CompuServe Messages

<I do not think you will do visualisation and animation without having any work, remember a building is a complex object to put in 3 Dimensions??> Of course, you are correct. However, what I have been hoping for is software which *helps* us design. Often, I see the attempt to use the software fail becuase the process of using it has become `the ends' rather than `the means to the ends'. *I believe* that 3DS is not a great design tool. It is great illustration tool, useful for illustrating the design once it has reached a certain stage. But, the initial massings, articulation, and fenestration study is cumbersome in 3DS. I think this is so because of the use of seperate modules for modeling. You know: create some 2D geometry, move it into lofter and make it 3D, study it in the editor, and if changes are made move back into the lofter (if needed) and start again? It takes quite a while to build this stuff and sidetracks your energies into making sure that you are approaching the modeling process properly. In other words, the process of working with 3DS interferes with the creative process. Notice that I did not say 3DS was not powerful in it's visualization capabilities. Just that I/We have found it difficult for the design process. Also, notice that I did not discuss any IPAS routines. We own very few of these, and maybe *that* would make a difference. Also (for higher realism images (away from conceptual massings, etc)), I have been disappointed with the use of packages, like the old ASG, which promised libraries of prebuilt 3D components, but then were not very useful. Perhaps when we finally upgrade to SD7.1 things will improve. I understand that KETIV has a nice package. Anyway, how have *you* been succesful at integrating 3DS into your practice. Could you share some of your techniques? -Mike.