How Can Design Narratives be Elevated during Architecture Competitions?
Architectural visualization is the main presentation tool in competitions, instantly communicating architectural projects to judges and prompting further exploration of design elements. While not the sole determinant of architectural tender or competition success, compelling visualizations elevate designs, imbuing them with profound narratives, while presented on competition boards.
Whether for construction bids, architectural tenders, competitions, or investor pitches, compelling storytelling through architectural renderings clarifies participants’ concepts to juries. The synergy of a delicate mixture of visual elements in 3D images is critically important, in crafting a cohesive and impactful portrayal especially when it comes to winning architectural competitions.
Architectural Renderings Assignment
Pinta and Nina at Cascade Park is a project commissioned by Mateboer for the municipality of Almere, where two distinct residential structures emerges. RNDR was invited to capture the project’s vision and the architectural form on architectural 3D renderings from the proposal made by the designers’ team: opZoom architecten and Bemog Projektontwikkleling B.V.
Expressing Sustainable and Luxurious Living in a Sea of Green
3D images showcase the project that encapsulates the historical essence of the area, evoking a sense of timelessness and connection to the past. This is what the architectural winning entry looks like. Not just honorable mentions, but, winners.
Embark with this article on a visual journey that unravels the intricacies of an architectural design proposal. Step into the world of Pinta and Nina residences in Almere Poort, Netherlands – a true embodiment of history, sustainability, and design innovation.
1st prize in architectural tender / Pinta and Nina at Cascade Park in Almere, Netherlands / Winners: opZoom architecten x Bemog Projektontwikkeling x Mateboer Projectontwikkeling / Storytelling architectural visualization: RNDR
Columbus Gate’s Tender Strong Maritime Concept Grasped on Architectural Competition Visualizations
Two independent residential buildings called Pinta and Nina, a 36-apartment building in Cascade Park, Almere in the Netherlands. It became the first-prize architectural tender proposal.
The design echoes a historical connection to the Zuiderzee and currently adjacent water. Nestled within lush green surroundings, these architectural structures draw inspiration from maritime themes and refer to the names of two Columbus ships: Pinta and Nina. On top of that architects designed a relationship between architecture and landscape in a way that “the building seems to ‘float’ like a ship in a sea of green”, giving another link to the maritime local identity of a new development.
The project vision is inspired by two main values: freedom and exploration. The designers from opZoom explain the feeling saying: “Residents see a similarly distant horizon and feel the space and freedom that sailors, fishermen, and merchants must have experienced in this place.”
The design proposal highlights the border between privacy and the public, proposing sustainable and unique luxurious living in the sea of green.
But that’s not all. At the bottom of the Zuiderzee, Pinta and Nina residences form the gateway between Flevoland and Utrecht. Between the polder and the Randstad. Nestled at the periphery of Cascade Park, Columbus Gate offers an urban lifestyle fused with outdoor living.
From the beginning of our work, we knew that the project concept was strong and it needed to be highlighted on 3D architectural renderings. We focused on expressing all the designers’ visions and meanings with visual effects through storytelling architectural illustrations. To bring the experience, the allure of Columbus Gate, where the dynamic cityscape converges with the serene outdoors.
Pinta and Nina Connecting Randstad Region through Landscape and Lifestyle Aided by Architectural Renders
In the larger picture, cuddled at the lower region of the Zuiderzee, Columbus Gate created by Pinta and Nina collectively serve as a missing link connecting Flevoland and Utrecht. This connection bridges the gap between the polder landscapes and the urban confluence of the Randstad region.
While on a smaller scale level, positioned in the heart of Cascade Park, Pinta and Nina residences hold a strategic location of entrance opening at the park’s perimeter. Architectural tender proposal express the fusion of an urban lifestyle with an outdoor engagement. While respecting sustainability solutions and including clear borders between private and public spaces.
