Reading an architects building plans, any pitfalls?

[True2Life]

Hi all

 

I have recently been asked to model two story industrial buildings (print quality renders) from architectural plans. I actually haven't done this before as I usually model for non-accurate real-time environments so come here with a few questions.

 

Are there any pitfalls I should be aware of when modelling from an architects plans?

 

Is there any documentation, tutorials or other help that would help explain the plans? I have looked around and not found much...maybe it's all just self explanatory and I'm being over cautious?

 

I will be using 3DS Max and VRay.

 

Thanks for any advice.

 

Geoff

[CarlAhearne]

One of the things you may find is that the drawings aren't perfect; i.e. things in different views may not line up correctly, such as windows in plan may be in a differne tplace to the elevations etc. We recently had some drawings where there were a lot of errors with windows lining up on different floors etc. It's not a massive issue, but there will be time when you either have to ask the architect which is correct, or make a decision yourself...

 

Anyway, if you are modelling in MAX, I'd import the drawings, and get them lined up. Then you can start tracung the walls with splines etc. I personally model all architectural models in Autodesk Architecture and tweak the models in MAX for output..

 

Keep us posted on your progress...

[JonRashid]

Yep, I rarely come across accurate architectural plans. One tip. Check the window and door types they are actually having and create 1 of each. Then place these in the right places rather than copying the windows and doors from the plans. These are often just representative rather than what is to be specified. Also it would be diplomatic to ask for clarification from the architect rather than pointing out discrepancies directly to the client.

[bjornkn]

My experience is that what the architects spends most time on is usually the plans. So if there are differences between plans and elevations the plans are usually the correct/current version. But it never hurts to ask.

Also, be careful when removing entire layers, like furniture, kitchen etc, because they are often drawn on wrong layers, like drawing outer walls on the furniture layer and similar.

I use SketchUp, and usually spend an hour or more just cleaning up the drawings before starting modelling. I never model directly from/on/inside the drawing, but only use it for reference/inferencing/snapping, after building a cage from plans and elevations (and sometimes cut-throughs).

[nycL45]

Plans and elevations are drawn in small scale thus, more conceptual. Go to the larger scaled details or catalog cut sheets for enhanced details. This applies to exterior wall materials (metal, glass, masonry, etc.), interior/exterior doors and windows, etc.

 

Obviously, greater distance less detail; closeups, lots of detailing. If it is a simple building, then you may not need to be too concerned about details. The designers should give you some direction as to the details they want to see in the rendering

 

Leonard

[Jeff Mottle]

Hey Geoff,

 

You should take a look here: http://www.3dats.com/london this might be of some help. Not sure where in the UK you are based.

[True2Life]

Thanks for all the replies everybody, most useful. Definitely more prepared now.

 

Jeff, I looked at the 2 day course which seems to be mostly a Max intro to arch viz which wouldn't benefit me but thanks anyway.

 

I think with the great responses here and some info I've gathered off the net my mind is at ease and I'm ready to give it my best.

 

Cheers all

Geoff