Methods and systems are provided for visualizing and rendering three-dimensional spaces using two-dimensional content. To create three-dimensional visualizations, the visualization system retrieves two-dimensional content data from a content source, defines at least one layer within the content data, defines at least one anchor within each layer, and defines at least one element within each layer, wherein each element represents an object at a three-dimensional boundary as viewed from at least one of the anchors. To render three-dimensional visualizations, the visualization system identifies an anchor within a layer for which to generate a scene, defines a three-dimensional boundary to capture at least one element within the scene, defines a texture of the three-dimensional boundary, wherein the texture forms a background for the scene, and renders the scene representing the view at the anchor.