by John Swanson

Product Title: "3ds Max – Viz for Architects"
Training Author: Scott Onstott
Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Overall Running Time: ~30hrs
Current Pricing: Modules 1-5 $199.99 (or modules sold separately; see site for details).
Site: www.scottonstott.com

"This series of video courses is available on DVD and on five downloadable modules: Starting, Basic Modeling, Advanced Modeling, Texturing, and Rendering. Written especially for the AEC community, the series covers 3ds Max 8-9 and Autodesk VIZ 2007." - scottonstott.com

I believe the information contained in these videos will appeal to a wider community.

This review covers all five of the available modules. They can be downloaded individually with high speed internet access or purchased all together on a computer DVD.

As noted above the programs used throughout the training modules are Viz 2007 and Max 8. As we now know – Viz has been discontinued and repurposed in Max Design. I am a Max user and former Viz user. Because of the fact that Max and Viz are so similar in function and UI, I kept forgetting that I was watching anything related to Viz except on a few occasions. For all intents and purposes this can be viewed as solid Max training – therefore for the rest of the review I will be referring to it in that way.

After launching the DVD it is easy to keep track of where you are in the training with the provided interface. Module 1 is aimed at the Max/Viz novice providing a good introduction to the interface and some solid information on the most commonly used tools. I found that the information presented would set a good foundation for anyone new to Max.

Scott Onstott obviously knows Max. More important he knows how to teach it to you in a way that makes sense. The sequence of the modules is logically chosen and the topics within each module build upon each other. This design is subtle but effective.

Module 1 the Starting video is a good example of how Scott approaches all the training videos in this series. As he states right from the beginning, he plans to build knowledge step by step and he does just that as we go through the series. His speaking voice is recorded clearly and is pleasant to listen to even over extended periods (that can not be said for all video instructions out there). To help follow his instruction the areas on the User Interface are highlighted as they are pointed out in the audio portion. The video is also recorded clearly and therefore easy to see what is happening on screen.

I think by now you know I like what I see in this training series. This is nearly 30 hours of intensive training – you won’t find any filler in here.

If you are a beginner and completely new to Max the entire series of 3ds Max – Viz for Architects would be right for you. I think the skills taught here – although definitely geared towards the architectural visualization community would still give you a proper introduction to the many things Max has to offer. The explanations, the demonstrations and the projects Scott takes you through will help you understand many of the capabilities found inside of Max.

If you are not so new to Max there may still be some modules here that might interest you. For instance, if you think you might want to investigate the way Max is used in architectural visualization, you could get a good start by purchasing just the Advanced Modeling module. The Rendering Module would be a good choice if you’re weak in rendering. Becoming a great modeler or great at rendering takes time, practice, and hard work. Scott is here to give you a good foundation - if that’s what you need.

There are no animation lessons to be found in this training series. So if that is what you’re after you’ll want to look somewhere else. As mentioned in the beginning the current programs at the time were Viz 2007 and Max 8 so this will not teach you the latest features in the latest version of Max. That said - at the beginning level - where this product starts out at - most of the topics in here will still be relevant and useful. If you’re looking for training that will set you off in the right direction with Max then take a look at this solid product. I know I learned a few things about Max that I did not know or had forgotten. I only wish it was around when I started out in 3D.

Following is a brief synopsis of each module. This will be just a small indication of the areas covered in each of the modules. The complete list of topics can be found in the breakdown of each module at the end of this review.

Module 1: Starting
In the User Interface section we get a basic introduction to the program. Scott takes us through the User Interface of Viz (which is almost identical with Max) With an overview of the menu items, toolbars, and viewports, we get a good idea of the layout of the UI. He pays particular attention to Max’s primary interface – the Command Panel - discussing the elements found on the panel like the tabs, buttons, scroll bars, and spinners. Along the way we get many useful tips. Moving on we cover viewports navigation, the track bar, animation controls, and the mini listener to name a few. Quad menus, the alternative to the Command Panel, is covered in this section. Tool Palettes that are not found in Max are gone over. They are kind of neat but I guess it was not high end enough to be included in Max.

Scott goes on to cover many of the skills necessary for those who would like to become proficient in Max. Over the years I have seen a number of Introduction to Max videos and I must say I am very impressed with the way this all-important topic is handled in 3ds Max – Viz for Architects. I’ve been using Max for years and I picked up a few tips myself.

Module 2: Basic Modeling
Covers modeling basics, and like Module 1, is a good primer for this topic. Of particular note is the way Scott handles the Reference Coordinate Systems and Transform Centers topics. In my view it is one of the most intelligently laid out presentation of the information to be found anywhere on these subjects.

