Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Stage 8: Detailing the Model in 3D Studio Max
Objective : To continue modeling the house and its surroundings in more
detail.
Data : Model exported from the SketchUp in DWG format.
Tool : 3D Studio Max.
The DWG files were imported into 3D Studio Max, choosing the AutoCAD
Drawing import option.
Tip
If you need to work in metric, remember that SketchUp7 exports files
with metric units as if they were inches (this was corrected in 7.1). You can
correct this if you have a copy of AutoCAD: enter “_units” in the command
line, indicating the correct units in place of “Inches.” If you do not have
AutoCAD, the AutoCAD Drawing format allows you to configure the
imported file units manually and so this should be your preferred export
format.
In order to keep all modeling options open, only the edges that correspond
to the central axis of the balustrade were imported. They were converted into
editable splines and then the edges of the handrail were attached along with
those for the horizontal elements and the balusters. Display in Viewport was
activated to show the thickness of the splines. Next, a thickness was given
to each element of the balustrade. The Display in Render option was then
chosen to make the baluster elements visible at render time.
A wing-shaped element of the brise-soleil was created from an ellipse that
was in turn created by deforming a circle. The Extrude modifier was then
applied to this profile, and the element copied using the Instance option.
Once each pane was in place, they were selected and the orientation was
varied using the Rotation tool, set to Use Pivot Center.
The hedges in the garden were created by extruding a profile along a path
using the Loft tool, then applying an Edit Poly modifier to the resulting
object. The resulting mesh was then edited to give a more natural look.
Using the Loft tool has many advantages over a mesh created in SketchUp,
then imported into 3D Studio Max. The first advantage is the ability to apply
mapping coordinates that follow the extrusion path of the loft. The second is
the ability to vary the profile of the hedge after the loft has been created, by
choosing the Instance option when choosing the spline profile. This proved
to be extremely useful since the height of the hedge needed to be modified
later.
To model the surrounding hills, highly subdivided planes were used. The Soft
Selection option was chosen in order to produce a gradual and homogeneous
deformation when the vertices corresponding to the summits of the hills were
displaced.
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