Blender 2.8 for architecture: Modeling and rendering with Eevee and Cycles

The release of Blender 2.8 is a milestone for artists using the software as a basis to create an architectural visualization. You will find new tools and options regarding modeling, rendering, and usability.

Among those features, you have the incredible new render engine Eevee, which can produce realistic images in real-time. Besides Eevee, you get further options like collections, and a revamp in the user interface.

Do you want to start using Blender 2.8 new tools and features to create architectural visualization? With the recently released Blender 2.8 for architecture book, you will find all the information necessary to start using the software to enhance and develop your designs.

Book about Blender 2.8

What will you learn with Blender 2.8 for architecture? The book has a practical approach to Blender 2.8 tools and features, using examples and guides to describe how you can perform the most important tasks related to architectural visualization.

Here is a list of all the chapters:

  • Chapter 1 – Blender for architecture
  • Chapter 2 – Precision modeling for architecture
  • Chapter 3 – Architectural modeling tools
  • Chapter 4 – Modeling from CAD files and references
  • Chapter 5 – Furniture and external assets
  • Chapter 6 – Materials and textures for architecture
  • Chapter 7 – Real-time rendering with Eevee
  • Chapter 8 – Rendering for architecture with Cycles

Blender for architecture

Do you want to start from scratch with Blender 2.8? In this chapter, you will learn how to begin with Blender. We will cover topics like:

  • Interface manipulation and Workspaces
  • Keyboard shortcuts and Editors
  • 3D Navigation
  • Object selection
  • 3D Transformations
  • Object creation
  • 3D Cursor and Snap
  • Work modes
  • Saving projects

Precision modeling for architecture

Working with architectural designs requires you to get a high level of precision for 3D modeling. In this section you find information about:

  • Use numeric input for modeling
  • Choose between Metric and Imperial units
  • Add units to any numeric input for modeling
  • Make use of local coordinates for modeling
  • Create walls using the extrude tool
  • Use the Spin tool to create round shapes
  • Editing 3D models to stretch and change their forms

Architectural modeling tools

You will find in Blender a lot of tools that can help with architectural design and modeling, like the modifier system and also incredible Add-ons to quickly create 3D geometry. You will learn in this section:

  • Manage and edit architectural models by cutting and separating them
  • Create 3D models based on symmetry
  • Use repeating patterns to create large surfaces
  • Manage and use Add-ons for modeling
  • Create doors and windows for architectural models

Modeling from CAD files and references

Have you ever received a design in a CAD file that you needed to import to Blender? It is not a straightforward experience to import the data. In this section you learn how to handle and process those files for Blender:

  • Know how Blender handle CAD data
  • Convert DWG and DXF files to use in Blender
  • Enable Add-ons in Blender
  • Prepare a technical drawing reference for modeling
  • Use the snap with a technical drawing
  • Add image references in the Viewport
  • Create 3D models based on image references

Furniture and external assets

What would be of an architectural visualization project without furniture models and assets? Do you want to learn how to handle and manage those assets in Blender? You will learn in this section:

  • How to import assets to Blender
  • Use the Append and Link options
  • Working with linked external libraries
  • Editing external libraries assets with furniture
  • Optimizing and fixing furniture models
  • Prepare furniture models for reuse in Blender

Materials and textures for architecture

Before you start working with anything related to rendering in a project, you must apply materials and textures to surfaces. That will help with the indirect lights and settings for the

  • How to add materials to objects
  • Using shaders to change materials
  • Use Nodes in the Shader Editor
  • Apply glossy effects for shaders
  • Use PBR materials for architecture
  • Make architectural glass
  • Handling external texture files

Real-time rendering with Eevee

One of the highlights of Blender 2.8 is Eevee, and the real-time rendering options, which you will learn how to use in this section. We cover aspects from materials to environment setup:

  • Starting a render with Eevee
  • Setting elements of the render like sampling
  • Baking indirect lights
  • Using the Irradiance Volume and Cubemaps
  • Control shadow quality
  • Use Environment Textures
  • Setting cameras for architecture

Rendering for architecture with Cycles

If you want to produce images that have maximum realism for architecture, you will have to use Cycles instead of Eevee. You will learn how to set up a scene for Cycles and reuse some of the settings from Eevee. Here is what you will learn:

  • Managing sampling for Cycles
  • Applying the Denoising to renders
  • Using the GPU to speed up rendering
  • Manage lights for architecture
  • Control HDR visibility
  • Use color correction tools to enhance renders
  • Prepare a test render and verify the project

Book details

  • Release date: July 2019
  • Edition: 1st
  • Pages: 333 (eBook)
  • Pages: 238 (Paperback)
  • Autor: Allan Brito
  • Blender version used: Blender 2.8 RC1 and RC2
  • ASIN Kindle: B07VYBCR1X
  • ISBN paperback: 9781086438437

Buy now from Amazon:

  • Available in eBook format (Worldwide)
  • Available as a paperback (some regions)

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