Architectural Modeling and Resources

Architectural models tend to be large, that is, containwhen none exists. Design your models with efficient
a high number of faces and vertices. It is imperativepresentations in mind. Do not model parts of the
that you develop good modeling habits to minimizebuilding that will never be seen in the final rendering.
the complexity of your models. Try to avoidDo not model details that are too small to show at
becoming obsessive about a high degree of accuracy.the final rendered resolution. Instead of long, boring
Most 3D Programs are not a CAD programs but awalkthrough animations, try to design a presentation
visualization tool. Learn the methods of working asthat will be snappy and contain the highlights of the
accurately as possible-Units Setup, Grid Snap Settings,information you are conveying to the client. Once
Snaps, for example-but keep in mind that whenagain, each face and each vertex in your model take
objects are seen in perspective size is relative tocomputer resources to store and process. The more
distance and camera angle.complex the model gets the less RAM memory is
Use "simulated" geometry when possible. Instead ofavailable for processing the rendering. If you reduce
creating a 3D chain link fence with all its faces andthe face/vertex amount, you can often cut the
vertices, see if you can get away with an Opacityrendering times enough to equal the speed of adding
map material on a flat plane. Use Bump maps anda new computer to the network.
Opacity maps to create the illusion of 3D geometry