Programs + techniques used for these examples?

[smp]

Hi

 

I'm an architecture student and been getting into some 3d modelling (mainly Rhino + some Microstation) and some way off where I would like to be but learning more.

 

I've attached some renders results that I particularly like, just wondering if people might be able to identify how I could create similar end results, particularly programs so I can try and focus on these + any other advice. At the moment my renders are too '3d program render looking' (if that makes sense!), so I end up doing quite a lot of work on these in photoshop to remedy which is quite time consuming, just wondering if there are better ways about this...

 

thanks

 

ps. I may have contradicted myself as some of the examples do obviously seem 3d computer rendered but hopefully shows the 'style' I prefer I guess!

[Crazy Homeless Guy]

Treat your renderings as though they are physical models. Build the same details you would if you were constructing a physical model, and you/they should be fine. The biggest problem that happens is that it is easy to get lost in the lack of scale that the digital world brings. This is especially true for people newer to digital modeling, and rendering.

 

Modeling as a physical model will also help assist you in some of the styles you posted as reference. 4 out of 5 of the images could be created in nearly any 3d package, with the only determining factor being the thought process of the person creating the image.

 

The only image you posted that I would guess as software specific is the third image. It is almost certainly a SketchUp rendering.

 

As for software. Rhino is good, and very popular in architecture these days, especially at the school and design level. I think Microstation may be more popular in your region. It is used in the U.S., but only by a small fraction of firms. I used to use it in school and my first couple of professional jobs, but those firms have switched to Autodesk products also.

 

Overall, I would say that it might be best to develop an idea of what you want the final images to look like before you even start modeling. This way you are working towards a direction, and refining your details in that direction, and not working in a direction that you are not sure where it will wind up.

 

Edit: I think a lot of people will push you towards Max, but if you need accuracy and flexibility in your modeling Rhino is the better choice. By flexibility I mean the need to produce physical models via CNC mills, laser cutters, or 3d printers.

 

If you were interested in creating more photoreal work, or specifically doing visualization, then I would say Max. But in reality, you are looking for more diagrammatic renderings.

 

Also, with Rhino you can use Grasshopper which will give you access to generative forms, which seems to be all the rage these days.

Edited September 6, 2009 by Crazy Homeless Guy

[Horhe]

1. Exterior rendering with GI lighting, either cut out in PS, or done in the 3D app with all that we see modelled plus some alpha shadow maps for tree shadows or added in post. Probably low polygon people and PS for 2D trees in wrong respective.

 

2. 3D raw render with LOTS of PS work, people lights etc.

 

3. Sketchup line or other 3Dapp with a line shader applied to the buildings, rendering with basic direct light, no GI. Blue viewing direction cones done in PS.

 

4. Rendering without GI, basic textures in 3D applications + hidden line rendering, combined in PS with addition of 2D people and stands, banners pavement textures and what appears to be hand sketches in places.

 

5. GI + direct light rendering with either a cross section modifier or a model that has been built as a cross section from scratch. Either hidden lines where the section is are done in PS or within the 3D app with a basic wire shader. Software suggestion : Vray.

Edited September 7, 2009 by Horhe

[smp]

Thanks both for the advice, I am based in the UK/Australia and was wondering whether Rhino was the right choice, I know its a very good program but was tending to think that AutoCad was a more popular choice in practices? Is it worth switching to learning this really well rather than Rhino? Was also thinking about trying to get into Max too given some of the work one of the guys in our studio was turning out.

 

That sketchup example, presuming it could all be done in Sketchup (including the actual proposal) rather than say just the context?

 

Finally any good books or tutorial sites on Rhino/Max/AutoCAD worth recommending?

 

thanks again!