1st prize in architectural tender / Pinta and Nina at Cascade Park in Almere, Netherlands / Winners: opZoom architecten x Bemog Projektontwikkeling x Mateboer Projectontwikkeling / Storytelling architectural visualization expressing how competition proposal creates a missing link in the regional connection in the Randstad. Aerial renderings are very often used to visually describe details, spaces, and even entire cities: RNDR
Harnessing Storytelling Visual Communication of Architecture of Pinta and Nina Tender Proposal
Storytelling architectural renderings serve the architectural industry as a primary communications tool to express creativity, design intent, and new developments of the exterior, interior space, and even entire cities. However, not every time these digital tools are included, they deliver an invaluable imaginative story.
We knew that Pinta and Nina’s architectural tender proposal reflects the strong conceptual thinking of the designers. It can be seen on a few layers in the design proposal. Our main focus was to grasp and express it visually on 3D images.
The main visual story axis was about maritime aspects. Named after Christopher Columbus’ ships, these architectural structures represent contemporary yachts within the green expanse of Cascade Park. This link will manifest in Almere Poort through the luxurious Pinta and Nina residences and also on renders.
Let’s see how we implemented storytelling elements while working on Pinta and Nina competition visualizations.
#1 Visual Meaning Expressed through Various Scenes
Choosing various scenes while starting the work allows us to express the main architectural tender proposal features. That is why the first step was choosing the most suitable framing and viewpoints. It results in that each image captures different architectural design elements and allows to visually describe details of diverse architectural visualization while keeping the audience ‘reading’ into it.
First, the aerial rendering was chosen as it showcases the design intent in a larger context. It presents how Pinta and Nina residences are becoming the Randstad regional connection. Not only that, but it also expresses the maritime link to Columbus leit motive with its historical local identity of the place. The bird’s-eye view perspective brings such values as freedom and exploration into the eyes of the beholder and competition jury thank to the wider perspective diving into the context and region visually.
The second and third views are eye-level renderings. This camera positioning helps to drag the viewers into experiencing designed development. Those two 3D illustrations present different aspects of the architectural tender proposal: public and private. At the same time contrasts the different zoning and expresses the diversity of designed spaces.
If you are more interested in how a different type of opportunity perspectives create, just dive into this article: Key Viewpoints for Architectural Exterior Rendering
#2: Elevating Architectural Form on Architectural Renderings Reinforce Columbus Gate’s Competitive Advantage
Pinta and Nina are like two, almost the same, Columbus sailing ships in the sea of greenery and landscape of Cascade Park. They are forming a Columbus Gate: an inviting portal that is an entrance to Almere and to the whole region.
Likewise, the luxury yacht design has massive details depicted in the architectural renders. The two elevated dwellings, Pinta and Nina, stand tall and distinctive in the city, easily recognized with long, white, shiny surfaces and flowing lines. On top of that their wooden finish with glass and metal parts, the spacious balconies and the location in the park give the residences a feeling of freedom, spaciousness and light.
By showcasing Columbus Gate’s harmonious integration with the surrounding environment, the renders effectively communicate the idea of experiencing a seamless blend of urban convenience and outdoor spacious, freedom vitality.
#3 Harmonious Facades with Strong Maritime Blend
The architects focused on showcasing the cohesive facade design, accentuating horizontal alignment, and the complementary use of materials. That is why on architectural illustrations the facades of both structures mirror the landscape’s horizontal contours, while the harmonious interplay of glass, wood, and white components establishes a unified and distinctive ensemble with the surrounding sea of green.
A modest entrance platform facilitates entry to each residence. The integration of decking and reeds along the water’s edge creates a seamless and organic connection between the aquatic environment and the residence itself.
Competition renders were also highlighting maritime qualities of the architectural design. We were searching for vessel and boat textures, along with yacht material references, to present the design ideas visually in the most realistic and storytelling way. In order to make the maritime narrative visually present and easily graspable. We making this visual narrative not only enhances the project’s aesthetic appeal but also makes viewers wonder.
