Which is, in your opinion, the best modeling software to create houses, buildings, and also ancient architectural stuff like temples etc. A program that is hopefully fast in letting you construct the basic shapes but also which allows to model small details and decorations, and that supports well also curved shapes etc. Thanks much for replying, it seems that most popular modelers I know are really oriented towards character-organic stuff.

Well, 3DS Max has it's distant roots set in arch-viz Orio. C4D is also being used a lot for architecture.
Since using Modo, I've been surprised how well that models buildings as well, the Modo guys heavily into arch-viz swear by it...some are even modelling the bricks into their models, it's that versatile!
I really do think that any modeller can do it...Maya is known for it's film work, but it was still able to model the buildings in LOTR. Max is known for it's games work, but has the arch-viz toolset...etc, etc.

It goes without saying that when you do think of Arch-viz, most people think of apps like AutoCAD...and with good reason ;)

Not really a "to the point" answer, but if a modeller can extrude a polygon or create a polygon from a spline, then it's probably safe to say it's good for architecture.

Cheers

Message edited on: 11/17/2005 13:43

Any modelling program can be used for architectural purposes. My advice would be to download the free evaluations of the main modelling programs and choose which interface you prefer. My weapon of choice is 3d Studio Max but I have also used Maya and Rhino and I like them too. It's all about the interface.

I use Amapi Pro 7.51. It is very accurate for architecture modeling.

Basically anything with numerical input available is good for architecture IMO, I use trueSpace 5.2 for 3d realizations...I would like to use hexagon but it's numerical input is buggy still.

Wings3D works for me...

I'd recommend Sketchup, architecture is what it was designed for. The "follow me" tool, which combines lathing bevelling and extruding along a path into one simple tool, is a work of genius.

Quite impressive Artbyphil... How much does Sketch up retail for...???

Attached Link: http://www.sketchup.com/

I actually made that model with the demo version (lasts for 8 hours but I wangled 16 by putting on both my pcs:) I viewed some of the movie tutorials first and got the hang of it pretty fast. I'm actually doing some web design work for a company who uses it at the moment a structural engineers and working on getting a full copy as part of my payment.

In English money its 315 not sure how much in US $400ish I expect, a lot more expensive than wings but cheaper than the high end moddlers I supose. They also do a good student discount if your lucky enough to qualify.

I've attched the liknk to their site, worth checking out the gallery to see if its what your after and theres a good forum there too.

as i said before Sketchup is cool.

To be honest I didn't think that Sketchup was anywhere near worth the money when I tried the demo, but then I had a need to produce a very large number of isometric drawings in a hurry at work. Having bought a copy for my company, it easily paid for itself in the time it saved producing the isometrics, I found so many "hidden" features I've now bought a personal copy.

If you do try the demo, be sure to enable and test the "sandbox". The ability to create an undulating terrain, drop a floorplan on to it and automatically create a flat base for your building, is extremely useful if you're integrating with software like Vue, as I am.

How many people use sketchup? I only recently discovered it as a hobbyist & found that I could build buildings for my Mojoplanets really quickly....heres what Ive done with the demo.

http://www.renderosity.com/mod/forumpro/showthread.php?thread_id=2669432

I guess it really comes down to how much you want to spend and what you're looking for feature wise. Were I looking at doing architectural stuff seriously, I'd probably go with LightWave, as that's what I'm using now, and its a pretty robust package right out of the box.

It can handle architectural stuff well enough as is but for more ease of use on architectural stuff there's LWCad. I've not had the chance to try it out, but from the looks of it, it pretty much adds some of the tools, that would be missing compared to something like AutoCad.

Obviously, try any and all demos you can get you hands on. I've added two links, one to LWCad, and one to a forum, that is based heavily on architecture, and taking a look and asking around there might help you with your descicion some. Really, tho I'd think any and all of the major packages can handle architectural stuff. I know LightWave can. As they've mentioned above, I've heard good things about Sketchup as well.

LWCad  -  http://www.wtools3d.com/index.php

3D Allusions - http://www.3dallusions.com/

Quote - Which is, in your opinion, the best modeling software to create houses, buildings, and also ancient architectural stuff like temples etc. A program that is hopefully fast in letting you construct the basic shapes but also which allows to model small details and decorations, and that supports well also curved shapes etc. Thanks much for replying, it seems that most popular modelers I know are really oriented towards character-organic stuff.

This is almost like asking which flavor of Ice Cream is best. You're going to get a lot of preferences.
Also, not all architectural modeling is created the same. If you're modeling office buildings and apartments, you may encounter fewer organic shapes then with family residences. On one hand, lot of modellers have strong 'organic' capabilities, but if you get into modelling surrounding lanscapes or any ornamental architectural detailing, you may need the organics. Especially if you get into historical models.

Most programs are fast when you learn them well, and most will allow you to do what you're asking here.
Are you looking to do this for yourself, at home, as a hobby, or for commercial purposes?
What sets some programs from others is their robustness and commercial strength processing volume. Something you may never encounter or may be able to work around if you do hobby things. If your bread and butter depends on getting things done in timely manner and on the budget, you may need a more high end solution, because of it's robustness.

For example, I recently demoed Sketchup. I Loved it, it was easy to use and intuitive, BUT, it couldn't handle data volume of even a single project I have to deal with for work....
Each program has it's pro's and cons. The question you posed here is a good one, but it's also rather broadly scoped. From the info you gave, it would be very hard for me to tell what would wourk the best for what you want to do.

I will throw in a vote for lightwave.

If you are not a commercial user you can get a training course and educational lisence from

www.3dgarage.com . Upgrade after 6 months to a commercial license.