Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 10
Modeling Architectural Exteriors
Creating the model for a building exterior can be a daunting task. Orthographic views individually offer less
than the necessary amount of information for creating geometry, the complex hard surfaces can be difficult to
visualize, and choosing the right type of modeling technique can be difficult. With some practice, however,
this task can become quick, efficient, and fun. This chapter covers the following:
• Setting up reference images and blocking geometry
• Using blocked-in geometry to create the final structure
• Adding secondary structures
• Using subdivision surfaces in a polygonal model
• Modeling complex surfaces with displacement maps and baked geometry
Setting Up Reference Images and Blocking Geometry
When starting an exterior modeling project, your first priority should be proper setup and alignment of ref-
erence files. To start a project like this, you should have a few references on hand. Orthographic views (el-
evations) of the front, back, and both sides are the basic necessities. A top view and floor plans can also be
useful but are not completely necessary for the creation of an exterior. If some interior space is needed for the
finished render, this space can be improvised easily without creating a full interior space. The elevations that
are used in this chapter are shown in
Figure 10-1
.
These elevations are evenly spaced and require little align-
ment to be used as the reference for your model. Individual images are included on the DVD (
Front.jpg
,
Back.jpg
,
Right.jpg
,
Left.jpg
).
Figure 10-1:
Orthographic views or elevations are used as the basis for creating exterior models.
