Archicad/Maxonform/Cinema4D - Advice please!!

[mattjc]

Hi,

Just wondering if anyone would like to offer some advice?! I have been using Archicad now for about 4 years, prior to this it was autocad. The positives of AC outweigh the negatives in my opinion and AC is great for producing all the documentation/details needed to take projects on site.

My one problem with it is its lack of free-form modelling, I know it is a BIM but it would be good to have more of a free-hand when designing/modelling. The software can restrict the user.

I know there are a number of software packages out there and I would like some advice from other users;

1) MaxonForm (Cinema 4D add-on for AC) or

2) Full blown Cinema 4D, is there much difference to above?

3) Form Z - heard it is very good for Arch. modelling but not able to link with a 'live' AC model. What are the differences with Form Z and Cinema 4D??

Thanks:)

[Ace_Face]

Don't know which version of AC you are using. But release 11 offers more options for modeling than older versions.

 

MaxonForm is useful but is somewhat of a pain with changes to the model. I find it a bit confusing and a disconnect as far as the interface between the two programs. Probably due to the infrequency of use on my part.

 

Cinema 4D is a great companion to ArchiCAD if you want to create high quality renderings. Check out the Cinema 4D forum here at CG Architect. Search for posted threads on this issue.

 

You can also download a demo version of Cinema 4D from Maxon's Website.

[castroman]

Don't know about the connection between the two, but Cinema 4d is an excellent tool for creating as well rendering. It also has Vray/finalrender/maxwell render/fryrender/indigorender, so you have many options if you are not happy with the Advanced Render module in Cinema.

 

It has a great interface, possibly one of the best one out there(I am currently a 3d studio user). Its easy to learn, and its fairly easy to get good results.

 

Been a while since I worked with Formz, but its interface is something I remember with terror from my student days, it may have changed since then.

[thakkar]

Hey,

 

Now u dont have option for maxonform because graphisoft s going to discontinue it from the version 12.

So you will get the exchange plugin for c4d and Archicad.

 

C4d is a great programme. and its architecture edition comes with lo of presets that makes the work lot easier.

 

for my opinion, if u r using archicad then go for c4d.

 

Cheers.