ArchModeling->AutoCad, Revit, Sketchup, Max, ...?

[visualride]

I'm curious what method most people here use for creating their architecture. Who thinks that they have the fastest workflow to create a house with moderate detail?

My workflow is one of two ways right now. I'll refer to or import Autocad drawing as a referance into Sketchup and model from there. Then I'll import the model into Max for texturing and everything else.

If I only have design drawings to work from of just elevation views, then I'll use sketchup as well, starting with just tracing the parts.

Is anyone here using AutoArchitect, or Revit to create the roofs with doors and windows?

[Sawyer]

I use Revit. I really like it for drafting but I am often having problems with the imported mesh. Its the same with the projects I have had with ADT. The level of detail is either not their in the construction drawings or is easier to model in max and I have found it really hard to use the BIM elements past the initial rough-in low details viewings. I also have one project that is drafted in Revit but the actual rendered building is so complex I just cannot get the level of detail into the revit drawing that I need in max so I remodel everything. I am also not that experianced in revit so it takes time.

[nvanherpt]

http://www.chaosgroup.com/forum/phpB...t=poll+max+cad

i think 2/3 use max vs 1/3 use cad typically....

[visualride]

Thanks for the link, nvanherpt. I'll check it out.

[nvanherpt]

no worries

[flino2004]

Concept Design & Schematic Design with Sketchup
Development Design: ADT, Revit & Sketchup
Construction Document:ADT, Revit & some information from Sketchup

Visualization:
I never use VIZ for modeling....I don't feel confortable using it .I found SU much faster and cleaner geometry than VIZ/MAX

[visualride]

I agree flino2004. What Sketchup does, it does it Very well, with smarts. I've been modeling with Max since it was 3d Studio release 2, but I was able to get up to speed with Sketchup within a week to quickly mass out a house. The multi-family homes that I've been doing lately are a bit of a pain to create the roofs. Do you prefer to use ADT, or Revit to create these?

[dapeter]

I mostly use ADT since that's what's available to me at work. Since speed is always the #1 issue, using the built-in windows and doors is the fastest way to go. I always do the roofs in Max - I'll set up the walls correctly in ADT, then model the roofs in Max. As much as I like ADT, the roof slab functions are still slower than just doing a spline-epoly in Max.

As far as detailing, though, I now do a lot of my furniture modelling in Modo, and will likely move to using that for some arch stuff in a little bit. Although I haven't bought them yet, the scripts at http://www.archvisuals.co.uk/ seem like a good speed solution at least for creating windows and trim.

[Dynedain]

100% 3DSMax. Modeling in ACAD or Sketchup can produce bad geometry when imported into Max. With polymodeling in Max, you can create anything - thats how characters are done.

[visualride]

100% 3DSMax. Modeling in ACAD or Sketchup can produce bad geometry when imported into Max. With polymodeling in Max, you can create anything - thats how characters are done.

While I definately prefer to do all my modeling that involves any curves such a characters and cars in Max, Sketchup is amazing in its speed and simplicity. You have to try it, or at least check out the tutorial videos to know what I mean by "Intelligent snaps". I export out .dwg format files (not crappy 3ds) and it imports practically flawlessly.

dapeter- Thanks for the script link. Thanks for the ADT heads up on roof slab speed. I've been debating learning that part of the program better.

While none of this matters too much because if you have a fast way of doing something, why change it. Speed is relative, and once in a while it's fun to try and sqeeze out the 'why, 'how', and 'what' specifics of peoples workflow to gain some new insite.

[flino2004]

For Architectural modeling sketchup....about the roof I didn't have any problem with SU....sometimes I use ADT for railings and windows....but I prefer stay away from ADT at very early stage of the project.

:ynedain...I've never had bad geometry importing SU files...maybe you export the files with the option "Export stand alone edges" ON

other way is using the ruby tool " Layer by material" then you can export it to DWG format (just faces) and link the file....which is a good way if you want to update the model later.

[ene.xis]

99% architecture stuff and 99% MAX...there s no other way!