Architectural modeling for 3ds Max

The first thing that we should have for an architectural render is the 3d model. What do you want to render?

This things depends on who are you? Are you a graphical designer, are you an architect or a painter? What concept do you have?

I will tell you things that I know, specialy for architects and interior designers.

As a 3d creation software for architectural 3d model I prefer to use ArchiCAD, but there are a lot of architectural software that helps you to model your building or design in 3 dimensions: Autodesk AutoCAD Architecture, AllPlan, SketchUP and others.

But this softwares helps you create architectural elements and simple forms. If you need to create more complex meshes like a sofa, toilet, a tree or else - you need a special software like Autodesk 3ds Max, Autodesk Maya, Rhino, Cinema 4D etc.

ArchiCAD is a good solution architects. it has a lot of  facilities for architects

- Speed creation and edit of architectural elements: windows, doors, columns, and lot of predefined 3d objects

- Work in 2D, and create architectural drawings

- Work in 3D with materials/textures

- Create renders.

   ArchiCAD renderings are not so realistic and that that is why sometimes you need more accurate and realistic image. Autodesk 3ds Max and Vray is a good solution to get fantastic results.

In this blog you can find a lot of stuff for rendering.
   So here are some things that i recomend to you, if you plan to create 3d model in ArchiCAD and then render it in Autodesk 3ds Max:

• Work with layers, and place objects to it's relative layer. Place walls to layer "Walls", beams to layer "Beams", stairs to layer "Stairs"... .

This will help you later, when you will edit your model in max, or when you will be asigning materials to the objects.

• Assign correct materials to objects. Don't left object with no materials, if you plan to export model through  a .DWG file. It is better that the Surface color of Internal Engine materials will be different from each other.