Ahmed Abdelgafard, a landscape architect and educator at the American University in Cairo, brings his passion for design to life using D5 Render. With over a decade of experience, Ahmed's expertise shines through his certifications and accomplishments. He became a Certified Autodesk Revit Professional in 2015 and completed a Virtual Reality course at Ziggurat Global Institute of Technology in 2023. His AI-Umma Park design in Iraq earned recognition from Archdaily in 2019, and he was shortlisted in the ACUD competition for his innovative street landscape design in Cairo's New Capital.

"What inspired me to integrate D5 into my curriculum is my own experience as a student. I had a hard time finding the right tools, so when I found D5, I decided to spread the knowledge."

What drew you to D5 Render, and why did you incorporate it into your teaching?

I was searching for real-time render engines that could be compared to Enscape, and I found D5 on a list. After watching its launch, I really liked it. The quality stood out to me, and I was impressed with how the D5 team kept up with updates and upgrades.

What inspired me to integrate D5 into my curriculum is my own experience as a student. I had a hard time finding the right tools, so when I found D5, I decided to spread the knowledge. It's part of my job and ethics to keep students updated. D5 also has that "wow" factor that makes it perfect for presentations, something other programs often lack.

Experience with D5 Render

“The first time I used D5, I was surprised by how much it stood out with its quality materials and library. It really changed my workflow.”

What stood out to you when you first started using D5 Render?

When I first used D5, I thought the interface looked complicated. But after hearing about updates and competitions, I decided to give it another shot, and it didn't disappoint. The quality of materials, the extensive library, and the ease of file integration really stood out.

How does D5 Render compare to other software?

They're confused at first, but after the first session, they become enthusiastic and often say, "Why didn't anyone tell us about this earlier? Why are we using Lumion and Enscape?" D5 is fast and easy to use, and it produces realistic renders very quickly. I see a noticeable improvement in their work. Some students who didn't attend class thought their classmates had asked external students for help because the renders looked so professional!

"D5 saved my students so much time. In architecture, time is often limited, and D5 helps you produce high-quality renders in a short amount of time."

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Can you share a project where D5 Render significantly improved your workflow or student results?

We worked on a villa design where I asked the students to model it in Revit and render it using D5. Within just four days, they were able to understand the program and create renders they never thought possible. The main impact was how much time D5 saved them. In architecture, time is often limited, and D5 allows you to produce high-quality renders and videos quickly.

Teaching with D5 Render

“I recommend D5 in every class I teach. It helps students prepare their projects for rendering from the start, making the process smoother.”

How have you incorporated D5 Render into your teaching, and what role does it play in your classes?

I recommend D5 in every class that involves design submissions or visual designs. Sometimes I offer office hours to teach it if it's not already part of the course. D5 helps both me and my students stay up-to-date with the rapidly evolving visualization industry. I also teach students to prepare their projects from the start with D5 in mind, so they don't have to worry about material names or adding too many families to their projects.

What are some of the key features of D5 Render that you emphasize to your students?

I emphasize the projector lighting feature, AI tools, and material generation. These features not only improve the quality of renders but also save time, which is a major advantage.

Benefits and Challenges of D5 Render

“D5 has become my go-to choice for visualization. It helps me set a benchmark for how I want my images to look and allows me to reach the quality I imagine more easily.”

What are the key benefits of using D5 Render for you and your students?

For me, it helps manage my time and lets me focus on the areas where D5 excels, like rendering, rather than modeling. D5's detailed blocks are particularly appreciated by those who understand the importance of precision. For students, D5 teaches them the significance of lighting, material quality, and other critical aspects of rendering.

How has D5 Render impacted your approach to architectural visualization?

D5 has become my go-to choice for visualization. It helps me set a benchmark for how I want my images to look and allows me to reach the quality I imagine more easily.

Can you share any success stories or notable achievements from your students that were made possible by using D5 Render?

One student was struggling with visualization and receiving low grades because she couldn't express her ideas properly using Enscape. After learning D5, her work improved significantly, and she earned a B+ on her first project. By the end of the course, she had an A-. She told me that if she had learned D5 earlier, she could have done even better!

In what ways do you think D5 Render prepares your students for their future careers in architecture and design?

The biggest challenge is that not many companies in Egypt know about D5 yet. However, I've introduced it at the company I work for, and I hope the entire department adopts it. If it becomes widely known, students will enter the professional world with a strong grasp of a powerful tool, making their workflow more efficient.

Future Prospects and Closing Thoughts

How do you see the role of real-time rendering evolving in architectural education and practice?

Real-time rendering saves a lot of time, which is essential. It helps students and architects visualize how their models can be modified and simulate what the final design will look like in reality.

“Trust the D5 team. They are constantly improving and adding features that make a difference for both educators and students.”

Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience with D5 Render?

I'm incredibly grateful for D5. It's enhanced my work and opened new opportunities for me. I recommend it and teach it to everyone, and this interview is my way of saying thank you to the D5 team for everything they've done.

Take the Next Step with D5 Render: Become a D5 Campus Ambassador

If you're passionate about real-time rendering like Ahmed and want to inspire the next generation of designers, consider applying for the D5 Campus Ambassador Program. As a Campus Ambassador, you'll have the opportunity to introduce D5 Render to your peers, showcase your skills, and connect with like-minded individuals in the architectural visualization community. Learn more about the program and how you can get involved here. Join us in shaping the future of design visualization!

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