Sections of Pinta and Nina residences, at Cascade Park in Almere, Netherlands / Credits and source: Almere Municipality
#4 Imagining the Future Living: Target Group Addressed Visually
Through the created architectural renderings, we wanted to showcase the luxurious way of living.
We are aware that the artistic visualization prolongs the viewer’s wonder and leaves them connected with the story of the project. That is why we focus a lot on presenting people using the space. It is a psychological technique as the humanized aspect always makes the viewers identify the project proposal with ease. Children playing around, birds soaring up high, adults cycling, all these make architectural visuals that keep the audience reading into it.
This includes not only people, but also the type of landscape, and the natural environment surrounding the residence. Showcasing the type of people who use the space or the surrounding elements is a narrative element, which expresses the functions of design and attitude toward a space. The idea of a world existing in and beyond the building is supposed to be presented in 3D images.
During Pinta and Nina residence architectural renderings creation these elements reflect the future residents. Also, they show to whom the design is dedicated: progressive and caring environmental and historical identities, and free and adventurous people.
Separate zones of public and private spaces in the defining plan of Pinta and Nina at Cascade Park in Almere, Netherlands / Credits and source: Almere Municipality
#5 Look and Feel: Communicating the Eloquent and Imaginative Story through Columbus Gate 3D Illustrations
Pinta and Nina are the names of the sailing ships which Columbus discovered America. The new world is why Columbus Poort is the place where discovery and freedom are central.
The designers from opZoom architecten claim that the buildings’ raised forms converge gracefully, imbued with a nautical essence are much like ships at sea. The arching canopies, uniting the structures, serve as both gateways and markers, delineating the park and residential zones. The park-facing expanse, reminiscent of ship decks, commands attention, while the expansive terraces elevate living standards and panoramic vistas. The architectural composition pays homage to the area’s maritime history, evoking an era when the Zuiderzee held sway over this remarkable locale.
Presented on architectural renderings the spacious balconies, white surfaces, flowing lines, and wooden finish adorned with glass and metal elements evoke a sense of freedom, exploration and openness.
Historical Reverence of Pinta and Nina Residences in Almere Poort
Columbus Gate consists of two residences: Pinta and Nina. These modern structures are reminiscent of contemporary luxury yachts amidst the green expanse of Cascade Park, which refers by its forms, materials, and names to local maritime history.
Benefits of Clear Zoning between Public and Private on Architectural Renderings
The zoning was expressed through framing and camera positioning of street views. As you can see on the 3D image at the start of the article, it showcases a private zone from the park. While the 3D image below presents a public perspective on the first plan, captured from the other side of the street.
1st prize in architectural tender / Pinta and Nina at Cascade Park in Almere, Netherlands / Winners: opZoom architecten x Bemog Projektontwikkeling x Mateboer Projectontwikkeling / Storytelling architectural visualization communicate the design ideas and create a visual reference to maritime motive: RNDR
A Glimpse of Resilience: Conveying Sustainability and Ecological Philosophy via Architectural Visualizations
The city of Almere now stands on the former bed of the Zuiderzee, once navigated by sailing ships. While the water has receded, the connection to maritime history persists and is used to underline ecological and sustainable architectural solutions.
#1 Sustainable Architecture Exposed on Architectural Illustrations
A strong emphasis on nature and biodiversity is evident in the competition-winning proposal. We wanted to present all these features highlighted visually on the architectural visualizations.
The architectural competition proposal embraces sustainability, energy efficiency, and nature integration as fundamental principles for both residences. With sustainable features including eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient design, and green spaces, competition proposals offer a fusion of modern luxury and environmental responsibility. The structures comprise resilient three-bedroom apartments designed for both durability and accessibility. The floor plans cater to the needs of disabled individuals as well.
Ample green rooftop space and strategically placed balconies seamlessly merge indoor and outdoor environments. A range of smart strategies and conservation measures are implemented to curtail energy usage, complemented by sustainable energy sources. Notably, solar panels adorning the roof contribute to an energy-generating infrastructure.
