3D modeling is a powerful tool for architectural design, especially for preserving and restoring historical buildings. But how can you use it effectively and efficiently? In this article, we will share some of the best 3D modeling practices for architectural design, from choosing the right software to optimizing your workflow.
The first step to successful 3D modeling is to choose the right software for your project. There are many options available, each with its own features, advantages, and drawbacks. Some of the most popular ones are SketchUp, Revit, AutoCAD, and Rhino. You should consider factors such as your budget, your level of expertise, your design goals, and your compatibility with other tools and formats. For example, if you want to create realistic renderings and animations, you might prefer Revit or Rhino over SketchUp or AutoCAD.
Each firm should identify a clear work flow based on their design philosophy and type of work they do. The work flow includes digital platforms-such as software, analysis tools, etc; and analogue platforms- such as sketching and modelling. This combined workflow determines which software best suites a work. Sometimes, a specific software is chosen based on scale and complexity of a specific project.
I advocate for the hand-drawn sketch as the most potent initial step "modeling". It fosters unparalleled communication and exploration during concept inception. Simultaneously, early immersion in 3D 'playtime,' regardless of the medium or software, is beneficial. Maintaining a loose, curious, and explorative approach is vital in my work, often leading to magical moments between sketch and 3D model where solutions emerge. I believe that the freedom for artistic expression in design, whether through sketching, physical models, 3D massing, light studies, AI image generation - whatever - is a powerful tool for architects. This holds true as long as we master the software without letting it restrict our creativity.
Digital software has its place in the design process, in developing complex geometries and there is no disputing technology drives performance and efficiency and satisfies the demands of delivering any project - but nothing can replace traditional hand drawing for quick design communication and explorative concept design.
We love working with #BIM. We have found that Revit can meet your needs at every phase of the design and production process. While another software may serve a specific need better (such as Rhino for rendering), the extra effort needed to build out a useful model pays dividends at every stage of the game. Additionally, once you have worked on a few project types, you can leverage previous projects as templates, and fine tune for the client's needs. In some cases, we still use CAD and Rhino out of necessity, such as time restraints or staffing skill level, but we have an overall practice goal to move everything to #BIM.
Indeed, software applications play an important role in the quality of the final product and the efficiency of the process, but they are still tools for expressing and communicating design. Sometimes the design requires a pen, sometimes a pencil. Sometimes it needs SketchUp, sometimes Revit. As long as the tool does not overshadow the reasoning and rationale of the final building or thing, each tool can be beneficial. The problem occurs when modifiers such as 3D Studio Max and Grasshopper replace the imagination and wisdom of the designer. If design is being produced to provide a solution to a need or problem, sometimes these modifiers produce geometries and spaces that do not correlate with any known questions.
The next step is to plan your modeling strategy, which involves deciding how to structure and organize your 3D model. This strategy can save time, prevent errors, and enhance design quality. When planning, you should consider the scale of the building, using real-world units and measurements to guarantee accuracy and uniformity. Additionally, layers should be used to differentiate various elements of your model, such as walls, floors, roofs, etc., and groups or components should be made of repeated or related objects like columns or stairs. Lastly, naming and labeling your layers, groups, components, and other elements clearly and logically will help you find them quickly and avoid confusion.
A firm needs to prepare a protocol for each software that forms a major part of its workflow. Sometimes it is a training session, and someone's a guide book. All new architects need to learn and follow this protocol to maintain consistency and interoperability. It goes way beyond naming layers. It is a modelling strategy that needs to be internalised.
In my experience to begin a project, the first step is to enter project-specific settings in the desired program. This includes scale, layering, line thickness, and other relevant details. It is important to model everything correctly and accurately right from the start, using real information. This will save a lot of time for the project architect when it comes to outputting and checking the details.
It’s always good to have the clear idea of the modelling software and the components. Providing the knowledge and detail catalogue for 3D components, layers & materials can save lot of time and efficiency.
Em todo trabalho, que seja 2D ou 3D, devemos sempre manter um padr?o de organiza??o, hoje os softwares est?o cada vez mais avan?ados, permitindo um nível extraordinário de detalhes, na modelagem com Sketchup, o principal fator, que vejo como dificuldade para os iniciantes é saber lidar com essa organiza??o, todo trabalho de modelagem no Sketchup deve ser sempre agrupado, caso seja feito um objetivo e este n?o for agrupado, qualquer nova linha ou objetivo criado terá intera??o com aquele primeiro objeto. Além da organiza??o, uma dica que pode aumentar a profundidade é sempre buscar na biblioteca online, lá temos acesso a uma infinidade de blocos. Essa organiza??o na modelagem lhe permitirá criar sua própria biblioteca.
Une stratégie de modélisation efficace doit être alignée sur la stratégie d'entreprise. Elle doit également tenir compte des besoins des différentes parties prenantes, telles que les dirigeants, les architectes, les développeurs et les utilisateurs. Une stratégie de modélisation bien con?ue peut aider à améliorer l'efficacité architecturale.
