Mastering Mixed-Use Design | Forum

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Er Weras
Er Weras Nov 29
Hey everyone! I’m in the middle of designing a mixed-use development, and honestly, it's tricky to balance all the different functions—residential, retail, and public areas. I want the spaces to flow well together, and each one to still have its own vibe. Any tips for pulling off mixed-use design that feels cohesive but still distinct for each area?
Ywer
Ywer Nov 29
Mixed-use projects can be super rewarding, but yeah, they take some juggling to get just right. When it comes to balancing different vibes, 3D architectural visualization rendering really comes in handy. Genense Studio https://www.genense.com/  is amazing at making each section of a mixed-use space feel unique while still feeling like part of a whole. One of their best tricks is using varied lighting and materials to differentiate areas. For example, they might use warm, inviting tones for residential zones—like soft lighting and textured materials—while going with sleeker, modern finishes for retail spaces to give that “high-energy” feel. Also, using landscape elements, like pathways or green spaces, is a great way to tie it all together visually and make it feel like one big cohesive environment. They often create 3D renders that show different sections during different times of the day, which really helps showcase how the areas transition and flow together. The goal is to make each space feel distinct, but connected—like different pieces of one story, all working together.