help me out here

[tresD]

I don't remember if I posted this here before but in any case here it goes again.

I used to be a Macintosh user with not so many options for architecture CG. Now I switched to PC and I have plany options to go for. From modeling to rendering.

The question is: I use to work 2D and 3D with vectorworks. Some of my 3D is done with Form-Z. Now I have to work with Max and LightScape. I've been reading and I think the modeling process to use with LS is different from that with solids. I believe it's better to use planes than solids to model for LS. Well, is there any tutorial around there that covers a step by step for beginners in 3D Max on how to model architectural elements such as walls, windows, doors, entire floors,

roofs etc?

Would it be anyone interest in making one?

See, my best guess is that I'm better of trying to learn everything of modeling with Max ( since I only know how to model with VW or Form-Z ) and them work my way around with LS. I know Form-Z is compatible with LS but I've been trying Max and I think it's pretty much fun and better to work with.

Thx

[pailhead]

Well, you should first try going through lightscape's tutorials and documentation, there is a guide to modelling for lightscape but its pretty brief, and there should be a couple of examples on lightscape website but im not sure if that is still up. Try going through lightscape forum here.

[William Alexander]

trsD,

 

The best way to model, if you are not familar with lightscape-even if you are- is max or other 3-d application.

 

The trick is to find out what to "clean" if using solids. Using materials when imported into LS you can break up solids into polygon faces of like materials. Editing by turning off "material" based layers. Then removing the coincidental faces, back faces. Then of course determining the meshing size.

 

I am considering a tutorial based on this topic. What don't you get or need / want to understand? Work flows, modeling for LS in other apps, cleaning of other apps for LS, abslute clean modeling -polygonal, mesh ......

 

If you would be interseted in sharing a dwg- export or LS prep file let me know and I will take a look at it and see if it's possible to use for a tutorial. Real world based issues.

 

rgrds

WDA

[tresD]

thx wda.

well, as I told you, I use to work either with Vectorworks where I model using solids ( actually it has some parametric tools such as walls that the only thing you have to do after defining its size is to give it its height ) or basic solid compositions for other elements such as doors and windows.

 

what I'm looking for here is how to start modeling architecture elements in 3Ds Max from the begining. I'm new to Max but I already have taken some "classes" on those video tutorials from 3D Buzz or from the help files so I guess I can say I'm a bit familiar with the interface and tools. From that I would like to know how to start modeling an exterior of, say, a house or a building. In fact I'm more interested in exterior visualization. Of course, all that to be use with LS.

 

See, I'm really stuck up in the start process. I believe once I get to understand how to model architecture cg in Max I could go for the next level ( lighting, texturing, rendering etc... ) if I don't want to use LS. I think I have the theorical knownledge if one can say such a thing from the former software I used ( Vectorworks and Form-Z ) and know I want to learn the Max way.

 

I think that's it. A tutorial explaining the best way to model in Max ( solid? planes? ) and how to start ( floor? walls? windows? roofs? doors? ).

 

Hope you can help me on this.

 

thx a lot guys