The third step is to apply the appropriate modeling techniques for your project. Modeling techniques are the methods and tools used to create and modify 3D models. Depending on the software you use, you may have access to different techniques, such as extrusion, subtraction, boolean operations, and lofting. Extrusion is the process of creating a 3D shape by extending a 2D shape along a path or direction; for example, you can use it to make walls or columns. Subtraction is used to create holes or cutouts in 3D shapes by removing another 3D shape. Boolean operations can be used to combine two or more 3D shapes by adding, subtracting, or intersecting them. Lofting is the process of creating a 3D shape by connecting two or more 2D shapes along a curve or surface; it's often used to make roofs or ceilings with curved profiles.
New updates, and releases each year are introducing more innovative modelling techniques to add on to the 6 basic modeling techniques - extrusion, revolution, follow path, follow rail, bevel and unify. Staying update with the new tools - such as mesh modeling, parametric modelling, allows the team to be more efficient and at times more accurate.
Customized modeling for non-standard components is pretty straightforward, but should keep in mind the constraints of fabrication. When using parametric generation, use the simplest possible formulas that achieve the desired form.
Design doesn't happen in a vacuum, there is an existing condition to design within and the most detailed and accurate way to capture reality is with 3D laser scans (e.g. by LARKI). Instead of measuring up your site by hand, get an accurate 3D point cloud (out put file of a 3D scanner - e.g. Leica RTCs are great). (Be careful of cheap inaccurate scanners e.g. iPhones. Matterport is good for real estate sales but not so accurate for design and engineering of buildings.) Then you can get the existing condition BIM file (either 3D trace the point cloud yourself or from a provider like LARKI). If you are doing renderings (e.g. in 3DSMax or Enscape) then get a 3D photo mesh (photogrammetry) but meshes dont work so well in BIM (Revit, ArchiCAD)
The strategy of modeling is the most important part of any project. If you're doing a small Scale project, then you don't require too much integrations and detailing to be done in the modeling. But if the detailing has to be used in coordination drawings or BIM or to get 3D laser printed drawigns then design has to be done with detailing and then modelling techniques has to decided according to the work flow
Nuestros dise?os siempre son pensados desde una lógica constructiva, tomando en cuenta su desarrollo ejecutivo, su ejecución en obra y apegados a modulaciones industriales de los materiales; por lo cual, las técnicas de modelado son las más básicas. Un edificio difícil de modelar, será un edificio difícil de construir.
The fourth step in improving your 3D modeling skills and results is to follow some general modeling tips. To ensure accuracy and realism, you should use reference images, such as photos, drawings, or maps, and import them into your software or use them as a background image or a texture. Additionally, you should learn and use the keyboard shortcuts and plugins available for your software to speed up your workflow and enhance your functionality. To align and position your model elements precisely and consistently, you should use guidelines and snaps. Layers and scenes are also important for managing the visibility and appearance of your model elements - layers are collections of model elements that you can turn on or off, lock or unlock, or assign different colors or styles while scenes are saved views of your model that you can switch between or animate.
El consejo incuestionable que yo a?adiría es realizar un trabajo extremadamente ordenado. Los modelos son grandes archivos compuestos de una gran cantidad de asset que requieren de un minucioso orden para poder trabajar cómodo y así evitar al máximo los errores.
Absolutely, incorporating general modeling tips can significantly enhance your 3D modeling skills and results. Using reference images for accuracy and realism, along with keyboard shortcuts and plugins to optimize workflow, are valuable practices. Guidelines and snaps aid in precise element alignment, while layers help manage visibility, styles, and organization. Scenes provide saved views, facilitating easy navigation and animation within your model. These tips collectively contribute to a more efficient and polished 3D modeling process.
Enforce meticulous scale precision, focussing geometric integrity in mesh structures, finesse material textures, and harness authentic lighting dynamics. Employ layered organization, adhere to nomenclature consistency, and select software tailored to architectural demands. Foster collaborative synergy through platforms facilitating seamless model sharing and precise design feedback.
Software work differently, some are intelligent than others, some very intelligent software save time and enhanced 3D modeling
Un buen consejo sería, si trabajas en equipo, por favor guarda los modelos como te gustaria recibirlos. Es lo minimo de cortesía.
The fifth step is to render and present your 3D model. Rendering is the process of converting your 3D model into a 2D image or a video, while presentation is the process of communicating your design concept and intention to your audience. When it comes to rendering and presentation, you should consider aspects such as lighting, materials, styles, and exporting and sharing. For lighting, you can use different types of lights with adjustable intensity, color, and direction to create desired effects. Materials should be used to define the color, texture, and reflectivity of your model elements. You can also apply mapping techniques like UV mapping or bump mapping to control how the materials are applied. Styles can be used to customize the appearance of your model elements with realistic, sketchy, or artistic effects. Finally, you should export and share your model in an appropriate format and resolution for your purpose. You can share it online using platforms like Sketchfab or 3D Warehouse.
