how to work with .max files realistically?

[jameswest77]

In my search for good Classical Order columns I'm stuck with these models that look like they were modeled in 3d Studio Max. They're beautiful, but of a VERY high poly count. If I were only dealing with one or two it might not be so bad, but my facade will have dozens and my beefy computer has a hard time dealing with them and all the rest of the building's geometry.

Additionally, I can't seem to find a way to add parameters to a model like this. There are just too many lines.

Any suggestions on how to deal with elements like these?

Thanks,
James

[dhurtubise]

Just model them in Revit

[jameswest77]

Just model them in Revit

Would love to, but I don't even see any professionals making Corinthian column capitals.

Thanks for your pithy suggestion.

[dhurtubise]

Sure, you have an image?

[jameswest77]

Sure, you have an image?

What, of a Corinthian column capital?

I found a great set of Classic Order columns, but they're all 3ds files.
http://www.exchange3d.com/3D%20Model%20of%20Roman%20Orders/prod_721.html#preview

[dhurtubise]

I thought you had something specific in mind :)
All you need to do is use revolve and extrusion to create it.

[jameswest77]

I thought you had something specific in mind :)
All you need to do is use revolve and extrusion to create it.

now, I'm not sure if you're just being a troll, because I can't imagine you truly believe that an Ionic or Corinthian column capital can be built with a simple revolve and extrusion.

If it were true, than there would be examples all over RevitCity, etc.

[dhurtubise]

I didnt say only one. But thats the basic of it.
Here's one that looks somehow like the 4th one in your image and took me... 45 secondes.

[jameswest77]

I didnt say only one. But thats the basic of it.
Here's one that looks somehow like the 4th one in your image and took me... 45 secondes.

Give the guy a cookie, he modeled a Doric column. Feel like a winner? I bet someone with your mad skills could whip out the Corinthian and Ionic capitals without breaking a sweat. If not, and you can't suggest a way to improve the functionality of 3d objects created in other software, then don't waste my time.

[dhurtubise]

You're welcome.
Good luck with your project, i'll go work on some real stuff while you keep complaining instead of learning.

[sbrown]

The Metric library comes with Corinthium Columns, Doric, etc.

[pchan925]

@jameswest77,

If you don't appreciate people in this forum trying to help out others with their own question, don't bother asking for help in the first place.
If you think other modeling programs are better than Revit, then why don't you go finish your job in Max or others...?

[jameswest77]

The Metric library comes with Corinthium Columns, Doric, etc.

Interesting, I don't see those in my default Revit library. Are those in your Column folder? I looked in my metric and imperial directories and didn't see your Classical Columns and Orders folder. I'm using Revit Architecture 2011. Do you know what software package included those columns?

[jameswest77]

@jameswest77,

If you don't appreciate people in this forum trying to help out others with their own question, don't bother asking for help in the first place.
If you think other modeling programs are better than Revit, then why don't you go finish your job in Max or others...?

I don't want this to get personal and would prefer the topic to stay on topic so I'll keep this short. My original topic asked for a solution for improving the interaction of 3ds files within Revit because I hadn't been able to find any Classical Order families on RevitCity, etc. Responding with, "Just model it in revit," is not an answer to either my direct or indirect question.

Proving that Classical Order columns can easily be built in Revit by showing an example of a Doric column is like saying building a wedding cake is easy because, hey, look at this cupcake I just made. It is an unproductive asinine example with a condescending tone.

I love Revit and hate 3ds, but I am still left with the dilemma of wanting to effectively include fancy, beautiful objects made in 3ds in my Revit projects. My original topic still hasn't been addressed.

Thanks! :)

[pchan925]

I have modeled and have seen other Revit users modeling complicated geometry in the native family file.
I am still amazed there are people out there who take this as a challenge to try to model something that other think are impossible in Revit.

Take this as one of the example from Michael:
http://littledetailscount.com/

James, to answer your question on the original topic, the reason you can't find the column family that you wish simply because whoever (I am sure someone has done it) has created it will not want to share with others. Just like any other customized families who took hours and hours to create will not get shared with the public. So, learn to create your own is your best option.

Just my 2 cents.

[jameswest77]

I have modeled and have seen other Revit users modeling complicated geometry in the native family file.
I am still amazed there are people out there who take this as a challenge to try to model something that other think are impossible in Revit.

Take this as one of the example from Michael:
http://littledetailscount.com/

James, to answer your question on the original topic, the reason you can't find the column family that you wish simply because whoever (I am sure someone has done it) has created it will not want to share with others. Just like any other customized families who took hours and hours to create will not get shared with the public. So, learn to create your own is your best option.

Just my 2 cents.

Thank you. I followed the link you suggested to Little Details Count and I'm very impressed- but I still don't see any Classical Order columns or elements- though if I need a waffle iron I'll know where to go. I've searched online and can't even find someone who sells a Revit Classical Order column family. it's a package I'd pay good money for, if the columns were made with good parametrics.

And since the original topic still wasn't answered (how do YOU work with imported 3ds elements?), I'll keep it open. I see RevitCity is full of converted 3ds elements- does no one actually use these?

[jdrews.254394]

I have imported 3ds into revit before ... It doesnt work great, you have to mess with all of the materials. The only spot you can actually import a 3ds file is in the mass template and then you can bring it into your project as a component.

[cdatechguy]

You can save a max file as a dwg....then bring the dwg into whatever family you want....in this case as a column...

Problem is you have to create the size you want in 3D Studio before you bring it into Revit...as there is no way for it to be parametric...and you will see triangulation lines just as if it was in autocad...but it will render without all those lines...

So...most people want to use 3DS/Max files in Revit and don't like seeing all those edges...hence why our usual answer is to create them in Revit...

btw....the method works with sketchup files as well....

[awilliams]

Did you try Google 3d Warehouse? Those files tend to be smaller poly count and you can import them into the family editor as a SKP file.