For guidance in the modeling process, refer to the following guidelines.
Dimensional accuracy
All models need to be dimensionally accurate. (Note, however, that design-oriented sketch models shouldn't be unnecessarily precise, although they should still be fundamentally accurate. Design development and presentation models should usually be both accurate and precise. A good designer has to understand the difference between accuracy and precision!)
Use drawing scales wherever possible when taking off dimensions. Work from major dimensions to minor dimensions. Where scale is not given, use objects of known size in photographs to establish building dimensions. In the worst case dimensions should be accurate to plus or minus 2.5%. (See also Scaling a Drawing.)
Remember that dimensional accuracy includes angles (and pitches), shape, and proportions, as well as linear measurements.
Interiors
All models need to have at least one important interior space modeled completely.
Smaller projects should be modeled completely both inside and out. Please seek personal guidance if you are unsure how far to take your model.
Building Site
All models need some indication of their physical setting.
Buildings almost never exist in a vacuum. Show main walks and the ground for rural and suburban buildings, and show sidewalks and very simple massing of adjacent structures for urban buildings.
Orientation and location
Model must be correctly oriented relative to North. When not clearly indicated on available drawings, careful analysis of multiple photographs will be needed.
The latitude of the model location must be set in the "Sun & Shading Settings..." dialog box, and saved with the model.
Color
Colors of models should be realistic.
Choose colors that have lighter rather than darker values.
In general, use full brightness for base color, and let shading provide darker tones.
Grouping
Group chunks of the model so that masses are still expressed when only bounding boxes are visible (such as during view transitions).
Don't group unnecessarily, so that view transitions can be rapid even on slow Macs.
Conservation of blocks
The fewer blocks you use to build something, the faster the file will open and render. For instance, a staircase can be one extruded form rather than a stack of blocks.
Conservation of facets
The fewer total faces in the objects of your model, the faster it will shade and shadow. For instance, whenever possible use 8 sided columns as opposed to 32 sides.
Saved views
Whenever you hand in a model, include at least 3 good saved views, preferably 6, and generally no more than 12.
Each view needs a descriptive name. (see Maybeck Studio model for example)
The view list for a detailed model should include at least one interior view.
Avoid perspective distortion effects.
When in doubt, go with two point perspective.
Typical views to include within the model:
Birds eye, eye level, main approach, 2-3 more expressive views.
See the GBC photographic images for a building for view ideas.
Phases
Use the default DW phases wherever reasonable. For detailed models, divide building objects up into phases to facilitate various viewing agendas.
Make sure that the model is saved with correct phase visibility for default viewing
Section Plane Position
Make sure the section planes are left in an appropriate place to cut a major plan when when viewd from the top, and major sections when viewd from one side or another.
http://www.dil.uoregon.edu/courses/96.4/a222.f96/a222.f96.modeling.quality.html
- Posted 95.10.25 KMM, rev. 96.11.20