wk8

     For our eight assignment, we "cranked up a notch" our growing skills in the 3D modeling environment. We had the task of importing our 2 dimensional drawings; our floor plans into a chosen 3D modeling and rendering program. Then we had to start "creating" and modeling our building according to the dimensions we specified. For that we used numerous features of the program. Starting with the basic geometry using primitive object, and all the way to more complex methods. Great thing about all of these programs, whether it is Autodesk's 3DS Max, Maya, or in my case Cinema 4D, is that there are limitless options of achieving our goal. And I think that this is priceless, as each and every one of us can "invent" his own way, that he likes the most and that seems to be the most effective of achieving desired results.

This is how I approached this assignment. I keep a sort of screenshot "resume"of the whole process.

Here is where it all began... I actually had problems from the beginning, because
Cinema 4D has some silly limitations on importing .dwg files. So I first tried exporting
it to Illustrator, and then to Cinema 4D, but I failed. So latter I found out that the file has
to be saved as a .dxf R12, which is a quite old version. So my confusion was obvious. 

When I finally managed to import the file, I started modeling. First I started
with some simple polygons. Then I extruded them to the specified height.
That's how I got my walls standing.

Next step was to model doors and windows. This was a bit harder than last step.
It involved duplicating objects and creating instances, I had to change the
position of the snapping points all the time, etc...  But when I came to grips
 with it, it all got a lot faster.

Some more work on the windows...

This is what the ground floor looks completed.

I used the same methods and tools to model the first floor.

After I completed both floors, I had to lift first floor and snap it in
it's place. 

Modeling the roof was the hardest task I had to do. I had to change and divide
some walls into more segments. Then I struggled with connecting and trimming
walls with the roof. 

Finished work

And here are final quick renderings of the complete house, from different views, without any materials.

Here is a couple of links to some video tutorials that helped me with this exercice:

Tutorial 1                          Tutorial 2                     Tutorial 3

        I have to admit, that this is one of those assignments that I really looked forward to. Not because I would be some kind of expert, but the opposite, I had no idea what in the world I was doing. The truth is, that before last weeks assignment I've actually never "worked" or even explored Cinema 4D or any other similar program. But I really always wanted to learn! So I am really grateful that this assignment was on the curriculum, because who knows how long it would take me to start doing something on my own.