lightstudio - problems and solutions - team delta
to be honest simon and i had a hell of a time trying to get our lightstudio up and working.
I spent alot of time yesterday trying to knock some renders out, and had alot of help from mike which was great.
the problem was after he had left everything i had watched when out the back door! and forgot the exact process i was to follow.
in the end after countless trial and error i finally figured out the workflow and got it rendering at around 8 - 8:30, some eight hours after first attempt.
For those who are interested here is the final solution.
I ended up following Jake's tutorial on the website showing how to change from lightstudio to radiance renderer. We found that team delta's model was too large and complex for lightstudio; and this way we could also push out some 1024x768 renders.
To make it work in radiance was a tricky process and very confusing; it involved me copying all of the rendering files from the project folder into a seperate empty folder.
After that i worked through jake's tutorial, copying and pasting the bat and rif files all over the place!
after fixing that it was just a matter to trial and error and testing light qualities that i liked.
to view my end results for lightstudio please follow the link.
http://www.bbsc303.com/ashtonwright/rendering_lightstudio.html
Labels: DELTA, DELTA_lightstudio, DELTA_renders
mental ray issues
simon and i found some interesting things when rendering in mental ray. Our limestone wall which was mapped with diffuse, bump and displacement maps would render at some views and not others, was very weird and bloody frustrating to find a render that both looked good and showed our custom texture.we also had huge problems with 3ds max 2009 not wanting to open on simon account, the account we were both using to render off; so that caused some problems when it came to popping the final renders out.
As for the rest of mental ray, all went fairly smoothly, some stupid mistakes but got around them. And produced an end result im very happy with.
Labels: DELTA, DELTA_3ds Max, DELTA_MentalRay, DELTA_renders
quick website update
hi there mike,just wanted to inform you that when i went through and double checked my links to light studio images; that in my huge rush i had linked from the thumbnails links to the thumbnails again, not the large images.I have now uploaded the new links to the web, hope this is all ok!Labels: DELTA, DELTA_lightstudio, DELTA_website
all finished!!
well im proud to say i have finally got to the end! feels great and with some very staisfying results!i just managed to sneak in and upload the web pages before the R drive got locked, and all went well after some long long battles with both mental ray and light studio.I must say today was a nightmere, light studio was being very very difficult and keep shutting down but finally got the third light studio render complete @ about 9:50!!will update tomo on what went wrong with light studio, and some difficulties with mental ray.Labels: DELTA, DELTA_3ds Max, DELTA_website
mental ray renders done
well some goods news, finally managed to get all of the mental ray renders complete.managed to get a night render going which im really happy about.simon and i experienced some large problems with 3ds max 2009 not working on our school accounts; don't have a clue why it didn't work.now onto the lightstudio files; trying to sort of material settings!!Labels: DELTA, DELTA_3ds Max, DELTA_MentalRay, DELTA_renders
Lightstudio Shinanigans
I was having trouble with our white walls in light studio, they was no definition between the different white surfaces and the renders weren't looking so flash.
It turns out to do with the exposure level setting so i cranked that up and got a better result.
before after
Labels: DELTA, DELTA_3ds Max, DELTA_lightstudio, DELTA_materials, kunstmuseum stuttgart
glass vinyl complete
finally got the vinyl mapped, took a long time but learnt some clever tricks along the way
Labels: DELTA, DELTA_3ds Max, DELTA_materials, DELTA_MentalRay, kunstmuseum stuttgart
Lightstudio - mapping
We have been having some problems with lightsudio mapping; and it seems we weren't the only ones after talking to others groups.
We can get the textures rendering on a single plane in tester document of 3ds max but as soon as we apply maps to our actual model it doesn't work!
We are working through trying to find the problem but ain't having much luck.
