This document discusses how visualization through images and drawings can enhance design projects and community engagement. It provides testimonials from local government officials praising a design firm called studioINSITE for providing quick sketches and renderings that helped establish priorities, bring projects to life to gain approval, and generate public support. The document also outlines different types of visualization techniques like sketches, concept drawings, 3D models and renderings that can be used at various stages of the design process. It emphasizes that hand drawings create more authenticity and that scenes should include context and life. Contact information is provided to learn more about the visualization techniques and services offered by studioINSITE.

1. VISUALIZATION
matters to your project & community
why

3. Visualization images can transform
your design projects.
Generating colored sketches that
reflect place-making and excitement
that comes with new development
can drive the design process and
bring your work to life!

5. “Our Brighton City Council held a visioning workshop in which studioINSITE sketched ideas
during the session and developed over 60 drawings visualizing the council’s goals for the
city. Their quick sketches were valuable in establishing priorities for our city’s future.”
— marvin falconburg, Assistant City Manager | City of Brighton, CO
“Jim Leggitt on the studioINSITE team helped us illustrate a proposed transit- oriented
development in the City of San Bernardino. The renderings brought the project to life,
literally, as it helped the City’s staff to get approval for a multi-million dollar commitment
from the City Council.”
— FAROOQ AMEEN AIA, RIBA, Principal|City Design Studio
“studioINSITE developed conceptual renderings for a series of community presentations
that were profoundly impactful for generating public opinion and support for our
controversial project. Without their visuals, it would have been nearly impossible for citizens
to understand our company’s vision for environmental stewardship and commitment to
improving the local infrastructure and economy.”
— Doug McQuide, Director of External Relations | Comstock Mining, Inc.
testimonials

6. Thumbnail Sketch. This quickly generated sketch
is a visual record of first thoughts, ideas, and
impressions often drawn with minimal detail and
notes.
Concept Drawing. This more developed drawing
reveals the basic character, scale, and design
direction, with moderate detail and added color.
2-dimensional solutions

7. Design Advancement. This phase of design
development requires finer detail, color, accuracy
and site elements such as people, cars, and trees.
Presentation Visual. This highly developed and
detailed rendering is often created for promoting
projects and formal presentations.
2-dimensional solutions

8. Massing Model. Created with minimal shapes and
detail, this type of study model is quick to build and
effective for making initial design decisions.
Site Model. This type of study model reveals site
topography, walls, elevation changes, and general
3-dimensional character of an exterior space.
3-dimensional solutions

9. Architectural Model. This fully articulated type of
model includes materials, massing, architectural
detail, overall site elements, and lighting.
Presentation Rendering. This formal illustrated
model view is based on highly detailed 3D modeling,
photo-realistic lighting, and materials.
3-dimensional solutions

10. Plan Diagram. This is a graphic representation
of program elements, open spaces, vehicular
circulation, pedestrian movement, and overall site
layout.
Illustrative Plan. Landscape patterns are
illustrated with planting typologies, parking,
architectural and site plan, shadows, scale,
construction materials, and color.
graphic strategies

11. Hand Drawn Perspective. These moderately
detailed ink pen or pencil conceptual drawings
illustrate basic design concept and context, and
are often colored with markers and pens.
Presentation Rendering. Formal illustration is
based on accurate 3D modeling, photo-realistic
lighting, perspective view, material representation,
and a high level of detail.
graphic strategies

12. digital watercolor

13. combining drawing and photography

14. hybrid hand drawings

15. Hand drawn work creates more
character and authenticity.
Providing context is key — scenes
should be full of life and activity.

16. To learn more about visualization
techniques follow Jim Leggitt’s
blog: jimleggitt.typepad.com
To learn more about studioINSITE
and the visioning services we
provide visit our website
studio-insite.com