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MAXON Computer's CINEMA 4D™ package is a great toolset addition for the artist who constructs architectural visualization projects. It allows for seamless integration with Allplan®, ArchiCAD® and VectorWorks® files. This version includes CINEMA 4D R10 (Windows® or Macintosh®), Advanced Render, Sketch and Toon, and Architecture Extension Kit, which offers eXchange Plug-ins for CAD applications, a Virtual Walkthrough tool, libraries containing more than 300 objects and 200+ materials, a Material eXchange Plug-in, a shift camera, a special visualization layout and an Architecture Edition Quickstart manual.
You will be very pleased with the material library which is geared specifically to the construction of buildings, homes and basic architectural projects. The new Virtual Walkthrough tool offers architects a wonderful method for creating impressive visualizations. The new interface includes newly added features such as collapsible manager windows as well as enhanced OpenGL display and greatly improved scene management and the layer management system. All in all, I found that everything I need to create high quality arch-vis projects at my fingertips.
NEW LAYOUT:
The layout for the Architecture Edition is somewhat different than the standard CINEMA 4D layout. It is set up for ease of use in creating architectural visualizations. You can switch to any other layout and back again any time you need to, in your workflow. The most important functions of each process have been grouped under tabs so that they are easily and quickly accessed.
The new interface offers much easier to recognize icons and many new features such as collapsible manager windows. Additional CINEMA 4D features that will be of particular interest to architects are the Enhanced OpenGL display, along with a greatly improved scene management function and a new layer management system.
VIRTUAL WALKTHROUGH TOOL:
The new Walkthrough Tool allows the user to navigate through a scene in the editor view. The new tool offers collision detection, which allows users to climb stairs and prevents users from moving through walls. You can save each path and later use it to create photorealistic rendered animations. Also what is really nice is the Interactive Render Region can be used to preview each rendered scene directly in the editor view. Any changes made to the scene will be updated automatically in the selected Interactive Render Region.
FILE & MATERIAL EXCHANGE PLUG-IN:
You can now integrate Allplan, ArchiCAD and VectorWorks files seamlessly by importing the files into CINEMA 4D. Changes made in these other programs can also update in CINEMA 4D by using the merge command and then choosing which types of objects to update from the new file such as geometry, cameras, materials or lights, etc. Materials set up in your CAD program can also be imported and optimized or "switched" using the material exchanger.
NEW ARCHITECTURAL MATERIALS & OBJECTS:
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The new libraries are displayed directly in the Content Browser and contain over 300 furniture and decor items, including many pieces from renowned designers. Human silhouettes, numerous useful outdoor objects and over 400 optimized materials are also included. I think you will find that these additions alone are a huge bonus when constructing architectural scenes.
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CAMERAS & RENDERING:
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Two cameras are included that possess pre-defined presets. The Shift Camera works like a real camera equipped with a shift lens. This means that when moved the camera cannot be tilted up or down. The vertical field remains static and can only be changed by using the User Data menu to change the shift value. This ensures that all lines remain parallel when walking through buildings. The Orbit Camera lets you quickly create a "fly-around" around a specific object. It contains three elements: a moveable "movie camera", a circular path along which the camera moves and a null object that serves as a target for the camera.
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There are also two animation objects which allow you to create an animation that spans a day or an entire year. You will just need to define the attributes and start your animation. The Advanced Render module (which is included) provides advanced features like Global Illumination and Caustics to achieve ultimate realism in your renders.
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QUICKSTART MANUAL:
The Architecture Edition is accompanied by a very helpful Quickstart manual which gives architects valuable tips on lighting, texturing and how to set up objects and scenes for rendering high-quality images and animations. And the integrated CINEMA 4D context-sensitive help system, for questions pertaining to all facets of CINEMA 4D, can be accessed anytime at the click of the mouse.
CINEMA 4D R10 ARCHITECTURE EDITION INCLUDES:
- A new interface - Simplified layouts for new C4D clients allowing for a quick start-up.
- An improved scene management w/layers, filters and search functions.
- Improved animation handling.
- A context sensitive HTML-based help system.
- Enhanced OpenGL.
- An Interactive Preview Renderer.
- Shift Camera Object - allows you to maintain parallel vertical lines.
- Orbit Camera - lets you quickly create a "fly-around" around a specific object.
- A Virtual Walkthrough tool - provides interactive animation with collision detection, walking on stairs, recording of animation path, rotating view while walking straight, plus much more.
- 300+ designer furniture pieces from Vitra™, Wilkhahn™, Keuco™ and more.
- 400+ architecture-specific materials and textures.
- Various plant samples from VB Visual® (high-end quality, low polygon count).
- CAD eXchange plug-ins for Allplan, ArchiCAD and VectorWorks.
- Quickstart Manual - takes you through the complete process of preparing a CAD project, exporting, and finalizing the scene in C4D.
- The Advanced Render Module.
- The Sketch and Toon Module.
CONCLUSION:
I found that the new architectural version for CINEMA 4D is a terrific addition to my workflow which enables me to create much more outstanding arch-vis projects. The Virtual Walkthrough tool makes it so easy to create walkthroughs that are smooth and encompass the areas that you visually want to project. The seamless integration with other CAD software is outstanding along with the ability to update the scenes in CINEMA 4D from your CAD file.
Of primary interest to me also are the high quality object and material libraries that are included in the content browser. It really gives me a head start in setting up quality scenes. You can't go wrong with this package if you are working in the architectural field.
CINEMA 4D R10 owners may add this kit for only $395
Full Architectural Edition Cost - $1795
Minimum System Requirements:
Mac OS X 10.3.9 / Windows 2000, XP - 512 MB RAM, CPU with 1 GHz
Recommended System Requirements:
Mac OS X 10.4 / Windows 2000, XP - 1024 MB RAM, CPU with 2 GHz - QuickTime 7.1
DVD ROM drive, hard disk.
Depending on your license Macintosh® or Windows® only.
For continued use of the program, registration with MAXON Computer is necessary.
Review by Kathie Berry
Websites: http://www.berry-designs.com & http://www.planit3d.com
Email: kathie@berry-designs.com
Copyright 2008, PlanIt 3D
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