Best approach for complex elevations modelling?

[guitarmiester]

Hi all, I'm new to this forum. I'm about to start my first arc-viz project and wanted to get some insight into the most efficient methods of tackling complex models.

 

I have been supplied some 2d elevations from Autocad (floor plans, side, front rear etc..) of a large mansion house with lots of different windows and a various floor levels - so its not just a simple square box. In the past I have started by extruding a trace of the floor plans, but because of all the different levels and parts, I got into a bit of a pickle on my first attempt!

 

Is there another method for doing these type of structures?

 

Any assistance is greatly appreciated

 

Cheers!

[Bwana Kahawa]

Welcome to the forum!

 

What you were doing sounds like the best approach, to be honest - just make sure you divide the floor plates in the right places to account for the changes in level.

 

Do you have any sections? Sounds like they'd be very useful for the type of project you're on.

[Matt Clementson]

For exterior views I tend to model elevationally rather than a plan extrude (save that for interiors). You tend to get cleaner results that way IMO.

[guitarmiester]

Thanks for your suggestions

 

Matt, I assume you mean to start one wall at a time, using the floor plan as a guide for placement, then weld the points in the wall corners to finish?

 

Are there any good tutorials about that uses the technique you describe?

[Thunderkor]

I use the method Matt mentioned. There's a great article right here on CGArchitect about cleaning and preparing AutoCAD files for use in this type of modeling. Check out the Visualization Insider article number 22 over on http://www.cgarchitect.com/upclose/VI/default.asp

 

Sometimes I find it easier to turn on my snaps using snap to endpoints and just draw new shapes over the AutoCAD linework than to try and export the splines right out of the imported linework.

 

I'll often split out each view - Front, Back, Right, Left, and the floorplan of each floor, and align them up with one another before I start modeling. Then I can just turn them on and off as I need them while I work, and align the extruded elevations together using the floorplans as a guide.

 

This method has actually caused me to catch some mistakes by the architects where they might have changed something on an elevation but not made the same change to the floorplans. Hopefully you wont' run into that since it's frustrating trying guess which is correct.

 

Hope this helps!

[guitarmiester]

Thanks for the link!

 

I've run into all kinds of trouble actually, because I 'assumed' the CAD drawings were correct. Sadly, I found scale off, missing doors, changed windows, etc...

 

However its a good lesson to learn - always prep and align the cad work first!

 

The other trouble I have, is seeing the shape of the roof details. Flat in the front and hidden on the side view... I suppose it will have to be best guess!

 

I'll better read through all the links and see if there are any other pitfalls to be wary of

[notamondayfan]

also to add, many elevations will have some sort of symetry and copies of certain features, eg windows, door furniture, etc.

try and break down the elevations into key parts, and instance as much as possible.

[Matt Clementson]

Matt, I assume you mean to start one wall at a time, using the floor plan as a guide for placement, then weld the points in the wall corners to finish?

 

That's exactly right - Thunderkor has elaborated it excellently.

 

I've run into all kinds of trouble actually, because I 'assumed' the CAD drawings were correct.

Welcome to the world of ArchViz - I've been doing this professionally for nearly 14 years and I have *never* seen a set of fully coordinated drawings yet! It's the state of architectural design these days with the short deadlines and multiple technicians working on the drawings - there never seems to be time to coordinate and fix the drawings, so long as the plans all coordinate architects seem to assume the sections and elevations are ok too

[Thunderkor]

Thanks for the link!

 

I've run into all kinds of trouble actually, because I 'assumed' the CAD drawings were correct. Sadly, I found scale off, missing doors, changed windows, etc...

 

However its a good lesson to learn - always prep and align the cad work first!

 

The other trouble I have, is seeing the shape of the roof details. Flat in the front and hidden on the side view... I suppose it will have to be best guess!

 

I'll better read through all the links and see if there are any other pitfalls to be wary of

 

I feel your pain. I do also usually try to get a roof plan which can help immensely in trying to figure out the roof shape, but it's not always available. Unfortunately that leaves you where you are now, pretty much just giving it your best guess. You'll have to get used to that. You'll find that if you are doing something that requires any sort of landscaping, that's almost always the case as well.

 

 

Matt also gave you a good tip about the symmetry. Be sure to pay attention to areas you can flip and copy or elements you can re-use. No sense building each window individually, right?

[AFK_Matrix]

Hi Steve,

 

I have done just such a project as it happens. I only had to model the exterior so not as much work as it sounds like you have to do the interior as well? But I thought I would share with you what I do.

 

First of is I copy the CAD floor plan/s into a new drawing. I then bring in each elevation, make it all onto one layer and also a block. I then position these in 3D onto the floor plan, ie the front elevation is place while in the UCS front elevation. I then save this file down.

 

Next I go into Max and File link the drawing. I then use the tool called Grid in Max, this enables me to draw as many grids as I like so that when activated it will draw in that plane, so if I have a grid vertically and facing along the x axis then I would use this for my front and back elevations.

 

I then basically use lines to go round the walls, windows, door outlines etc. If you draw the outline of the walls and make sure they are welded and then attach the window, door outlines etc and then extrude it will create these openings in the walls. I do each wall elevation separately and then group them, I will later (i would advise doing this at the very end as I always find things I have to change) mitre the wall joints and then join all the walls together into one Editable mesh ready for UVW mapping.

 

I just find this method easiest for me as everything is in its place and you can see how it all fits together. Oh and yeah copy/instance stuff that is repeated.

 

If you need any help mate just PM me and I will give you a hand and if possible show you some examples.

[guitarmiester]

Hey guys - thanks for all the great tips!

 

Its been a definite learning curve doing this one building (just the outside luckly) and have learned some good techniques and experienced some bad along the way!

 

I guess the last question to ask, for a seasoned pro, how long should this take to complete?

 

Sadly I cant post any images as I'm under NDA, but I can tell you its a seven bedroom mansion with pool, about 12 different types of doors and windows, fancy victorian style roof edging, 5 chimneys and multi-level construction.

 

Kelly - thanks for the offer - I've PM'ed you

 

Thanks again everyone

[Tommy L]

Time depends on the detail level and complexity of design and how much repetition in the building elements. Most single residence building models can be done in a day or maybe two*. Its easier to tell you if you can post an example.

 

*It also depends (in my case) on what mood Im in. Sometimes it feels like you can model the whole world in a day, other times a couple of windows and a railing can prove painful. No science behind that one.

 

edit: Also, the site modeling must be taken ito account. This is just as important as the building(s) and as it often is comprised of organic shapes combined with geometric shapes (paths/roads/retaining walls over terrain) it is frequently more difficult to model than the buildings themselves.