Architectural Video Generation with Gemini: Omni Flash and Veo 3.1 Guide

What will you learn in this guide?

This guide explains how to write prompts for video models in the Gemini API to develop video concepts from architectural and interior images. The goal is to describe the scene, motion, and desired result clearly, rather than trying to resolve every detail in a single request, then refine the output step by step.

Google’s documentation positions Gemini Omni Flash for fast video generation and conversational editing, and Veo 3.1 for needs such as native audio, video extension, and frame-specific generation. Choose a model based on your project requirements. The prompts below are original examples for architectural work; they are not API call code and do not describe specific interface steps.

Requirements and model selection

The sources document video generation through the Gemini API and two model families. However, they do not provide details here about account setup, access conditions, pricing, usage quotas, or required software versions. Before generating, check the current API documentation for access and usage terms.

You can use the following distinction when deciding on a workflow:

• Gemini Omni Flash: For creating short videos from text and images, and editing them over multiple turns. The documentation also says it supports using text, images, audio, and video together as inputs.

• Veo 3.1: For work that requires native audio, video extension, generation based on specific frames, or image guidance. The source specifies the generateContent API for Veo 3.1.

These are capability descriptions from the provider’s documentation; they do not mean the selected model will produce the desired result in every architectural scene. Visual decisions such as materials, geometry, and camera movement need to be checked in the output.

Step-by-step guide to writing an architectural video prompt

1. Define the scene and its purpose

First decide what the video should show: the atmosphere of an interior, changing light on a façade, or an animated presentation of an image. The prompt should include the type of space, visible architectural elements, and the scene’s purpose. Google’s prompt guide emphasizes that clear, specific instructions help guide model behavior.

Create a short architectural video of a quiet contemporary library interior. Show the central reading area, timber shelving, and tall windows. The purpose is to communicate the calm atmosphere and spatial depth of the room.

This example brings together the scene, key elements, and narrative purpose. If you’re using a project image, add it as an input and adapt the instructions to its space; how the image is added depends on the tool you choose.

2. Describe the motion as one clear idea

Don’t leave camera movement ambiguous. For example, ask for a slow push-in or changing daylight in a fixed frame. Choose one primary movement first, rather than asking for several movements or ones that conflict in the same prompt.

Animate the provided interior image as a slow forward camera move toward the dining area. Keep the room layout and furniture arrangement visually consistent with the reference image. Use gentle daylight changes and avoid sudden camera movement.

This instruction describes the camera direction and pace of movement based on the reference image. Phrases such as “keep consistent” do not guarantee a particular result; check for changes to the floor plan, furniture, and perspective in the output.

3. Specify changes in time and atmosphere

If you want to show a scene changing over the course of the day, state the starting and ending conditions. The sources do not define a specific timeline syntax, so the example below is a natural-language instruction.

Create a view of the same courtyard at early morning, then show the daylight becoming warmer toward late afternoon. Keep the camera fixed and preserve the courtyard's main architectural features throughout the video.

This prompt focuses on the lighting atmosphere while keeping the frame fixed. Check whether the architectural form changes in the result and whether the lighting transition suits the purpose of the scene.

4. Add an audio request when needed

Veo 3.1 is described in the documentation as a model capable of generating native audio. If your presentation video needs sound, clearly state what should and should not be audible. If you don’t need audio, say so in the prompt to make the request more specific.

Create a short video of a calm museum lobby with a slow camera move toward the reception desk. Include only subtle indoor ambience. Do not add narration or music.

This example describes the kind of atmosphere the audio should convey; it does not represent a specific audio-control parameter or guarantee a particular audio result. If you plan to use the audio in a project presentation, listen to the output and assess its suitability.

5. Refine the first result with small changes

According to the documentation, Omni Flash allows editing over multiple turns with the Interactions API. Treat the first request as the basic description of the scene, then specify one change in the next turn. For example, ask to slow the camera movement or alter a particular element.

Keep the same interior and camera direction, but make the camera movement slower. Preserve the existing furniture arrangement and do not introduce new objects.

Keeping each change narrowly scoped, rather than adding many new instructions at once, makes it easier to understand which request affected the result. This iterative approach is consistent with Google’s prompt guide recommendations for testing and refinement.

6. Clarify the desired output and constraints

A prompt doesn’t have to describe only the scene. You can also specify unwanted elements, the presentation style, and the intended use. However, the sources do not provide limits or parameters here for technical values such as video duration, resolution, or aspect ratio; don’t add these values to the prompt based on assumptions.

Create a restrained architectural presentation video of the provided lobby. Focus on the entrance, circulation route, and reception area. Do not add people, signs, captions, or decorative objects that are not visible in the reference.

This instruction specifies the spatial elements the visual narrative should focus on and the additions to avoid. Unwanted elements may still appear, so compare the final video with the project image.

Common mistakes

Packing too many goals into one prompt: Asking for multiple camera movements, different times of day, audio, new objects, and spatial changes all at once can make the result harder to evaluate. Establish the basic scene first, then refine it one step at a time.

Not explaining the role of the reference image: Adding an image alone doesn’t tell the model which elements should be preserved. Specify in the prompt which features should stay faithful to the reference.

Relying on generic adjectives: Terms such as “impressive” or “modern” don’t explain the shot on their own. Support them with descriptions of the scene, movement, and focal point.

Treating the first result as final: Prompt design is iterative. Check the image, spatial continuity, and audio if applicable; then make your correction request specific and limited in scope.

Using this workflow in architecture, interior design, and archviz

This approach can be tested by teams looking to turn an existing image into a short narrative, convey the atmosphere of an interior, or add an animated scene concept to a project presentation. Omni Flash’s capabilities for generating video from text and images and editing over multiple turns may suit visualization teams looking for quick variations. Veo 3.1 may be worth considering when audio, scene extension, or specific-frame generation is needed.

Don’t use these as a substitute for verified architectural animation before project delivery. The sources do not specify dimensional accuracy, guarantees of geometry preservation, hardware requirements, or license costs. Treat the results as visual outputs that need to be checked, not as design validation; review account and license terms, compatibility with your production pipeline, and the need for additional editing in advance.

Next steps

Start with a short test using a single project image and one goal. Describe the scene, focal point, and movement in the first prompt; then assess the result and request just one change in each subsequent turn. Keeping the same scene description when comparing different models can help you determine which workflow better suits your needs. If you need to analyze an existing video rather than generate one, Google’s documentation points to a separate video understanding guide.

Sources and license

Google’s guides to video generation in the Gemini API and prompt design strategies were used. Both sources are licensed under CC BY 4.0; the explanations in this article and the architecture-focused examples are Turkish-language adaptations of the principles in those sources and original applications.