Any thoughts would be great.Labels: DELTA, DELTA_3ds Max, DELTA_lightstudio, DELTA_materials, DELTA_problems, kunstmuseum stuttgart
exterior glass vinyl
-images above display the vinyl we are trying to create
we are having a few problems with making the glass vinyl.
we are images from photoshop to make the cut outs;
we want to tile the image 29m x 20m but it looks like 3ds max only allows 10x 10m
guess we will have to find another way around the problem
Labels: DELTA, DELTA_3ds Max, DELTA_MentalRay, DELTA_problems, kunstmuseum stuttgart
rendering update
here is a quick render of materials at present;
alot of work still needed to be done adding custom maps; we are looking forward to the end results 
Labels: DELTA, DELTA_3ds Max, DELTA_MentalRay, kunstmuseum stuttgart
website uploaded
success; i have finally got the website up and running, with some time to spare. you can check it out at www.bbsc303.com/ashtonwrightonly thing left to do is complete the rendering page, will do that once i have the renders completeLabels: DELTA, DELTA_website, kunstmuseum stuttgart
Website update
I have almost finished making all of the pages ready to create links; then hopefully upload to the web and see it working! Dreamweaver CS3 took me a while to get used to now but i think i'm getting the hang of it now.
I have learnt vital tips like to reduce the size of images and to make slices in photoshop; both tips are very handy. Originally my images were too large and took ages to download in the browser but by re saving the images the pages load alot quicker.
Labels: DELTA, DELTA_website, dreamweaver CS3, kunstmuseum stuttgart
revit to 3ds max 2009 mistake
As we were adding materials to the model yesterday we noticed that some of the goemetry we had imported was out of place; after looking into it we realised that the problem came from within revit as something had jumped slightly out of place. So we need to now re export and re add all materials to the mental ray model, very frustrating.... and time consuming.Labels: 3ds Max, DELTA, DELTA_problems, kunstmuseum stuttgart, Revit 2009
Lighting progress
yesterday simon and i worked on getting the lights in place for 3ds max. This took us a long time but are excited to see the results! we copied the lioghts using instance so each time we change settings the group of lights change at the same time; very useful and time saving.now just working through materials in both mental ray and lightstudioLabels: 3ds Max, DELTA, DELTA_lighting, DELTA_materials, kunstmuseum stuttgart
Patience paid off.. lightstudio imported finally
After several days of attempting to get lightstudio working we have finally managed to import the file into lightstudio and at the same time preserving the geometry names that we needed for material mapping. 
Simon and I are now working through materials and lighting; creating maps and bumps.Labels: DELTA, DELTA_lightstudio, kunstmuseum stuttgart, light studio
We went through a few different options trying to resolve the issue of getting our lights to work, at one point we were contemplating not using them at all.First we tried exporting our revit model as a FBX and the light fitting and lights themselves came through but we had to scrap using the FBX file because of other issues.The we tried using the DWG file but only the light fittings exported so we tried deleting the fittings and imported just the lights and light fittings as an FBX on top of the DWG model.We thought this would be the answer to our problems but the lights needed a lot of tinkering so ultimately it was best to just use the fittings and place new lights in 3ds. As for the fluorescent bar lights we just applied a self illuminating material to these to achieve the desired affect.Labels: DELTA, DELTA_3ds Max, DELTA_materials, DELTA_problems
more lightstudio problems
We have managed to finally get the lightstudio renderer working with one material applied to all. However as we went on to apply different materials the method of workflow to 3ds max had managed to destroy the names of the geometry. As a result geometry was generalised for example System 1 to System 6754; it became impossible to seperate geometry to create accurate materiality. We are now working through options to keep the geometry names un touched but still compatible with light studio.Labels: DELTA, DELTA_problems, kunstmuseum stuttgart, light studio
Problems..
yesterday was tough; we couldn't get the mental ray renderer working properly however we did get it parts of it working; unlike lightstudio.Lightstudio has created many problems and questions. What we have managed to do so far is to render in lightstudio but had to delete all glass and mullion surfaces; found this very weird. 
Talking to Jane.B yesterday she was having exactly the same problems; however she needed to delete her roof.We are back in working on the transfer into 3ds max today; hopefully make some advance.Labels: 3ds Max, DELTA, DELTA_problems, kunstmuseum stuttgart, lightstudio, MentalRay
3DS - Mentalray Tester in 3ds
Today we did some more tests in 3DS to make sure we can actually produce a mental ray image.Using a white material for solid geometry and glass for all glazed surfaces we produced the below images.
