Architectural Modeling Techniques

[dvmorris]

I need some help. I am fairly new to 3d modeling and I would like to learn some techniques for creating complex solids like this:

 

http://www.tropolism.com/2006/01/to...l_awesomene.php

 

thanks for your help,

 

dave

[AJLynn]

That looks like something that would be reasonably easy in a nurbs modeling tool - Maya (there's a ton of documentation and tutorials out there), Rhino (as much as I hate to admit it), C4D and Max (having some nPower plugins would make it easier) would all be likely candidates. Since you posted in the Maya forum, look at the Maya documentation on nurbs modeling, also thegnomonworkshop.com has DVDs on Maya nurbs, and lynda.com has Maya videos that you can watch online for a relatively small fee.

 

You'd probably do something like start with a nurbs primitive of the basic shape, then use project curve onto surface to put the complex bits on and manipulate the geometry either with more curves or on a point-by-point basis. Or make the blobby bits, make the box and use the intersections to define curves on both parts for cutting.

[Antisthenes]

that looks very easy in Rhinoceros (as much as i love to hide it)

[brentwatanabe]

That looks to be a scripted boolean operation.

 

So you could imitate it...but it wouldn't have any of the underlying qualities of the architecture.

 

If you go to GSAPP you might find some information on MEL script that could get you started. Otherwise Kostas Terzidis (sp?) has a book on Algorithmic Architecture to get you started in Booleans and other things.

[dvmorris]

awesome, i will definitely check that out. Thanks for your help,

dave