Understanding 3d Modelling In Building and Construction

Miniature 3d replicas of building or houses are created by architects to represent the real life-sized model of what the architectural project will look like when it is completed. This is one of the ways to model a 3-dimensional object. If you use a software program to do the same, the process is called 3-d modelling. Hence, 3d modelling is the technique of creating models of real world three-dimensional objects by using computer software. The software essentially creates a mathematical, wire framed representation of the object based on the input provided by the user.

Types Of 3-D Modelling

There are various types of 3-d modelling techniques that suit different purposes. Let us take a look at a few of them here:

Polygonal modelling – A polygon is a geometric shape with 3 or more vertices. The polygon mesh is made up many polygons and a 3d modelling is created using these meshes. A 3-d software program allows the artist / designer to specify the outline of the design with the required measurements. This definition of the object will be tessellated by the creation of multiple polygon meshes to create a 3d model. The drawback with polygonal modelling is that it does not represent curved surface very well.

Primitive modelling – The software provides a set of ready-to-use 3-d objects that can be altered by the artist. The objects created are at their best representative and not exact. These are good for modelling well defined real life objects like a house, furniture but not living shapes.

NURBS Modelling: The above two techniques don’t work very well for curved modelling – however, Non Uniform Rational Bspline (NURBS) modelling technique allows the creation of curves in the model by use of complex mathematic equations. These curves have control points on them that the designer can use to change their shapes quickly. NURBS are used for more organic modelling such as human shapes, organs etc. NURBS has limitations in terms of creating large variations to a completed 3d modelling.

Surface Modelling: This modelling technique is used extensively in the field of medicine as it allows very good organic modelling.  Surface modelling is based on the concept of spline cage – an artist creates a spline cage profile for the 3d character. Once the profile is created, the artist uses a surface modifier on this spline cage, which basically fills it up to give a 3 dimensional real life look. The main advantage of this over NURBS is that it allows for design variation at any, including, the last stages of the modelling process.

Choosing The Right Software

The market is flooded with good software products that enable 3d modelling aimed at different industries like computer graphics and animation, architecture, interior design, medicine, auto design etc. As a designer and professional, one should do thorough research on the features of these products and what one needs before purchasing one.