure semi-automatically and creates a blooming effect in high luminance regions.

Troubleshooting common issues

• Black screen:
  • Check if your graphics hardware is compatible with physical-based rendering
  • Disable physical-based rendering if the issue persists
  • Consider updating graphics drivers
• Blue background tint:
  • The blue tint is intentional to simulate a realistic sky
  • For presentations requiring a neutral background, consider temporarily switching back to standard rendering

Limitations of physical-based rendering

• Contours in 3D Styles are not currently visible with physical-based rendering
• Color and intensity settings for Sunlight do not affect physical-based rendering, but you can adjust Ambient light settings
• The feature is experimental and may change or be removed in future releases