Labels: DELTA, DELTA_3ds Max, DELTA_MentalRay, kunstmuseum stuttgart
Materials update
Well today we applied rough surfaces to throughout the building; from here the plan is to map and create bump surfaces where needed; hopefully get a look at some rough renders soon. Havn't yet checked that the model works in lightstudio but we have faith; mental ray worked fine which was great. We are having a few problems applying mental ray materials to families that we have created with mutliple surface finishes.Labels: 3ds Max, DELTA, DELTA_materials, families, kunstmuseum stuttgart, materials
3DS max issues
GRRRR!! 3ds keeps on freezing even when attempting basic renders. Have managed to create renders with a default material override but as soon as we try with our own materials we run in to issues. Any tips or ideas to why this is happening would be appreciated.Labels: DELTA, DELTA_3ds Max, DELTA_problems, Render Tips
final touches - lighting
today we have finished the final lighting details found within the entrance. they took a long time to work through but i think they are well worth it. Simon and I are now working through to check the entire building before we start to play around with it in 3ds max. 
I guess this means our modelling is totally finished and now onto materials and mapping etc in 3ds. Labels: DELTA, DELTA_modelling, kunstmuseum stuttgart, lighting, Model finished
Finished Modelling...I think
So Ash and I decided to put lights in our model after all which although took us a while to get them in the model they have proved to be a great addition to the detailing of the building. The addition of the lights is the last step of our modelling process and we are now up to preparing our renders.I think the hours we have spent are paying off and we have achieved the level of detail we were after.The image link isn't working right now so I'll try add an image at a later dateLabels: DELTA, details, kunstmuseum stuttgart
Revit Families
Si and I have explored the power of revit's families, they are very cool things to work with. Doors, tables, chairs, lights were great to model in a family with the ability to update all items in the model at the click of a button. they made some tedious work a lot quicker.the image attach link is not working for me at the moment but will post an image relating to this post as soon as i find it to be working again.Labels: DELTA, DELTA_modelling, details, families, kunstmuseum stuttgart, Revit 2009
spider connection details
today we finished the final details on the spider connections. here is what we came up with.
Labels: DELTA, DELTA_modelling, glass details, kunstmuseum stuttgart
lost the renders
for some reason today simon and i have totally lost all the data we had for tues; no big deal just frustrating having to do it all over again.here is a sample of what we have now. just a quick render showing the buildings formwork.
Labels: DELTA, DELTA_problems, kunstmuseum stuttgart, renderings
Embeded Panorama
Modelling is coming to an end with only details to go. We are currently doing some quick renders and panorama for the hand in tomorrow, its exciting to see the building really take shape.
Here is a Revit render showing some of the structural details in the 'glass box' - keep in mind no materials have been applied etc.
Labels: DELTA, DELTA_modelling, kunstmuseum stuttgart, Revit 2009
webpage problem
does anyone understand why firefox will display links and images with no problems abut internet explorer only shows some?? very weird.Labels: DELTA, DELTA_problems, DELTA_website, kunstmuseum stuttgart
Glass Envelope Details and Thoughts
simon and i have had a tough time detailing glass connections. had some problems with revit closing down when trying to finish sketches; really painful after a while. Have now completed the hardest glass details. As we designed the glass envelope we have realised how long the renders are going to be!! with glass everywhere, the reflections and refractions are going to take ages.... Labels: DELTA, DELTA_modelling, glass details, kunstmuseum stuttgart
assignment 1a
we have started to export and play around with the 3d viewer in 3ds Max. exported from revit 2009,fbx file; then made every material default. added a camera or two in and then exported the 3d viewer. does anyone know how to embed a quicktime movie in powerpoint?? Labels: 3d viewer, 3ds Max, DELTA, DELTA_assignment1a, kunstmuseum stuttgart, powerpoint
general update
we have almost finished the basic form of the building; at present working out some of the smaller formwork details. After that we will get into the most complex area of our building; the glass envelope.Labels: DELTA, DELTA_modelling, kunstmuseum stuttgart, modelling
worksharing
simon and myself have worked through the levels and base shape of the building. the image below shows the levels that we will be working on detailing. 
Labels: DELTA, DELTA_worksharing, details, kunstmuseum stuttgart
An Interesting Find...
