architecture questions

[sebek27]

can anyone give me some pointers ? also, I'd like to see how an autocad file gets transferred to c4d. Is it like a layout that is brought into c4d where then it's modeled from that ? any sample autocad files I can try ?

[georgedrakakis]

hey sebec27,
if you are using autocad for 3d drawings, then you have two options:
a) export 3d data to *.3ds and import to c4d. (you may have to tweak the import scale from the import settings)
b) try the engineering bundle (too expensive inho --> it's a bundle instead of just an imp-exporter for autocad or rhino files) you can find info @ maxon.net but unfortunately no demo to try out. (let me know your impressions if you ever try it).

ps: if you are using autocad for 2d data, then i suggest to drop it and try archicad or allplan. they are way more architectural (and easy to learn) packages than autocad.

for outdoor scenes the sky plugin with the correct lang/latitute of your city will do just fine. (especially if you have AR 2.5)

cheers,
george

[nycL45]

C4D imports and exports .dxf. Import and try it out.

I'm Mac so I really can't help you more.

[RAFY]

What are the easiest ways of creating vegetation when displaying outdoor projects ?

Vue5 Infinite is killer for making natural environments and now that they have direct access for C4D with the new Xstream plugin it will be easier to integrate your architectural projects with Vue’s environment.

Note: If you have a perspective were 2d trees can work then I would suggest doing so in post. 3Dtotal sell these on one of the texture cds.



Is it easy to transfer autocad 2006 data to C4D and maybe an example of the process ?

I have a friend that is great 3D modeler in AutoCad and very fast but I personally consider it to be a pain so my approach is to model in SketchUp 5 (easier to model) and then exporting the file as a .3ds for importing in C4D. AutoCad however is better for creating basic or complex vector designs for then exporting and importing them in C4D for extrusion or whatever.

Note: Can’t say anything about archicad because I don’t know how to use it but soon I’ll give it a try.


What plugins whether free or not do you recommend for someone getting into architecture work for C4D ?

Drop to Floor - I use it a lot

Ozone v2 - If you buy Vue5 Xstream then don’t buy.

Xfrog - Great alternative for vegetation



Are there good lighting setups you recommend for outdoor scenes ?

Not to repeat myself but Vue5 has great presets and a lot too!


Good luck!

[robodesign]

Drop to Floor - I use it a lot

Any links? :) Sounds like a most.

[RAFY]

Here is a link;

http://www.c4dplugs.com/search.php Search "Drop to Floor"


Note; c4dplugs.com have lots of plugins

[georgedrakakis]

What are the easiest ways of creating vegetation when displaying outdoor projects
check this out:

http://www.maxon.net/pages/products/exteriors/c4d_exteriors_e.html

truly 3D objects
top render-quality, even when viewed close up
fast render times, low polygon count (maximum of 8000 polygons per tree in the standard resolution)
no additional programs required
change season at the click of a mouse button using the supplied plugin!
<LI>2 levels of detail for trees and bushes (standard and high)
EXTERIORS is the stunning collection of 3D plant models for CINEMA 4D that makes it quick and easy to create anything from an elegant garden to an enchanting forest. Lovingly fashioned with realistic trunks, branches, twigs and leaves, these models are fully textured and ready to use in your scenes - simply position and render for instant vegetation that would make any landscape gardener proud.
Command the seasons with the supplied plugin and switch effortlessly between spring, summer, autumn and winter at the click of a mouse button. Leaves go brown in autumn and are gone by winter. Click to spring and marvel as the flowers burst into vibrant bloom! It's ingenious! Textures are switched automatically as soon as you click. Truly a plant collection for all seasons.

[seco7]

I didn't know Maxon had such a thing. I followed the "buy" link but could not find EXTERIORS in the Maxon Shop ... only XFrog.

[SilverCity]

Heere is the U.S shop link:
http://www.maxonshop.com/cgi-bin/us/gp?pg=products/resources.main&sid=&uid=mxs/E3PWeGp0eB.&aid=&cid=100&rn=748

I'd also like to know how these models compare to XFrog trees.

[seco7]

Thanks for the link, I don't know why I couldn't find it. :(

Has anyone seen these, I would love to hear an opinion as well.

[AdamT]

These have been around for a long time. Nice low-poly vegetation. They're very good for medium to long distances but not so great for closeup work. Xfrog plants tend to be heavier, and consequently they're better for tight shots.

[maikukai]

Thanks for the link, I don't know why I couldn't find it. :(

Has anyone seen these, I would love to hear an opinion as well.


This package is good but not great. The trees look nice but I wouldn't use them in a scene with GI unless you've got plenty of time on your hands. This isn't a good solution if you need hundreds of trees.

I've had success using images of tress with alpha maps applied to a plane object with a "look at camera" tag. But this won't work if you need aerial shots, etc...

[moka.studio]

This package is good but not great. The trees look nice but I wouldn't use them in a scene with GI unless you've got plenty of time on your hands. This isn't a good solution if you need hundreds of trees.

I've had success using images of tress with alpha maps applied to a plane object with a "look at camera" tag. But this won't work if you need aerial shots, etc...

You could exclude the trees from the GI.. -

[kiwi8]

Depending on what kind of trees you need and color of leaves (season); you can download free 3d objects online. You will need to search for them but they are out there. Usually I grab couple and in c4d change them so you have variations of objects. Its much faster then making one and its free. There are stock 3d trees you can buy if your going to do these rendering alot then its worth buying them. Alot of them are very nice and professional. Most of the plugin for trees are very hard to use and most of the time when i make something decent, it takes longer then just making one from ploys.
One thing to note that most of the free objects are not optimze meaning they are haavy on polys so you need to optimize it or you run out of memory if you have lots of trees. The trees are easy to render, what i think is the hardest is realistic grass. Same ordeal most of the plugins are experiments in action, takes way to long.
Also if you can get away with pictures as background objects its best solution.

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