New to 3D

[pmaric]

Hello, I'm new to 3d modeling and was hoping to get some input regarding best software to use for architectural visualization work.

 

I started learning Maya a few months ago and have created 5 interior models so far. The modeling and textures look good, but I always have a really difficult time lighting & rendering interior scenes with global illumination. Some of the issues that I've encountered while lighting and rendering: Light leaks in unexpected places, walls blow out, photons get stuck in corners of room, and ceilings don't react to a photon-emitting area light and render as black.

 

Is Maya a standard application used for architectural visualization work, if not, what applications would you recommend for a newcomer to 3D?

[Devin Johnston]

Maya is used some what but is most usually used by people in the film industry, the most widely used 3D program is 3D Studio Max followed by several others. Regardless of the program you use you will face some of the same problems like you have already found out. There are lots of tutorials on the net, just Google it and you'll find more than you can read.

[pmaric]

Thanks for the feedback Devin!

 

Does 3ds max have features that are specific to architectural visualization that Maya does not?

[Devin Johnston]

3D Studio Max Design does have some features specifically for Arch Viz that 3D Studio Max doesn't, if you want to know the differences check out Autodesk's web site. There isn't one software specifically used to create Arch Viz but Max is the most widely used one. I'm not saying you can't use Maya only that it's way more than most people need to do this kind of work.

[Barringtonarch]

Cinema 4D Architectural edition is also very good.

[rygoody]

If I were just getting into 3D for the first time, I would learn Modo.

[Barringtonarch]

Yes i had a play with Modo a while back & it seems very good.

if your just getting into basic 3D, you could even try sketchup?

[GordonHo]

from my point of view:

 

modo: looks very very good. with the new sdk's comming its a good solution - though it needs some expertise on 3d.

 

cinema 4d: very clean interface and easy to learn. has a good connection to archicad/vectorworks and allplan (they're all from the same company). misses some features, but everything essential is there. especially mograph and bodypaint are very usefull.

 

3ds: kind of old user interface, still carrying around alot of old burdens - hast alot of features and good integration with autocad / other autodesk software. alot of plugins etc. are out there for 3ds, one of the most used software for archviz

 

maya: the learning curve is bit higher than on the most other 3d applications, the focus also lies kind of on animation. but very powerfull software.

 

softimage: very nice user interface and powerfull animation tool. though import/export are not the best without using other tools

 

lightwave: some very nice addons exists for archviz. otherwise im not too familiar with it

 

sketchup: very nice program, though not for serious archviz. but dont underestimate it - you can produce good looking stuff using it. export/import is sometimes very handy, as well as the 3d warehouse

 

rhino: very usefull addition to every other software. use rhino to handle nurbs modelling

 

well there some more out there like formz, houdini, bender but i only know them barely..

[Myself]

Does anyone have comments what is optimal software solution for Arch Viz /for beginners/, regarding costs, learning curve, interoperability, job offers etc?

[Devin Johnston]

Like we've said there are many different platforms for rendering but if your looking to learn the one that is most widely used it would be 3D Studio and Vray.

[rmccoy]

Like we've said there are many different platforms for rendering but if your looking to learn the one that is most widely used it would be 3D Studio and Vray.

 

+1

 

A lot of architecture offices prefer this combination.

[ronel]

for archiviz - i would suggest the combination of autocad and 3dmax... but still its up to your preference, otherwise you'll end up just looking for a software. master any of the listed software GordonHo elaborated...

 

as for your latest question - 3dmax version now have all those features for achi viz... the AEC Component ( built in walls, ready made doors and windows, customable stairs and railings, built in folieage for a start)

[waleedss]

Theoretically All roads lead to Rome

practically most of studio/artists use 3ds max and v-ray so if you want to find a lot of learning resources and find jobs easier I think you should go with max and v-ray.

[mohinder]

3ds Maxs Design and Mental Ray all the way! Download the trial, turn off your internet for a month and go through all the tutorials. You will learn more than you would ever believe and then you can make an informed decision about whether this particular software is right for your needs. You wil then be much more skilled and in a much better position to ask all the more pertinent questions.

[SandmanNinja]

and get all of the mental ray tutorials from http://www.mentalboutmax.com

Bri knows his mental ray and explains it in a very easy-to-follow way

 

VERY affordable, too

[Nic H]

Theoretically All roads lead to Rome

practically most of studio/artists use 3ds max and v-ray so if you want to find a lot of learning resources and find jobs easier I think you should go with max and v-ray.

 

I agree Rome wasnt built in a day and the book cannot be judged by its cover, counting chickens before they hatch is aalso a no no, so i will have to say 3dmax/vray/mental ray (assuming you want to get a job)

[carlotristan3d]

Max and Vray all the way! since most people use these applications it'll be easier for you to get help when you get stuck with problems. However if you've already purchased maya then stick with maya+vray (i'm assuming you're not using crack software). Otherwise, max is a very good investment.

[Noise]

If you want to be compatible with the rest then max is a necessary evil.

 

If I had the choice I would use some other software but, when you go to apply for a job - most companies won't entertain you if you don't have max as your main software.

 

Thankfully, other programs are easier to nail down - Photoshop (essential to know this), post could be after effects or combustion (equally as good) although the top end companies are using Fusion. For initial arch viz, autocad is also essential to have a working knowledge of because most architects drawings are either generated in it or can be read by it. Again, a very very necessary evil as I think autocad is one of the worst programs out there.

 

Vray - for rendering is IMO the best for arch viz - I spent 1.5 years researching GI software and Vray came out on top and it was an excellent decision. Their customer treatment is impecable.

 

Editing - Premiere or if you have a mac - Finalcut Pro. Don't use Avid.

 

I know that you are only looking at getting into 3D but, it will become very apparent that as you progress, other software is essential to achieve the output that other people/companies are producing. Its a fundamental of the occupation.

 

I would strongly suggest that you invest heavily in time to research what it is exactly that you are interested in. Is it arch viz or is it film, games, animation - I cannot understate how important it is to do this at the beginning of your endeavours into CG. There are many routes that you can take - be very honest with yourself about what it is that makes you tick. There is nothing worse than spending years pursuing something that you have only a passing interest in. This happened to me and although I ended up in the right place, it took alot longer than was necessary.

 

An excellent site for top end CG work is cgsociety - visit it and see what people are doing.

 

Good luck in your journey !

Edited August 27, 2009 by Noise
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