We have been working out how different levels work etc. While learning how our buildings interior space works; we also learnt the published material found in books can be dreadfully wrong. Many walls and elevators are placed/drawn in the wrong place in plans and sections. Very interesting.***So just a warning to other groups; dont always have 100% faith in what material you may find in books.***Labels: DELTA, DELTA_plans+information, kunstmuseum stuttgart
Here is an early attempt at replicating the fur texture seen on one of the walls in an exhibition space of the Kunst Museum, Stuttgart.
Done in 3D Studio Max by Ashton.
Labels: DELTA, DELTA_3ds Max, DELTA_materials, kunstmuseum stuttgart
Hascher Jehle Architektur ...
simon and i still havn't heard back from Hascher Jehle Architektur regarding info they said they had for us; makes things harder trying to work out our building complex ramps and levels but o well; both of us are working hard, trying to figure things out from pics and info we have all ready. fingers crossed they eventually get back to us... Labels: DELTA, DELTA_plans+information, Hascher Jehle Architektur, kunstmuseum stuttgart
Both Ash and I are picking up valuable skills in revit as we work on our model. The potential of the programme is becoming clear! Good luck if your using AutocadLabels: DELTA, DELTA_modelling, kunstmuseum stuttgart
kunstmuseum group
i have just had the building approved, just wanted to double check that simon richmond will be there on the list with me, as he is my group member. At the moment it looks like duncan barron is my partner and not simon. if this could be checked it would be great.Labels: approval, DELTA, DELTA_plans+information, kunstmuseum stuttgart
Kunst museum - approval
Just a reminder that we are waiting for approval on the Kunstmuseum in Stuttgart. Post 'Kunstmuseum Stuttgart...' talks about our plan of attack and what information we have on the building. cheers,Labels: approval, APPROVED, DELTA, DELTA_plans+information, kunstmuseum stuttgart
some promise...
in regards to the email sent to Hascher Jehle Architektur, they have replied and are getting back to us with some material on thursday; should be very helpful!! fingers crossed they follow through with getting back to us.
Labels: DELTA, DELTA_plans+information, Hascher Jehle Architektur, kunstmuseum stuttgart
Kunstmuseum Stuttgart ...
At present simon and i have a great book that is 100% about the Kunstmuseum in Stuttgart. It was sourced from our school library:Library:
Victoria University of Wellington
Title:
Kunstmuseum Stuttgart : Hascher Jehle Architektur / Herausgeber, Kaye Geipel ; [Übersetzung ins Englische, Michael Robinson].
Publisher:
Stuttgart : Edition Axel Menges, c2006.We have used this book in gathering floor plans and one main longitudinal section through the building. The book also contains alot of internal and external perspectives; good for gathering information on textures and materials.
We will use the book images, plans and sections to create the main formwork of the building. From there we will detail the building with features like stairs; ramps other details. Unfortunately we have not yet decided on which views we would like to focus on for the renders, however we feel as we build up the details specific zones within the buildings will grab our attention. We are using a centralfile and local files; working bit by bit, floor by floor to create the building.p.s. have emailed the architects about locating more sections and plans; hoping for more information to model from.SASHLabels: approval, APPROVED, DELTA, DELTA_research, kunstmuseum stuttgart
Had trouble with the worksharing feature on Revit today, lost some work but have learnt from our mistake and can see the potenital of using a central file to save to.Labels: DELTA, DELTA_modelling, kunstmuseum stuttgart, Revit 2009
finding documentation
We have decided to email the office of Hascher Jehle Architektur hoping to find additional sections and detail drawings; the building has interesting levels and stairs; it would be great if we could get some more insight to what these spaces are like helping our modelling process.Labels: DELTA, DELTA_research, Hascher Jehle Architektur, kunstmuseum stuttgart
Modelling Decisions
Today we have decided to move forward with modelling on Revit. We have started buy gathering images to scale in revit. Plan of attack: to set up grids; import and scale raster images; start from the ground up and at a good stage split the model and work seperately. We are yet to decide how to split.Labels: DELTA, DELTA_plans+information, kunst, kunstmuseum stuttgart
Kunstmuseum Stuttgart
Simon Richmond and I are doing the Kunstmuseum in Stuttgart, by Hascher Jehle Architektur. Can we please have this confirmed. cheers
Labels: approval, APPROVED, bbsc303, DELTA, DELTA_plans+information, kunst, kunstmuseum stuttgart, pending
