Mental Ray Guide Book
MENTAL RAY®
Using 3ds Max and mental ray for Architectural Visualization
© 2007 Electric Gobo / Karcher, www.electricgobo.com
Introduction
This white paper looks at using mental ray® software for architectural visualization. Autodesk® 3ds Max® 9 software includes many major feature and workflow improvements to reduce complexity and make rendering with mental ray far more approachable for Architects and designers. This document summarizes the important aspects of photorealistic renderings that Architects, designers and visualization professionals may want to consider when creating presentation images, visualizations for design review, or physical analysis of lighting. It identifies the main areas involved in physically based renderings and provides guidance as well as tips-and-tricks on how to use them in 3ds Max. The main areas of focus include: Lighting and materials theory The mental ray renderer The mental ray daylight system Arch+Design material for mental ray, and more Included with this document are sample scene files and renders to help provide context.
1
Mental ray®: Using 3ds Max and mental ray for Architectural Visualization
Image rendered from the sample file, which can be found along with this document.
© 2007 Electric Gobo / Karcher, www.electricgobo.com
© 2007 Electric Gobo / Karcher, www.electricgobo.com
Transforming Digital Painting into Digital Photography In the real world, energy is emitted by light sources, bounces around, and is absorbed by surfaces. The same principles apply in global illumination rendering, especially in architectural visualization. Architects, Designers and Visualization Professionals need be able to render images that approximate the real world as closely as possible. In combination with structure and surfaces, light can change the appearance of a room tremendously.
2
Mental ray®: Using 3ds Max and mental ray for Architectural Visualization
© 2007 Electric Gobo / Karcher,
Using 3ds Max and mental ray for Architectural Visualization
© 2007 Electric Gobo / Karcher, www.electricgobo.com
Introduction
This white paper looks at using mental ray® software for architectural visualization. Autodesk® 3ds Max® 9 software includes many major feature and workflow improvements to reduce complexity and make rendering with mental ray far more approachable for Architects and designers. This document summarizes the important aspects of photorealistic renderings that Architects, designers and visualization professionals may want to consider when creating presentation images, visualizations for design review, or physical analysis of lighting. It identifies the main areas involved in physically based renderings and provides guidance as well as tips-and-tricks on how to use them in 3ds Max. The main areas of focus include: Lighting and materials theory The mental ray renderer The mental ray daylight system Arch+Design material for mental ray, and more Included with this document are sample scene files and renders to help provide context.
1
Mental ray®: Using 3ds Max and mental ray for Architectural Visualization
Image rendered from the sample file, which can be found along with this document.
© 2007 Electric Gobo / Karcher, www.electricgobo.com
© 2007 Electric Gobo / Karcher, www.electricgobo.com
Transforming Digital Painting into Digital Photography In the real world, energy is emitted by light sources, bounces around, and is absorbed by surfaces. The same principles apply in global illumination rendering, especially in architectural visualization. Architects, Designers and Visualization Professionals need be able to render images that approximate the real world as closely as possible. In combination with structure and surfaces, light can change the appearance of a room tremendously.
2
Mental ray®: Using 3ds Max and mental ray for Architectural Visualization
© 2007 Electric Gobo / Karcher,