Do you develop the creative concept and set design, or do we need to bring a finished idea?

We do both. EDGE's set designers and designers can develop the full creative concept – stage layout, lounge, entrance zone and branding areas – based on your brief, goals and budget. If you already have an idea or reference material, we help you refine and realise it. The visualisation is the tool that communicates the design to everyone involved.

What is the difference between a sketch, a floor plan and a 3D rendering?

A sketch is an early, conceptual document for communicating the idea. A scale floor plan is a measured technical document that drives production and rigging. A 3D rendering is a photorealistic image of the final result. We deliver all three depending on the project's phase and the need for decision support.

Can you visualise the lighting in 3D before the event?

Yes. We work in Capture and MA3D to visualise lighting in a 3D environment. This gives a realistic impression of how the lighting will look in the actual venue and makes it possible to iterate on design and feel without taking time from the rig period.

Can you produce documentation for building permits or fire safety plans?

Yes. We produce technical drawings and plans that can be used as a basis for building permits, fire safety review and organiser approval. This can cover construction drawings for multi-level stages, rig plans and load documentation.

How long does it take to produce a 3D rendering?

A simple rendering of a conference stage can be delivered within 2–3 working days from an approved brief. A complex arena set design with multiple environments and detailed set design takes 5–10 working days. We always provide a timeline at the quotation stage.

Can we iterate on the design based on the renderings?

Yes, that is exactly the point. We always plan in revision rounds during the process and deliver updated versions as the design is refined. It is more cost-efficient to change things in 3D than to change them in production.

Can you deliver animated previews of the show?

Yes. We can produce animated pre-visualisations (pre-vis) of show sequences – for example precision reveals, pyrotechnic sequences or lighting programming – to give an even clearer impression of how the show will feel. Mainly used for large productions with complex technical sequences.

3D rendering and set design – EDGE Concept & Visualisation

Concept & Visualisation

At EDGE, we develop the design and scenography – and communicate it using tools that create a shared picture for everyone involved. This can be a hand sketch from one of our set designers, a construction drawing from the carpentry workshop or a photorealistic 3D rendering with integrated video and lighting. Whatever the level of ambition, visualisation is an incredibly important tool in our daily work.

"We almost always visualise our solutions. 3D sketches and floor plans, CAD and exploded views, 3D animations, motion graphics and film production. We visualise what we design and build what we draw"

A visualisation, drawing or sketch creates a shared goal and facilitates collaboration both between you as a client and us as a supplier, and for our internal collaboration between departments. 3D sketches and drawings are something we have always focused heavily on and which we regularly hear is highly appreciated by our clients – not least because we also deliver a product that looks exactly like what we sketched.

Reference video – visualisation:

Concept and visualisation for different occasions

Here are some examples of occasions where we use concept development and visualisation:

Concept development and set design

Everything starts with an idea. EDGE's set designers and designers develop the creative concept – the stage layout, the lounge, the entrance zone, the branding surfaces and how the technical and the aesthetic work together. Visualisation is then the tool that communicates that concept to all parties involved.

Create a shared reference with a rendered 3D model

A photorealistic 3D rendering of what your project will look like is an excellent tool ahead of production. With rendered images as a reference, it's easy to discuss ideas and see what works in meetings with everyone involved. A rendering also serves as a blueprint for the final result, giving the whole team a shared target with no room for misinterpretation.

Confirming spaces and dimensions with a floor plan

Let us produce a dimensioned, to-scale 2D floor plan with stage production, catering, table placement and venue requirements on the same drawing. We make sure everything fits comfortably and account for escape routes and fire regulations.

Experience the event in advance with a 3D walkthrough

Once we have modelled an event in one of our 3D programmes, we can create camera moves and render animation films where the camera glides through the entire venue as the visitor will experience it on the day. Widely used when event solutions need to be presented to end clients or decision-makers.

Our concept and visualisation services

Here are some examples of the services we offer:

3D modelling

We create all kinds of 3D models – venues, stage solutions, environments and specific objects. We use a range of software for different situations. Commonly used tools include Cinema 4D, Vectorworks, Depence2, Lumion and WYSIWYG.

Floor plans

We produce to-scale top views and floor plans for events, meetings and expos. We have extensive experience drawing in catering, table settings, fire lanes and escape routes. Let us bring everyone's space requirements onto the same drawing to avoid misunderstandings during the build.

Construction drawings

Just as a floor plan and a rendered 3D model are essential for a shared target, construction drawings are the foundation when we produce anything in our carpentry workshop or print department. With dimensioned drawings to millimetre precision, we ensure everyone is aligned and all requirements are met before production begins.

Frequently asked questions about concept and visualisation

Do you develop the creative concept and set design, or do we need to come with a finished idea?

We do both. EDGE's set designers and designers can develop the entire creative concept – stage layout, lounge, entrance zone and branding surfaces – from your brief, your goals and your budget. If you already have an idea or reference material, we help you refine and realise it. Visualisation is the tool that communicates the design to all parties involved.

What is a photorealistic 3D rendering and when do we need one?

A photorealistic 3D rendering is a computer-generated image of how the event or solution will actually look – with accurate lighting, materials and proportions. It is invaluable in presentations to decision-makers, for testing and comparing design options, and for giving the whole team a shared reference with no room for individual interpretation.

Can you produce an animated 3D walkthrough of the event?

Yes. Once we have modelled the event in one of our 3D programmes, we can render animation films where the camera glides through the entire venue and set design – exactly as visitors will experience it. It is a powerful presentation tool when solutions need to be pitched to end clients or presented to boards and management teams.

What is the difference between a floor plan and a 3D rendering?

A floor plan is a to-scale 2D top view showing the venue layout – stage, catering, seating, fire lanes and escape routes. It is used to confirm everything fits and to coordinate all parties' space requirements. A 3D rendering shows what it will actually look like visually. Both are often needed and complement each other.

What 3D software do you use?

We use a wide range of software depending on what suits the project best: Cinema 4D and Lumion for photorealistic renderings and animations, Vectorworks for floor plans and construction documentation, Depence2 for real-time lighting simulation, and WYSIWYG for pre-visualisation of lighting rigs. We often combine several tools within the same project.

Do you account for fire regulations and escape routes in floor plans?

Yes. We always include fire lanes, escape routes and emergency exits in our floor plans and ensure the venue's fire regulations are met. We consolidate catering, stage, seating and technical requirements on the same drawing to prevent conflicts and misunderstandings during the build.

Can visualisations be used as sales material for end clients?

Yes, and it is one of the most common uses. Photorealistic renderings and 3D animations are widely used by event agencies and communications teams to present and sell in event solutions to end clients, management teams and boards. A well-crafted visualisation can be decisive in a decision-making process.

Does the final result actually match the visualisation?

Yes. This is one of the things we are most proud of. We build what we draw – and that is precisely why we invest so much in making our visualisations accurate and detailed. Materials, proportions, lighting and set design in the rendering are the actual delivery's blueprint, not just an inspiration image.