We wanted to express visually how the holistic approach benefits people, flora, and fauna alike. That is why on architectural renderings you can see the sedum roof that collects rainwater, mitigates heat stress, and offers habitats for insects, birds, and plants.
Some of the sustainable solutions are not seen on architectural illustrations, but architects integrated thoughtful measures to support wildlife, such as nest boxes within the eaves for swifts and black redstarts, which aid in pest control near the water. A continuous bank behind the decking can serve as a habitat for frogs and waterfowl. Moreover, provisions for bats will be strategically placed within the walls and the parking basement. A half-height bat cellar is designed to serve as a winter sanctuary for these creatures.
Upon completion of the project, an Owners’ Association (VvE) will be established, and residents will be provided with comprehensive information regarding nature-integrated and sustainable practices. This knowledge aims to ensure the enduring application of the buildings’ environmentally conscious design.
Schemas expressing sustainability design principles of the Pinta and Nina at Cascade Park in Almere, Netherlands / Credits and source: Almere Municipality
#2 Landscape and Sustainability
The shift from the park to the residence is accentuated through the presence of an ecological green perimeter encircling the structures, which can be seen on the aerial rendering and eye-level perspectives. This verdant planting contributes to the enrichment of park biodiversity while enhancing the building’s aesthetic through vibrant colors and visual appeal.
The designers intended to highlight the shift from private to public spaces by encircling the residence with an ecological, verdant border. We implemented this thought in the renders as well where the lush plant life not only enriches the park’s biodiversity but also adds vibrancy to the building’s exterior. Acting as an aesthetic bridge between the park, balconies, and roof terrace, it creates a visual illusion of the residence “floating” amidst a sea of greenery, reminiscent of a ship’s presence on the water.
#3 Semi-Underground Parking
As presented on architectural visualizations and sections, the semi-sunken parking garage, positioned about one and a half meters above ground-level, provides ample room for cars, scooters, and bicycles. The car entrance is situated at the residences’ apex on two streets: Iliasstraat and Odysseestraat. The garage benefits from natural ventilation through side openings, contributing to environmental sustainability and granting bats and birds unrestricted passage. Concealed by overhangs and foliage, the garage remains discreetly concealed from sight.
#4 Water Access
The entryways to both structures are located at the water’s edge on the intersections of Iliasstraat and Odysseestraat. Each building is accessed via a compact entrance platform. The incorporation of decking and reeds along the waterfront creates a gentle and organic link between the water and the building. To mark the shift from the park to the residence, an ecological, verdant zone encircles the structure. This lush flora enhances biodiversity within the park and adds vibrancy and visual appeal to the residence. You can see these on architectural visualizations and architect’s sections.
Sections of Pinta and Nina residences, at Cascade Park in Almere, Netherlands / Credits and source: Almere Municipality
Summary of the Creation of Winning Architectural Renderings
This tender winner needed diverse renderings as different perspectives create a collage of scenes and moods connected by visual aesthetics and notes pinned along the way. Architectural renderings can take the form of a perspective, parallel projection, section, or abstract. As long as it portrays part or all of a building or an interior space.
For the architectural tender proposal succeed, be it honorable mentions or prize money, it is highly important to create a visual play. From our experience along with a harmonious design by the architecture firms, a visual perspective is what leads to the first competition prizes and winning. The massive details form a visual journey for the viewers into the vision of designers, giving a better idea of the space.
Through our artistic visualization, we wanted to make Pinta and Nina stand out in the city and be easily recognizable. It comes from a point, that we know – winning entries like this always comes with storytelling and artistic visualization trying to make viewers wonder in awe. The image spans an unobstructed plain. Solemn but beautiful.
Do You Need Help with Showcasing Your Architectural Tender and Competition Proposals on Storytelling Architectural Renderings?
Just click here to connect or check our services section to know more.
