Need help regarding proper training!

[enigmak]

Greetings to everyone in the forums! I would like your advice regarding a fundamental problem of mine....

I am a student in Architecture, currently in my 3d semester and as the complexity of the lessons progress, I find it has become an immediate need to be able to properly model/render as photorealisticaly as possible a 3d model. Thus far, I have experience in 3d modeling only with AutoCAD, but as of yet nothing complex has been requested.

In an effort to prepare for the upcoming lessons and tasks that I must execute, it has become apparent that I have to be able to properly render or even model more complex projects in other programs, i.e. 3D Studio Max.

So, I ask for your opinion. Which combination of programs is it more convenient to use? Would you suggest I should make the move and model solely on 3D studio max regarding my projects, or in conjunction with AutoCAD?

 

P.S.

- I have seen many methods of architectural visualization, including one that uses 2D geometry (like plans and sections) in order to make a 3D model. What do you think of this option, and would you suggest another one?

-Recently I have come across some books that I am not sure they would benefit my needs, because it is more focused on the professional visualization industry. The books I am referring to is 3ds Max 2008

Architectural Visualization Beginner to Intermediate/Intermediate to Advanced by Brian Smith. Do you believe they would serve my needs?

 

Thanks in advance, sorry for the long post and my terrible English.

 

Edit: I have just seen a recent post made by a colleague of mine here (http://www.cgarchitect.com/vb/32582-3ds-max-modeling-software.html), who had simiral questions. Sorry for bothering you with a similar post,I'd still like to have the opinion of the experts regarding my issue!

Edited September 24, 2008 by enigmak