This tutorial explores layout composition using Photoshop. You will need to check your email to gain access to the FTP site to download the images.

SP10_Class-14

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In this tutorial we will look at rendering output and translate resolution for our final images. Next the tutorial covers a strategy for adding people using cylinders in max as place holders. Then we move to Photoshop for fine tuning; adding shadows, reflections and layer masks.

Please click on the links below to download the tutorial, max file and image files.

SP10_Class-13

Burdick Dining.max

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This 3ds Max tutorial begins with a lighting strategy that reduces the amount of lights with shadows to help speed up rendering time. Next it looks at the i-Drop technology that allows you to drag and drop 3d models from manufactures web pages into 3ds Max (unfortunately they are not updated yet to work in 3ds Max 2010). Additionally the tutorial looks at using the Camera Match tool to aid in creating a Photomontage rendering of the Chicago skyline.

Please click on the links below to download the tutorial, jpeg and max files.

SP10_427_Class-12

abn-city.max

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This tutorial continues with our exploration of materials in 3ds Max.  We will revisit our layered stone floor material that consists of two layers; a grid (tiles map) and a stone texture (bitmap). Then we will continue to discuss “real world scale” using the UVW map modifier and tiling.

Please click on the links below to download the tutorial and the material texture jpeg images.

SP10_Class-11

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This is the second 3ds Max materials tutorial. It will continue to explore the UVW map modifier for “Real World” scaling of textures. We will also customize some material textures using Photoshop.

Please click on the links below to download the tutorial and the material texture jpeg images.

SP10_Class-10

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This is tutorial looks at changing the standard Mental Ray Physical Sky background image in 3ds Max. Currently this process is not as user friendly and effective as I hope it will be in future 3ds Max releases. Next concept covered is the UVW Map modifier. This modifier is applied to objects to tell 3ds Max how to scale, position and orientate the material textures that we create in Photoshop on our 3D objects. The tutorial will also show you how to create a tiles material which essentially creates a grid. This grid can be used to create bricks, floor tiles, ceiling panels, wall panels etc..

Please click on the links below to download the tutorial and the background jpeg image.

SP10_427_Class-09

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This tutorial is a detailed exploration of Photometric lighting in 3DS Max. It will look at three types of lights: Free Light Rectangle, Target Light, and Free Light line. It will also look at changing the daylight system  from date, time and location to Manual which allows for greater Daylighting flexibility.

Please click on the link below to download the tutorial.

SP10_Class-07

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In 3DS Max nurbs (non uniform rational b-splines) modeling will allow you to model complex forms and geometry. These forms generally have multiple curves in 2 or 3 different axes i.e. plan and elevation. This tutorial begins in AutoCad and the explores UCS (user co-ordinate system) 3 point which allows you to control the UCS by specifying three points: origin, positive X and positive Y. Then the tutorial will introduce you to photometric (real-world) lighting.

Please click on the links below to download the tutorial and Acad file.

SP10_Class-06

NURBS

SP10_Arch 427_Midterm

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This tutorial will look in depth at the Loft modifier. In 3DS Max the Loft modifier can definitely be intimidating with its endless list of parameters. That being said it is also a very powerful parametric modeling modifier. This tutorial explores lofting multiple shapes along a path to create a conceptual massing study of an elliptical high rise tower. This tutorial will also explore in more depth the edit mesh modifier using Soft Selection to create a modern lamp shape. Soft Selection allows you to push and pull sub-object levels of the mesh allowing the other parts to follow (based on the falloff  settings).

Please click on the link below to download the tutorial.

SP10_427_Class-05

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This tutorial is the first of the Modeling Design series. It covers pivot point and how to use and move an objects pivot point to mirror. In 3ds Max when you mirror an object the new object can become an instance of the original so that what happens to the original will happen to the instance.  The tutorial will cover making interior walls and using Boolean to make door openings in walls. It also covers the AutoCad array command for a later comparison to the array in 3ds Max.

Please click on the link below to download the tutorial.

SP10_427_Class-04

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The class-03 tutorial is the last of the 3 part sneak preview tutorials. This tutorial will cover the Edit Mesh modifier that allows you to edit the sub-objects of a 3D mesh. By editing sub objects like vertices and polygons you can strecth and manipulate geometry to create more complex shapes. The tutorial will also introduce you to the material editor and we will create a raytrace glass material. finally we will look at settings to help optimize rendering time using the mental ray rendering engine.

Please click on the link below to download the tutorial.

SP10_427_Class-03

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The class-02 tutorial will explore the 3ds Max snaps interface which is similar to AutoCad although far more advanced. In 3ds Max you can snap to 2D objects only, snap to 3D and project as 2D or snap to all. We also look at the UCS (user co-ordinate system) in AutoCad an essential part of learning 3D design in any modeling application. We continue with our AutoCad / 3ds Max modeling strategy and we look specifically at when to model from plan vs elevation or section. Then finally we look at the Daylight system that is made up of three components: Compass, MR Sun and MR Sky. MR stands for Mental Ray.

Please click on the link below to download the Class-02 tutorial:

SP10_427_Class-02

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This course is an exploration of new visualization techniques to support and express architectural design through 3D modeling and rendering.

Class-01 is the first of the Sneak Preview series which begins to explore the key fundamentals covered in the course.  These fundamentals will then be covered in more detail later in the course.

Please click on the links below to download the Class-01 tutorial and DWG file:

SP10_427_Class-01

Class-01 DWG File

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