First step into architecture?

[Tsukiyono]

I am in the process of trying to teach myself architecture. Now i knoe this is not going to bean easy thing, and i also realize that i will more then likely not ever go commercial with my stuff as i will not be licensed.

 

But what i am going for is that i want to eventually get into gaming and what i would like to do is do the CG movies in them. Now i have interest in Architecture, and i may go to school and take some classes as i get farther along, who knows.

 

But for now i am just going along and trying to learn a program so i can get the basics and start making models. The program i am trying right now is Autocad 2004, as this is what the school i go to has.

 

I guess what i am asking is this, For Architecture, what is the most widely used program out there? I know this is just like the other 3d wor i do and is more user based and done by preferences, but i have read some of other programs, Archicad is one and there are a few other free ones i have heard about but have not had the time to glance at yet.

 

What are everyones preferences when it comes to a certain program and why?

[Crazy Homeless Guy]

I am in the process of trying to teach myself architecture.

........everyone who is an architect, studying archtiecture, or wants to study architecture is trying to teach themselves, but you can't really do it without help. even then it is still not right, and it is still not wrong. it can be good or bad, and both can be correct. just remember, it is not like learning to ride a bike, you can't just learn it.

 

good luck.

 

.......if you want to learn to model architecture, that is a different story, that is like riding a bike.

[Tsukiyono]

if you want to learn to model architecture, that is a different story, that is like riding a bike

.

 

 

I do want to learn to model architecture, that is what i meant to say. Any advice on how to make the transition smoother?

 

Im currently in the looking for books to help me with the program side. I have been reading several of the forums that seem to be closely related to my question, and alot of them to say study pictures, actual buildings and so on.

 

This is what i try to do but as i do not usually have a firm grasp of the program i am not succesful with it. Any help in the program area?

[mbr]

Yeah, you need to be clear about what your goals are. As I first read your post, I immediately wanted to say 'you CANNOT teach yourself architecture!!', which is true, but you CAN teach yourself to model architecture. HUGE difference!!

 

For learning to model architecture you need:

 

1. Learn a 3D program, I'd suggest 3D Studio/Viz or FormZ as the most common. You'll need to know at least a little of Autocad for the 2D.

2. Learn to read plans, sections, elevations, and transfer that data into 3D. It'll just take some practice looking at them and trying to model it, but it's not that difficult once you get the hang of it.

3. Get some good books or magazines with architecture, both interior and exterior, to look at materials and lighting.

 

Then it's all just practice, look around, and do it again...and again...

[STRAT]

for architecture in general? yup, generally a few years (even part time) education is called for. you can certainly self learn, but you'll never be allowed to sign off drawings officially, and you'll not get taken as seriously as the next guy who's got letters after his name.

 

and as for programs - the usual route is model in CAD then render/animate in a 3d app.

ArchiCAD is fine. so is AutoCAD. infact, any CAD proggy with a recognised name is usually up to the job. Rendering is usually done in 3dstudio then, altho again, most 3d apps will do the job. it's a case of how good you learn the software, and how tallented you become.

 

good luck

[Tsukiyono]

Thanks for the advice. For a autocad i have just purchased a book which from first glance seem to go thourgh the 2d plans of things...

 

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1401883877/103-3499856-5370213?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance

 

As i am not really abel to find any reviews anywhere for it i ssume it is new, but i am hoping this will at lease get me started and i have several other books i would like to get, its just at the moment they are two expensive top buy.

 

Was curious... how well can programs like autocad do a 3d wireframe models?

 

On the 3d app side of things i have access tho 3ds max at school so rendering, texturing, and lighting i can do in that although i still need to better my skills in those areas as well.

 

As to reading plans, i do not have access to any to look at and try reading. Now a friend who is an engineer said that some places will allow you to "borrow" old plans to practice on and some may even take you on as an internship if you were to show actual interest. Was thinking about looking around and trying this as well.

 

I have access to Autocad 2004, are there any recommendations on some books that would put me in the right direction?

[upshot]

I do almost all my modeling in AutoCAD so yes... it's a modeling program and in my opinion one of the best routes to take a collection of 2d drawings and combine into 3d.

 

Not to burst your bubble: ALOT of formerly trained architects end up doing non-traditional jobs (like CG and games as you stated). The training can take you in many directions. I've rarely picked up a book to learn software (unless I'm stuck)... Trial by fire baby!

 

To burst your bubble: No book can replace a studio environment and, no matter how good you are at software..... training your eye, working in a team, and taking critique are indespesable in the real world. A good school will train you in these skills and any serious employer will be looking for evedence it!

 

Best of luck on your journey...

[Tsukiyono]

Not to burst your bubble: ALOT of formerly trained architects end up doing non-traditional jobs (like CG and games as you stated). The training can take you in many directions. I've rarely picked up a book to learn software (unless I'm stuck)...

 

Actually that is part of the reason i am checking into learning the way to MODEL architecture (got it right this time ...lol) But as i want to go into game design as i said, the areas i would like to focus on are level design/architecture and landscape design. So in an attempt to better myself in these areas i have begun to go into autpcad and try to learn how to make a good model.

 

To burst your bubble: No book can replace a studio environment and, no matter how good you are at software..... training your eye, working in a team, and taking critique are indespesable in the real world. A good school will train you in these skills and any serious employer will be looking for evedence it!

 

Thats why i would like to try to get an internship somewhere as at my school i am currently not in the CAD program. And with my multimedia/game design courses i dont really have time to Audit the classes, although i am going to try.

 

I am in hopes that i can improve my skills by taking the classes and listening to why you do that. This is something that i have had trouble with with the tutorials online. They tell you to do something but they dont say why.

 

I appreciate all the help. I so far do like this forum and will return when i have a question again ( which is sure to be soon) or when i have an early render of something i am working on. Thanks again.