Is Lightwave the best program for architectural modeling?
by landarch95
on
Sep 7, 2005 at 5:00:46 pm
I am a landscape architect and planner. My company wants to use 3D modeling for presentation purposes for various projects showing commercial and residential site plans. We are currently evaluating several different programs to use. Is Lightwave the best program for architectural modeling? What about Maya, 3D Studio or Cinema 4D? Thanks!
Re: Is Lightwave the best program for architectural modeling? by Doug Graham on Sep 7, 2005 at 9:02:49 pm
LightWave is GOOD for architectural modeling...especially for photorealistic renders of interiors and exteriors. The other 3D programs you mention are also good...I haven't used Maya, but from what I hear it's oriented more toward the character animator. 3DS Max is good, and there are a ton of plugins; my biggest gripe with them is their draconian licensing restrictions -- unless they've changed, you can't re-sell the program to someone else. Cinema 4D is a solid competitor, but doesn't have the user base of the other 3...and I don't like their icon-based user interface. You might like it fine, though.
HOWEVER: I would check with other architectural firms, and ask what they're using. The animation programs you mention CAN do the job, but they are "general purpose" in nature. They have a lot of features you don't need, and may lack some that would make your job easier. I believe there are a number of programs that are specifically targeted to this application, and can take AUTOCAD files and generate a rendering.
(I have no idea if this product is "the best", or even any good; I found it by doing a quick Web search. I'm just saying that there are products out there specific to your application).
Re: Is Lightwave the best program for architectural modeling? by ch lee on Sep 21, 2005 at 3:46:31 pm
I don't know whether it is the best, but I have used it for 8 years in an architectural environment and really have no complaints, although for some types of modelling, I prefer to use FormZ - especially especially when modelling complex walls with internal and external thickness - which is a pain to do in LW.
I find that in general, form z has better tools for architectural type modelling. However, its texture mapping functions is impossible to figure out. So I'd export what I have modelled to LW where textures , lighting, and rendering are done.
Most of the other guys in my studio prefers LW, so I guess it is also a matter of preference.