I like the way he presents the projects in this module. You build a chair just using primitives. Then later on, having learned new skills with modifiers, you build a chair again making use of the new knowledge.. This approach reinforces his plan to build knowledge step-by-step.

Module 3: Advanced Modeling
Moving on we get into advanced modeling. Lot’s of good stuff here: splines, patches, mesh and poly objects are covered first. In this training video we go into them in depth. For instance within the spline category we cover shape basics, virtually turning wood, blowing glass, throwing pottery, floor plan techniques, basic wall technique, a wall by elevation technique ( a good procedure that I should have figured out myself – but didn’t), penetrating elevated walls, fenestration, architectural molding, swept furniture, ceiling, floors and roofs. Then Scott turns to AEC objects and gives us a good run down on stairs and railings. He tells us he likes the way the AEC walls works with things like window openings – the way they update the window’s cutout when you move the window but doesn’t like the AEC walls in general. So he shows us how to get the same behavior with non AEC walls – sweet. Before getting to file handling - which I think is a nice bonus in this module - he takes us through a few exercises using 3ds max special modeling effects. I feel this kind of instruction is invaluable, especially for students new to 3d programs. It gets you thinking outside the box, and using your head to solve modeling problems and/or making the most of your time spent modeling. Max has a wealth of built in functionality. Why not point this out and put it to good use? Teach the student how to speed up the modeling process and end up with decent, plausible results.

Module 4: Texturing
The all important topic of texturing and it’s many facets as indicated in the module listing I provided at the end of the review is covered well in this module. It is geared towards architectural visualization and naturally does not cover the new materials Max has introduced since this video training was produced, but don’t worry it still has a lot to offer. I found the explanation of the functions found in the Material Editor straight forward and clear. I came across some information in there that I either didn’t know or had forgotten about. Although used extensively in architectural visualization work architectural entourage is something almost every scene modeler can make use of. Architectural entourage is, simply put, mapping material onto a plane – seemingly adding what would otherwise be polygon intensive objects to our scene without the overhead. Scott shows how to add things like trees and people to our work and how to avoid the pitfalls. These are just a few of the topics aptly handled in this module.

Module 5: Rendering
Last but not least we arrive at rendering. Many of the questions a beginner or intermediate user might have on this topic are covered here. Again I picked up some very useful tips here as well reinforcing some areas of rendering I was weak in. His overview of both Mental Ray, the onboard rendering engine in Max, and V-Ray, the renderer you can purchase and add to Max are well worth a look. I liked the way Scott covers the information on scanline rendering and his explanation on the raytracer in Max. I think the section on interactive exports in this module has the least amount usefulness. I know it is a subset of rendering and therefore a reason for it’s inclusion here - especially since this training series is aimed at the architectural community. I just feel that this one topic – Interactive Exports - and it’s coverage did not meet the high standard set by the rest of the module. That said I feel the other training found here is well worth the price.

Module 1: Starting
• The User Interface
• Customizing the UI
• Creating Objects
• Viewport Rendering Levels
• Viewport Navigation
• Display Control
• Selection
• Transformation
• Construction Grids
• Snap

Each of these has a number of sub-sections lasting 4-5 minutes more or less.

Module 2: Basic Modeling
• Geometry Essentials
• Pivot Points
• Reference Coordinate Systems
• Transform Centers
• Cloning
• Array and Mirror
• Alignment
• Primitive Chair Project
• Grouping
• Modifier Essentials
• Parametric Modifiers
• Freeform Deformations
• Modified Chair Project
• Selection Modifiers
• Transform Modifiers

Each of these has a number of sub-sections lasting 4-5 minutes more or less.

Module 3: Advanced Modeling
• Splines
• Patches
• Mesh and Poly objects
• NURBS
• AEC Objects
• Compound Objects
• 3DS Max Special Modeling Effects
• File Handling

Module 4: Texturing
• Materials Basics
• Light and Shaders
• Texture Mapping
• Mapping 2D Patterns
• Modifying Colors with Maps
• 3D Procedural Maps
• Compositing Maps
• Transmitting Light
• Architectural Entourage
• Simulating Foliage
• Mapping and Modeling the Environment
• Simulating Surface Relief
• Designing Complex Materials
• Scanline Material Types
• Compound Material Types
• Asset Tracking

Each of these has a number of sub-sections lasting 4-5 minutes more or less.

Module 5: Rendering
• Light
• Shadow
• Cameras
• Atmosphere and Effects
• Interactive Exports
• Rendering Mechanics
• Scanline and Raytracer
• Advanced Techniques
• Mental Ray
• V-Ray

Each of these has a number of sub-sections lasting 4-5 minutes more or less.
http://www.scottonstott.com

Author: John Swanson