organic shape modelling in max

[ABK]

Hi all,

 

I am attempting to model an organic architectural shape in max.

Attached is an image of what I want to achieve modelled using a polymesh and turbosmooth.

 

Ideally, I'd like to model it using a series of arcs that I can 'join' in some way to create the mesh (similar to lofting).

 

Any tips from anyone?

 

 

Antony

[amer abidi]

Ideally, The method you described is the most suitable

 

Draw up your arcs, apply a cross section modifier and join them, and then a surface modifier and your done! You can then move/edit your arcs to modify the shape accordingly.

 

Otherwise, you can use Nurbs. Same concept, but different workflow.

[Claudio Branch]

 

Draw up your arcs, apply a cross section modifier and join them, and then a surface modifier and your done! You can then move/edit your arcs to modify the shape accordingly.

 

 

Exactly...

[rmccoy]

Exactly...

 

How did you get the subdivisions on the main surface? When I try this method I am only getting the subdivisions on the edges.

 

method used:

1. multiple arcs

2. edit spline and attach arcs together

3. cross section modifier

4. surface modifier

5. shell modifier

[Claudio Branch]

Add the Edit Poly modifer (or collapse to Editable Poly) and you are home free...

[rmccoy]

Thanks! That worked like a charm.

[ABK]

Great everyone!

 

This is a really nice workflow

 

One last thing...

is it possible to extract the curves added by the 'cross section' modifier?

these would be very handy for building the structural elements that will be added later.

 

Thanks again

[amer abidi]

After you are done editing and are in Edit poly mode, you can select the edges you want, and click on "create shape from edge" and it will extract a duplicate spline for you =)

[ABK]

Righty.

 

Thanks again. This is some really useful stuff.

 

The only modification i've added to my stack is:

 

1. put the surface steps down to 0

2. added a 'shell' to the stack

3. turbo smoothed the object

 

This has allowed me to round the 'snapped corners' of the cross section.

Other ideas on how to do this are more than welcome.

 

Cheers everyone.

[Peter M. Gruhn]

You can throw an Edit Patch before the shell and go in and tweak the corner handles. I can't find a way yet to make the handles colinear though.