Register now or log in to join your professional community.
Autocad is the basic software to design and you need extra tool for animation and rendering techniques.
For architect most rapid way of visualization is archicad with rendering in artlantis. Generally the answer is "I'm using this software ... because I can adjusted it toward my needs"
3D rendering has become an invaluable tool for architects, designers, and artists to bring their visions to life. With photorealistic3D renders, you can showcase building designs, product concepts, or any creation in an immersive way before construction even begins. I recently discovered3dastudio and was impressed by their Architectural visualization services. Their portfolio includes stunning exterior and interior renderings that capture light, textures, and details beautifully. Last year, a friend was designing a new retail space and3Dastudio created renderings that helped him win over investors. Their team really brought his ideas to life. For any project where you want to visualize possibilities, I'd recommend checking out their website. Their artistry can make concepts feel tangible.
Rhino is like that comically sized Swiss Army knife... Easy to use with lots of tools you'd recognize but probably a ton that you're like "what the hell would I ever use this for?"
3DS Max is like a fighter jet.... Immensely powerful and fast but it's so damn complicated to use that few people ever truly master it. However in the right hands it's hard to beat.
Sketchup is basically like Lego. Given the average person you can make some stuff very quickly and easily but chances are it's not going to be complex. Some people who have immersed themselves heavily in to it can do some pretty impressive stuff but it's very time consuming.
For rendering, Lumion is like playing the sims. It's about as simple you can get, real time with assets. Not super realistic but definitely expressive and easy to use.
VRay is like kerbal space program. Basically if you follow instructions you can get some nice stuff working but to really succeed with it you need to learn it inside out and really start experimenting
Sketchup is like all of these programs but without any of the functionality or ability to handle and process larger files. Rhino is a nurbs based modeling program great for landscapes and sweeping curves, used by industrial designers as well as landscape architects Grasshopper is a generative / algorithmic design plug in for Rhino V-Ray is a rendering engine that has a great ability to handle light
I've never used Lumion or3DS Max, although I hear they are all good programs
The question is not "which one is best" but, unfortunately, "which one do I need" ... What are you doing in your office or school program? What aspects of3d modeling interest you?
For instance, if you wanted to do digital fabrication I would tell you to stick with rhino for its ability to model intricate surfaces, as well as its integration with grasshopper and the ability to export in ONE MILLION file formats. This one is my personal favorite because I believe it has the ability to create more nuanced geometry and just generally handles the scale of my work better. I work with a lot of TIN surfaces of entire regions in my practice of landscape architecture.
Stay away from MAYA as it will likely not be as practical or functional as you would need it to be (you didn't mention it, I just thought I would add that). MAYA is great for animators and3D character/object modeling, but not so great at spatial design.
VRay can handle most of your rendering needs and is compatible (although expensive) with a lot of programs.
If you told me that you wanted to do more than just make simple shapes I would tell you that ANYTHING would be better suited (and worth the effort to learn) than sketchup. Be proficient in sketchup because, unfortunately, most small firms do not have the resources to buy complicated and expensive software suites ... do NOT make it the only3D program you can operate.
My personal opinion is that we, as a profession (I'm a L.ARCH) need to stop perpetuating the use of Sketchup. That's all I can say without getting on a soap box. If you like3D modeling do yourself a favor and invest the time learning something more substantial
MOST COMMON3DS MAX
WITH AUTO CAD
Defenitly 3d Max,
The Procedural Modifieres allow you to alter any time during design. Many changes will happen always during design stage of any architectural Project.
So I preffer 3d max for Architectural Visualization.
I would prefer3D Max, It gives you better control :)
