Tools for architectural modelling project

[gaudi4ever]

Hello, im currently working on a project to make detailed architectural 3d models for 3d printing, and i have a few very specific doubts regarding which tools i should use. Preferably within 3dmax or zbrush, 3dmax i know, zbrush im learning as fast as i can, but if you really think its worth it that i learn a third software for this ill consider it.

The questions are in this jpg file : https://imgur.com/undefined
but im repeating them here in case you want to quote something in the reply

1-Is there a way to make something like a normal map, a flat image that represents the depth of extrusion and apply it to a specific polygon? if yes how do i create a polygon with the same aspect as that image? or an image with the same aspect as that polygon? im talking about something like a normal map but that gets permanently applied
in which each value of gray represents a different depth, allowing me to do different depths or even gradients like in this pic related?

Would it be possible to apply that same technique only to a select group of polygons? to make a couple of striped columns for instance like this pic?

2-I know of symettry in zbrush, but is there a way you could have a special group of polygons and modify all of them at the same time? say like these 3 polyogns in the example, edit or draw on them at the same time?

3-What would be the correct tool to make a pattern thats linearly repeated across a line like this?

how about a pattern that repeats itself across a surface like this?

4-What would be a good way to make a structure made up of many lines with width, keep in mind my goal is 3d printing so i want a nice mesh, i could use bevel profile or render in viewport in 3dmax but those make shitty meshes.

5-IF im gonna work on complex models that are made of a lot of different pieces, would putting them all together in one dynamesh be a good way to have a nice 3d PRINTABLE mesh?

6-If i want to apply an already modeled ornamental object perfectly onto the surface of a wall, is it possible to “stich it” perfectly to the surface?

as always, thanks a whole bunch for any answer i can get to this.

[Spyndel]

Hi @gaudi4ever

I’ll do my best to answer your questions in a general fashion, but there are a lot of them, and I can tell you that you’ll have a significant period of study ahead of you before you’ll be able to make sense of them all. These are complicated 3d subjects that require you to also understand many other adjacent subjects, and you are planning on learning multiple complicated software packages.

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1-Is there a way to make something like a normal map, a flat image that represents the depth of extrusion and apply it to a specific polygon? if yes how do i create a polygon with the same aspect as that image? or an image with the same aspect as that polygon? im talking about something like a normal map but that gets permanently applied
in which each value of gray represents a different depth, allowing me to do different depths or even gradients like in this pic related?

Would it be possible to apply that same technique only to a select group of polygons? to make a couple of striped columns for instance like this pic?

What you’re describing is a displacement map, and you can apply them to whatever series of polygons you choose to UV. In Zbrush, you can also “stamp” in 3d detail from 2d greyscale images called alphas.

2-I know of symettry in zbrush, but is there a way you could have a special group of polygons and modify all of them at the same time? say like these 3 polyogns in the example, edit or draw on them at the same time?

I cant see your image, but generally yes. There are ways to do this depending on what you mean.

3-What would be the correct tool to make a pattern thats linearly repeated across a line like this?

how about a pattern that repeats itself across a surface like this?

Please upload image references directly to the thread. You can simply drag and drop them in the text window.

4-What would be a good way to make a structure made up of many lines with width, keep in mind my goal is 3d printing so i want a nice mesh, i could use bevel profile or render in viewport in 3dmax but those make shitty meshes.

Again, have no idea what you’re talking about here without reference. However I’ll note that the burden for needing quality topology is actually lower for 3d printing than it would be for most other 3d purposes. 3d printing doesnt care about textures or UVs or animation–only form.

5-IF im gonna work on complex models that are made of a lot of different pieces, would putting them all together in one dynamesh be a good way to have a nice 3d PRINTABLE mesh?

It is sometimes required for some printing processes. Yes, you would generally “fuse” the different meshes together into one “watertight” mesh for printing, but there are all sorts of exceptions. 3d printing by itself is a complicated subject that will require significant study.

6-If i want to apply an already modeled ornamental object perfectly onto the surface of a wall, is it possible to “stich it” perfectly to the surface?

Yes.

[gaudi4ever]

thanks for the reply and sorry for taking so long to re reply.
ill reclarify some o fthe question:

regarding question 2, this is what i meant:

a tool that lets you modify those 3 selected poligons at the same time and keep them linked so that you can modify them again at any time? like 3d max instance but for a poligon thats attached to a model.

Regarding question 3 i mean this:

some people tell me to use a shape and then repeaat it, but what if i want to repeat the pattern along a curving line?

regarding question 4, this is what i mean:

basically this kind of iron work which is basically some sort of profile that may or not change extruded along a lot of lines but all of it must form a coherent structure

Regarding question 6? do you know which tools i should use in 3dmax and/or zbrush to accomplish this??

thanks a lot again, really

[Spyndel]

Nanomesh should be applicable.