Key Takeaways:

• ‍Architectural visualization has become a core part of the design process, enabling students to think, test, and communicate ideas in real time rather than only at the final presentation stage.
• ‍Long-term educational impact comes from structured institutional adoption—training faculty, integrating tools into the curriculum, and ensuring universal access for students.
• ‍AI literacy is now a foundational skill in architectural education, preparing students to work with the tools and workflows already shaping professional practice.

What began as a single workshop at the Sonora Congress has since evolved into something far more impactful: a new model for integrating architectural visualization and AI into higher education.

In partnership with D5 Render, the University of Sonora (UNISON) hosted an intensive, hands-on learning experience for architecture students—one that didn’t just change how students presented their ideas, but how the university now approaches visualization, design workflows, and future-ready education.

1. From Workshop to Institutional Momentum

During the event, more than 40 students from UNISON’s Hermosillo campus took part in a 20-hour professional workshop led by José Antonio Preciado, Customer Success Manager for D5 Render LATAM.

Designed to simulate real-world workflows, the training introduced real-time visualization not as a finishing touch, but as a core part of the design process. Over five days, students moved through the complete visualization pipeline:

• Importing models from SketchUp, Rhino, Revit, and more
• Creating materials and working with AI-assisted PBR workflows
• Exploring lighting, atmosphere, and environmental controls
• Setting up cameras, creating animations, and producing high-quality exports
• Completing interior and exterior projects for inclusion in their academic portfolios

For many students, it was their first experience with real-time rendering and AI-driven tools—and the impact was immediate.

2. A Shift in How Students Think and Communicate

By the end of the workshop, students presented complete visualizations—some receiving special recognition for the clarity and quality of their work. But more meaningful than the awards was a noticeable shift in mindset.

“There was a radical change in how students presented their ideas through real-time 3D visualization. They now use the program not only as a visualization tool, but also as a design tool.”

— UNISON Faculty Member

Visualization was no longer an output; it became an integral part of the creative process. Students began using it not just to illustrate ideas, but to shape and refine them.

This evolution—where visualization bridges concept, design intent, and communication—is precisely what many architecture programs strive to achieve.

3. Why UNISON Decided to Go Further

What makes this initiative so notable is what happened next.

Rather than treating the workshop as a one-time experience, UNISON’s academic leadership saw a broader opportunity to evolve how visualization and AI are taught. As one member of the curriculum committee put it:

“In just a few years, D5 has become the most user-friendly, powerful, and innovative option on the market. Those of us familiar with its potential are now working to integrate it into our curriculum.”

D5’s ease of use, compatibility with existing platforms, and integrated AI tools made it both accessible to students and practical for faculty adoption—at scale.

Also read: Tired of Endless 3D Post Processing? D5 Render Does It in One Click

4. Turning a Single Event into a Scalable Model

Following the Congress, UNISON and D5 Render began building a long-term framework to integrate real-time visualization into the university’s academic strategy. This includes:

4.1 Faculty Training

Professors now have access to guided, on-demand training materials that allow them to adopt D5 Render and AI workflows without disrupting their existing teaching.

4.2 Streamlined Educational Licensing

Students can easily access free D5 Render licenses, enabling them to work on their own devices without hardware limitations—and start producing professional-quality work from their first semesters.

4.3 Year-Round Learning via UNISON’s Platform

An optional D5 Render workshop is now available through UNISON’s institutional platform, offering students flexible, continuous access to advanced visualization education.

Also read: D5 Lab Installation Guide: Fast & Error-Free Setup Steps

5. Preparing Students for the Future of the Industry

This collaboration reflects a broader understanding of where the AEC industry is heading. Real-time rendering and AI workflows are no longer emerging trends—they are fast becoming fundamental skills for design professionals.

“AI workflows will be a structural part of the DNA of design and the executive project itself.”

By embedding these tools into its academic framework, UNISON ensures its graduates leave with:

• Practical fluency in industry-standard workflows
• Strong, visually driven portfolios
• Confidence using AI as part of the design and decision-making process

Also read: AI in Architecture 2025: The 5 Surprising Patterns We Didn’t Expect

6. A Model for Architecture Schools Across Latin America

What began as a highlight of the Sonora Congress is now positioning UNISON as a regional leader in architectural visualization education.

When short-term workshops are paired with faculty support, curriculum alignment, and accessible tools, real transformation becomes possible.

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Interested in Bringing This Model to Your University?

The UNISON × D5 Render partnership is a powerful example of how educational events can spark long-term change—bridging academia and professional practice through real-time visualization and AI.

To explore collaboration or educational implementation in the Latam market, drop us a message:
📧 laura.mayorga@d5techs.com
📧 contact@d5techs.com

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