Naturesync Hub project: how 3D visualizations reflect the evolutionary growth of the African food industry

A dark horse in the market is a player that introduces an innovative product to the public, targeting a specific audience. This dark horse ceases to be one and evolves into a strong competitor, claiming a solid share of the food industry when that very product resonates beyond the borders of its home country. But…

Maintaining a leading position and promoting a brand solely by referencing years of experience on a company’s website is not enough. Not without proof of quality backed by hundreds of customer reviews. Not without the buzzword “sustainability”, which is increasingly crucial in business as it signals a company's ecological responsibility – a major point of interest for investors. Not without guarantees of humane working conditions, embodied by spacious, clean and well-equipped production facilities. And not without modern technologies, whose integration into production processes not only showcases a company’s growth but also addresses all the aforementioned concerns.

Yes, today’s realities are creating a universal tool. In our case, that tool is 3D visualization. You may ask, what’s the connection? How can simple architectural renders chronicle the natural rise of a company that has garnered recognition almost worldwide? We are excited to share our insights, drawing from a recent project we completed for our client Olu Olu Foods!

The information on the website about the three “points of sale” where the company operates is not without reason causing you questions. The rise of Olu Olu Foods, a family business that began in the 1970s in Lagos, Nigeria (then known as Olu Olu Wineries), has slowly transformed this small Afro-Caribbean player into a recognizable brand, now making waves both in the United States and in various parts of the United Kingdom.
Spoiler alert: the latter will be our primary location as a 3D visualization and rendering studio to begin experiments based on Olu Olu Foods' need for visualizations of their production hub, including office spaces and packaging facilities. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves…

We are fortunate to have such a client, as their policy, deeply rooted in ethical sourcing and sustainability, resonates with our studio's values. Olu Olu Foods offers a wide range of tropical food products – banana chips, spices, yam flour products, coconut drinks and more – while adhering to a strategy aimed at minimizing environmentally harmful waste. They even have their own principle “Olu Olu Gives Back”, which focuses on supporting local farmers through training or providing essential equipment, as well as participating in global charitable initiatives. Caring for the environment and the people connected to it are the core values of the company. Through visualizations of their expansive facilities, our 3D artists sought to reflect this mission. How did it turn out?

The renders for this project showcase a fusion of production functionality and office life, brought together by a modern approach to workplace organization. The exterior and interior views of the building are seamlessly integrated into the natural landscape, constantly reminding us of the importance of the environment. This applies both in terms of human productivity – biophilic elements in the interiors and the expansive panoramic views outside have a positive impact on health – and in reflecting the current architectural trends.

Solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and waste recycling facilities, incorporated into the design alongside natural elements like green spaces, complete the picture, resembling a carefully constructed system. This mechanism stands out for its efficiency and uninterrupted operation.

In the Naturesync Hub project, every area is designed to emphasize the comfort and convenience of employees. The hub is envisioned as a place of high productivity, as it seamlessly blends cutting-edge technology with aesthetic appeal.

Comparing a small retail shop with terracotta walls, proudly displaying 360-degree panoramic photos on Google Maps, to a future building realistically rendered in 3D may seem illogical, as they serve entirely different purposes from the start.

However, this is precisely the essence of the Naturesync Hub project – the new center is designed to offer far more possibilities, not only through the obvious expansion of total space (which naturally leads to increased production capacity) but also through an open-plan layout that provides flexibility in transforming spaces to meet the company's evolving needs.

3D visualization is a powerful marketing tool that works wonders across various industries, delivering significant "dividends" – from real estate to e-commerce. However, the true value lies in the final product of the 3D artist's work.

The process of creating renders involves much more fundamental principles. At each stage, the client answers crucial planning and organizational questions, understands the maximum and minimum flow of employees through the building, and considers the overall logistics and ergonomics of the space. These time and cost-saving benefits are exactly what 3D technologies – particularly architectural renders – provide. They act as a flawless physical guide, free from errors and oversights. Such oversights, which the client, in their search for construction companies, cannot guarantee avoiding with 100% certainty.

The Naturesync Hub project serves as an excellent example of how modern architectural solutions that exude comfort can contribute to improving working conditions. The inclusion of social spaces, such as relaxation rooms, positively impacts employees' emotional well-being, which is clearly reflected in their productivity.

3D visualizations play a crucial role in attracting investor interest, particularly in large-scale infrastructure projects like Naturesync Hub. Detailed renders help investors better understand the functionality and aesthetics of the project, while also assessing its business potential.

Moreover, architectural renders provide a practical tool for companies like Olu Olu Foods. For instance, they can be used in investor presentations or displayed on the company's website and social media to increase brand recognition through "engaged" likes or even purchases of refreshing beverages! In this case, 3D visualizations help attract a new audience eager for healthy products, potentially turning first-time encounters with the company into long-term customer loyalty.