Artwork - Computer-generated "buildings" - how?

[lookwhaticando]

Hey all -
I know nothing about computer animation/computer-generated images, but I'm wondering - what program/technique is used to make a picture like the one below, where it looks loosely like some anonymous "sci-fi"-esque building? I've seen these images in various places over the years, usually on drum n bass websites and such, and found this one as the still image on YouTube for a Luke Vibert song. Anyways, I've always thought these type of images look pretty neat, and am wondering if there's a single program that is usually used to generate them.

[auto-lock]

Maya and rhino3d both have scripting languages, also search algorithmic architecture

[Liam]

Google Sketchup (free) or Pro

has many existing buildings you can use.

3D etc

[DangerousDave]

There are several, but this type of work is a skill just like anything else. I am an architect student, so I do some architectural visualization myself, but its not something you would likely be able to get right into and just bang out a render like that. you might be better off trying to photoshop an existing photo to make it look sci fi-esque, but again, this is a skill also.

One really prominent program that you can model a building in (3 dimensionally) and then render a 2d image of is Autodesk 3ds Max. I use this program frequently, but it is a very very deep program, and you would likely get frustrated at first without some instruction. I can't tell the exact program used to create the image you posted, as often times these images are created using a few different programs (one to model the bldg, one to render, and then photoshop or other to touch up the image.) Don't take any of this the wrong way, if you want to get into this stuff look around on the net, maybe google architectural visualization or something similar, but I will warn you from the beginning that there are professional degrees aimed at this kind of thing, so it can be a pretty involved process. It would be similar to saying "hey I have heard these sweet deadmau5 songs on the web, and I am wondering if there is a program I can get to make some of that stuff, ya know?

----anyways, hope that helps. If you were looking to get an image like that for an album cover or something I would contact an architectural visualization expert or maybe a graphic designer.

Cheers

[beats me]

I get a broken link to that picture here at work. But MANY years ago I used a program called Bryce which was pretty much the Garageband of 3D environment rendering. I don’t know if it still exists but there’s probably something similar. I don’t think you have to get a high end piece of software. It’s like people telling you that you need to use a Pro Tools HD system or your music will be shit.

[lookwhaticando]

Thanks for all the replies.

DangerousDave - Point definitely taken. The music production analogy was a good one. I do appreciate the insight, since I would like to learn to tinker around with this kind of stuff... At least now I know where to start!

[memes_33]

Revit. Autodesk Revit is the most used 3D BIM (Building Information Modeling) program being used for construction right now. basically, you build the building in software before construction begins, including HVAC ducting, power outlets and panel boards, room finishes- pretty much everything. it is a very complex program and very pricey, but is the future of building construction.

i work for an audiovisual/acoustical consulting firm in SF- our clients are mostly architects. we actually had a demo recently where we had a 3D building model and had a burly 3D projector brought in. you were basically able to maneuver around the building model with active 3D glasses. it was pretty effin cool for a nyerd like me.

[Cezband]

Interesting reading - I was originally going to suggest taking screencaps from the game Mirror's Edge but the other advice here is far deeper and better. The game has a great soundtrack, incidentally.