Back to my first point- workflow decides what rendering tool is to be used. Starting with vray, and mental Ray, newer tools such as lumion and unreal allow more immersive rendering and walkthroughs. The purpose of presentation decides the type and tool for rendering. AI will play a clear role in the future of be rendering and presentation.
temos que lembra que n?o existe "bala de prata". em um mundo ideal renders e apresenta??es devem ser feitos/processados em softwares específicos para este fim. se o seu escopo for projeto, n?o convém modelar "coisas" que n?o eram usada em projeto, deixando este "molho" para os softwares que ser?o usados para os renders e apresenta??es
Based on my experience, the rendering phase is the most crucial and delicate part of any project. This is the stage where all the project's details are formed, and it requires a meticulous focus on lighting, materials, textures, and other elements to achieve the best aesthetic outcome. Taste plays a significant role in presenting the possible form in this phase, and it is what makes the project stand out in terms of its visual appeal.
Rendering is the final step for a visualizer and after that the designer takes over to compose the presentation. In my opinion, rendering should be so clear in terms of what we want to show that the presentation does not require words to elaborate the render. Lights, materials, reflections of various surfaces should be apt to give clear picture to the end user.
Hoy hay que poner sobre la mesa a la IA, por lo pronto, en Instagram tenemos las reviews más completas. Sigan de cerca las publicaciones sobre MidJourney, Chatgpt pro, Canvas pro y el autopilot. Los críticos de las mismas nos han revelado la importancia del arquitecto en estos procesos, puesto que el criterio de lo que generan estas imágenes nadie los puede interpretar mejor. Avanzamos tan rápido que observar es el primer paso. Por lo pronto la mejor recomendación es ir creciendo con el software y no perder el enfoque que la automatización busca: reducir el tiempo. Donde veamos oportunidad para la reducción del tiempo en los procesos, debemos cortar nuestro aprendizaje para trabajar más sobre lo que nos hace indispensables como arquitectos.
The sixth and final step is to keep learning and improving your 3D modeling skills and knowledge. 3D modeling is a dynamic and evolving field, with new software, tools, and techniques emerging constantly. You should stay updated and curious about the latest trends and developments in 3D modeling and architectural design. You should also seek feedback and criticism from your peers and mentors, and learn from your mistakes and successes. You should also explore different sources of inspiration and creativity, such as books, magazines, blogs, podcasts, or online courses.
I completely agree that keeping up with the latest software, tools, and techniques is crucial in the constantly evolving field of 3D modeling. Seeking feedback and criticism from mentors and peers can help architects learn from their successes and mistakes. Exploring various sources of inspiration, such as books, magazines, and online courses, can also help one unlock his creativity and improve his skills in 3D modeling.
I am of the point that having a good command at 3D modeling is crucial for architects, fostering precise visualization of intricate designs. Continuous skill refinement enhances efficiency, enabling architects to articulate complex concepts effectively. In a rapidly evolving field, adept modeling skills empower professionals to stay at the forefront of architectural innovation. Being an architectural technologist one can easily translate and communicate one’s actual perception of design.
Si eres una persona independiente y quieres dedicarte a este arte, crea tu propio estilo a manera de sello personal con un diferenciador que te destaque y te haga ver más atractivo.
- One thing I found as a way of learning for myself - is constant practicing of what I just read. Without practice - all this knowledge evaporates in a week or two. So practice, practice and then again practice
It is really a key that you accept, that you cannot know everything. I usually train new members to use the software and I should recommend to learn from the new members. Sometimes if you use something regularly you won't see the new features, but someone who start to use the software with fresh eyes will find the new features.
One key parameter in deciding 3d workflow that is often understated in system requirements. Though new tools are fast emerging, they rapidly raise system requirements and are often incompatible with systems that are even a few years older. Backward compatibility and interoperability is critical for any professional architecture firm and becomes vital in selection of software and tools.
There can only be better Not best methods, but one of it is this: First, think of the other trades your model will be accommodating, be it Civil and structures, or MEP. This will help you think about the steps before you design, say a false ceiling... to have a minimum allowed area for the wires and electrical fixtures and equipment to pass though, unseen. When you model, always design with collaboration in mind. This enhances the understanding of the model itself as well as helps other trades to do their job without the need of many meetings to change the design or at least alter it, thus saving time to invest in model to finish it within expected deadline, which is a crucial thing for clients and designers both.
La concertation avec le commanditaire est une étape importante à ne pas négliger dans le process quelque soit son niveau de connaissance des logiciels. Il doit être au coeur de la stratégie de modélisation. Ceci pour l'informer de la qualité du rendu. J'ai travaillé avec des Architectes dans des projets immobiliers. Dès le départ il m'ont expliqué les contraintes et avantages des logiciels qu'ils utilisent et des nombre dimage 3D qui seront restitués.
This article is really helpful but i also like to add perimetric 3D modeling and BIM modeling are new eras. AI modeling will be the future. So these things are needed to add to this article.
Ich denke die Schnittstellen mit der Produktion sind dabei sich rasant zu ver?ndern. Ob unser Beruf den Zeitgeist überlebt wird sich zeigen denn die Künstliche Intelligenz und die Automatisierte Rntstehung von Geplotterten Geb?uden braucht uns nicht. Ich denke jeder sollte für sich überlegen welchen Mehrwert er einbringen kann um auch Partner dieser Entwicklung zu bleiben. Da haben wir Menschen grossen Nachholbedarf...............