I'm not an architect but due to professional reasons I had to start learning some of the architecture basics. Now I need to use a 3D software which allows me to create a building and walk around it, seeing all the internal and external details.
I've tried the 3D Home Architect Deluxe 6 but the "walk around" tool is not working good for me, since the navigation is done with the mouse. Could someone here please tell me what's the best software available for this purpose? The me is being able to create any kind of building and being able to walk all around it in 3D.
I'd also ask you people to point some sites where I could learn more about those 3D softwares and the architecture basics. I'm a complete newbie.
#1 Penn State? Ohio State? Dunno. What's your selection in curricula? (And I dare one of you jerks to correct my Latin!) #2 NO #3 Lots of programs free (most are trials and need to register for fee for full options) - - - explore #4 Debatable. Depends on what is interactive with what you've got ... and for the price. Despite other messages, Auto-CADD is the accepted standard. Sorry for their luck in trying to sell something else. Some trials or lesser programs available for trial or lesser cost. Explore. #5 Last I checked it was the lowest paid and highest liability in all professional fields. #6 No. You're being overcharged by his employees, secretaries, suppliers of durables, expendables, and taxes, overhead, liabilities, cost of licensing, etc. ....... #7 Dunno. Didn't get the name. #8 Professional Liabilities (if it falls, fails, or hurts someone; or causes them medical harm in their lifetime; kiss your savings and home goodbye!) However, not a bad start for professional refinement; better than the back of a napkin. # 9 No Response #10 A 5x3 adjustable table, stool, lamp, templates, pentels, compass set, protractor, adjustable triangle, 30/60 and 45/90 triangles (pref w/ beveled edge) and lots and lots of books #11 NO #12 It would be my belief that they are so caught up in artistry, prestige, and money, that they forget the basic responsibilities of quality, safety, cost, employees, public trust....... #13 They don't let me (and for good professional reason). Why should anyone else be any different?
"3D Peruna" wrote in message news:a5R5e.1313$ snipped-for-privacy@fe06.lga...
Has this FAQ not been posted anywhere on top of someone's URL?
I can donate a wee corner of my webspace to it (so long as I can add a "history of the alt.architecture FAQ" paragraph explaining why/how it is so "witty" (a sort of disclaimer of sorts for unsuspecting overly serious clients possibly wandering onto it via google or something)
So... I'm gonna create to a new thread called "History of the alt.architecture FAQ" and from the responses I'll put together a paragraph... or has this been done already in the past?
Huh? Record straight? The record is self evident from a bit of googling the archives.
The original question was about 3D software...a response mentioning referencing the FAQ was given. While I'm not the writer or originator of the FAQ, I've taken upon myself the responsiblity of posting as necessary. Us regulars seem to have agreed that this is to be our unofficially official FAQ. Feel free to suggest changes, but don't expect that they stick.
Nobody's shoving anything down your throat... 'cept maybe some fried chicken...
Yeah I remember the hair dryers and pounce. Also those eraser shavings in a bag for cleaning the drawing. Used to have fights with those. Had a boss who got pissed and tossed a dozen out the 11th floor window. Always wondered what the pedestrians thought.
You're asking for something that doesn't exist. It takes quite some time to learn the "basics" and then it takes some time to learn the software.
Are you looking to create "pretty pictures" or "building information models?" They're related, but very different in how they're approached. And for either of them, you're looking at investing considerable time and money. The decent software starts at about $1K (and I don't think that stuff is all that good -- to get anything worthwhile for 3D work, look to spend at least $3K). And the learning curve is steep--because you're not only learning the software, but how to represent a building.
Lastly...as for "best" software. You're asking for a religious discussion. There are many programs out there. Those who use them all have their reasons for doing so and think that their software is the best for their purposes. The industry standard is based on Autodesk's AutoCAD products...but that doesn't mean they're the best, or what you should use (because you don't have a clue as to what you're getting into).
Why not just hire an architecture firm to do what you need to do?
There's no such thing as 'best' software. Different CAD program have different emphasis, and it all depends on how you use it. For what you're doing, there's isn't much a choice as far as low end CAD. Here's a brief list you can google:
Sketchup Autocad Quickcad (not sure if it has modeling) Turbocad (not sure if it has modeling) AutocadLT (not sure if it has modeling) Minicad (not sure if it has modeling) Arris Archicad Allplan
3dViz Chief Architect (maybe Minicad reborn)
Except for Sketchup the above programs are in the thousands of dollars range, take awhile to learn, but have a full compliment of drafting and modeling tools. If you're looking for just modeling, Sketchup has a timed fully operational demo; you should review their tutorials first before using the program, as some of the features are not apparent from the limited tool set available. Good program for quick modeling studies. Provides basic rendering as well. Tough to do detailed work though. The program is meant for study work, not for detailed modeling.
For detailed work, that takes time. It took me 3-4 hrs to properly model an ionic capital in Autocad once. To do an exterior office building, it took about a week, including site elements, then 2-3 weeks for rendering, color tweaking, and material selection. That included some of learning curve time as well (Autocad/Arris modeling with Lightscape, a defunct rendering and lighting program).
Can you inform me about the difference between architectural software and regular 3D software? It seems to me that once you got the blueprint scanned in and extruded the walls and made sure the dimensions were accurate that unless you need a materials list or stress statistics or something engineering about which I am also ignorant, that a good 3D package for around $500 would work. I find Bryce to be great for landscaping.
Depends on what you want to do with the software...an issue insufficiently addressed in the question. If it's just make pretty pictures, then it's one thing. If it's developing a "building information model" then its another thing. If it's producing digital files that can then be sent to the fabricator, it might be another thing.
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