Since its inception, Enscape has been known for its precision and simplicity, delivering offline-rendered image quality at real-time speeds. With version, 2.6.1, released in 2019, Enscape became one of the first rendering engines for architects to support NVIDIA’s revolutionary RTX technology, which set the new standard for real-time rendering.
In this article, we’ll look at how Enscape applied ray-tracing techniques in its real-time rendering engine in the past; how NVIDIA RTX technology allows Enscape users to render with even more detail and accuracy than ever before, and what one renowned architectural firm thought when they tried it out.
Achieve high-quality reflections at any time of day. Project credit: tas_1985
Laying the groundwork
In contrast to many game engines, we here at Enscape already realized the value of showcasing ray-traced lighting and reflection calculations and have done so in our real-time engine. Everything we see in the real world is a result of light interacting with the objects in our view. Ray-tracing techniques emulate this effect: an algorithm simulates light rays, tracing them from the imaginary eye, or camera, to the light source. As this is fundamentally similar to how light behaves in real life, it can achieve amazingly realistic results.
It was, however, computationally taxing to run so many calculations in real-time. Tracing rays for every frame was resource-intensive and required a great deal of optimization work in other areas. To achieve real-time framerates, it was necessary to partially scale back reflection quality during camera movement and the amount of geometry visible in reflections. But now, from Enscape version 2.6.1 and above, thankfully this is no longer the case.
Crisp, accurate reflections with one click. Project credit: tas_1985
Enscape + NVIDIA RTX = a winning combination
For Enscape, the advent of NVIDIA RTX technology means users can achieve physically accurate reflections and diffuse indirect lighting for the first time. RTX dramatically enhances the Enscape experience, bringing about even better performance, light transport, and reflection quality.
NVIDIA RTX and Enscape make it possible to ray trace more geometry in a higher resolution, at exactly the same frame rate. RTX’s hardware acceleration significantly speeds up lighting and reflection calculations. The faster Enscape can calculate, the more accurate the reflections and indirect lighting will be. The way you use Enscape does not change; the results you get, however, have the possibility of being more realistic, with no extra effort on your part.
Flawless performance, even in your most epic projects. Project credit: tas_1985
Revolutionizing workflows for Turner Fleischer Architects
Fully realistic reflections have traditionally been an inherently difficult topic for real-time renderers. For developers, this has been complicated by the fact that glass is a highly important and often used design element; designers expect sharp and correct reflections. Now, RTX gives us the power we need to offer both the performance Enscape is known for and do so with highly realistic reflections.
This has come in handy for Toronto-based firm Turner Fleischer Architects. The renowned firm has always chased cutting-edge technology to convey their designs. As Turner Fleischer Principal Steve Nonis says: “Enscape has radically revolutionized the workflow and client offerings at our studio. The increased speed and enhanced quality of our renderings facilitates a totally new way for us to design, in real time, with immediate feedback. Design is always an iterative process, but Enscape has made it a dynamic one at Turner Fleischer: the tools we use can now keep up with our creativity, allowing quick decision making and letting our clients instantly see the impact of their choices.”
Trying out the new NVIDIA RTX technology with Enscape was a no-brainer. “With the addition of RTX to this mix, we can now add to the accuracy, quality and depth our visualizations, with accurate reflections, particularly on glass surfaces, bring static images to life,” says Nonis.
The NOBU Project by Turner Fleischer Architects and Teeple Architects Inc.
Impressive reflections in this towering Turner Fleischer project
Enscape Support for NVIDIA DLSS
With the release of Enscape 3.1 in July 2021, users will be able to enjoy yet further improved performance and quality thanks to the support of NVIDIA DLSS technology (Deep Learning Super Sampling).
With NVIDIA DLSS enabled, video rendering time decreases, and quality increases. You can enjoy improved real-time performance of walkthroughs and higher frame rates with much lower GPU requirements. This latest technology is available to users with an NVIDIA RTX graphics card.
With Enscape and NVIDIA DLSS, users can take advantage of the latest generation of high-res VR headsets and enjoy higher-quality virtual reality experiences. Learn more about Enscape's support for NVIDIA DLSS here: Enscape Leverages NVIDIA DLSS for Improved Performance and Quality
Get Started With Enscape
If you'd like to start creating your own realistic visualizations in real time, try Enscape free for 14 days:
