Chicago 3D Model

ExtraNoise · #1 Posted **Aug 28, 2009, 6:32 PM**

I'm finishing up a 3D model of Chicago I'm working on for an engineering job and I thought I'd post some renders because everyone here would probably appreciate it. I've been following the forums for quite some time and was really glad to see the system finally allowing Gmail registrations, so I jumped at the chance to get registered.

The model itself isn't going to be as detailed as STR's, for example, but it covers a large area and every building in it is unique, modeled from satellite imagery. The taller skyscrapers (of which there will be approximately 150-200) are a little more detailed, using lots of different reference material (SSP included!)

Eventually the entire area will be filled with the "smaller" buildings. So you'll have to use your imagination. Most of the taller buildings are already modeled and in place, but there are still around 50 to do.

Chicago is the second city I've modeled like this (San Francisco being the first) and it's a fun challenge. I have exactly two illustrations in the diagrams, pathetic I know, and both are from Chicago. Only one is the default illustration, the Aon Center.

Let me know if there are any requests from certain angles, I can probably get a render or two generated.

The buildings will remain untextured as it's not a part of the project. I'll keep posting more renders as more sections of the smaller buildings are finished up over the next couple of weeks.

ExtraNoise · #2 Posted **Sep 3, 2009, 7:10 PM**

Got Section 4 finished up this morning, so I've added it to the total composite:

I think it really compliments renders from the park and definitely makes it look all filled in from this angle:

However, from here, you can still see all the sections that need to go in:

Section 5 I'm starting this afternoon and will cover a large part of north downtown. I'm pretty excited to see the results.

photoLith · #3 Posted **Sep 3, 2009, 7:22 PM**

Amazing work mate, cant wait to see the completed project.

ExtraNoise · #4 Posted **Sep 8, 2009, 9:55 PM**

Section 5 is in place, and it's starting to bring the whole thing together: (The blue buildings are the splines based extruded models and the white buildings are the more detailed skyscrapers and prominent buildings done with polymodeling.)

A view from the harbor of the JHC and surrounding towers:

View of north downtown and northern Chicago from the top floor of the Chicago Spire:

And still lots to do! I better get working!

mthd · #5 Posted **Sep 9, 2009, 2:23 AM**

very cool. looks like fun.

along those lines, from the latest architect magazine r+d awards... http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/hanl...startid=46#/70

check out pages 70, 71, 72.

Patrick · #6 Posted **Sep 9, 2009, 2:52 AM**

Amazing work!!!

ExtraNoise · #7 Posted **Sep 9, 2009, 7:40 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by mthd

very cool. looks like fun.

along those lines, from the latest architect magazine r+d awards... http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/hanl...startid=46#/70

check out pages 70, 71, 72.

That's way awesome, though it makes me a little nervous. I did my own model of San Fran last year:

mthd · #8 Posted **Sep 9, 2009, 4:11 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by ExtraNoise

That's way awesome, though it makes me a little nervous. I did my own model of San Fran last year:

nice! how long would you say you spent on that?

what makes you nervous about the other one??? :confused:

ExtraNoise · #9 Posted **Sep 9, 2009, 4:53 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by mthd

nice! how long would you say you spent on that?

what makes you nervous about the other one??? :confused:

I spent about 90 hours on San Francisco. I'm already passed that on Chicago (it's a lot bigger! Also doing more detail.)

I was worried about it because I was concerned they might be distributing it for resale. Once I read the article I was able to put those fears away.

mthd · #10 Posted **Sep 10, 2009, 12:18 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by ExtraNoise

I spent about 90 hours on San Francisco. I'm already passed that on Chicago (it's a lot bigger! Also doing more detail.)

I was worried about it because I was concerned they might be distributing it for resale. Once I read the article I was able to put those fears away.

90 hours is not bad at all. do you sell the models you make or just for your own gratification?

ExtraNoise · #11 Posted **Sep 12, 2009, 7:18 AM**

Sections 6 and 7 have gone in (not completely done with 7, but I wanted to take some renders):

These two sections fill out the downtown area.

And the total model, of course:

Just the southern sections to do!

JDRCRASH · #12 Posted **Sep 14, 2009, 5:40 PM**

Great! But why don't I see Waldorf Astoria?

ExtraNoise · #13 Posted **Sep 14, 2009, 11:56 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by JDRCRASH

Great! But why don't I see Waldorf Astoria?

I'm hesitant to include anything that hasn't officially broken ground. The last I heard on the Waldorf Astoria was that it was on hold without even a foundation?

JDRCRASH · #14 Posted **Sep 15, 2009, 11:59 PM**

According to Steely, it's dead.

John Hinds · #15 Posted **Sep 16, 2009, 1:48 PM**

I'm completely blown away by how awesome that model looks.

If you don't ind me asking, what software are you using to translate the satellite images into 3D models?

M.K. · #16 Posted **Sep 16, 2009, 2:04 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by ExtraNoise

I'm hesitant to include anything that hasn't officially broken ground. The last I heard on the Waldorf Astoria was that it was on hold without even a foundation?

Chicago Spire neither, but it is in your model. So no sense.

I am also impressive of your talent and accuration patience job. I would like to have a job like that also, but i am not so talented as you. Congratulations, i hope you become a successful city planner one day. Great and tremendous job. I appreciate a lot.

ExtraNoise · #17 Posted **Sep 16, 2009, 4:45 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Hinds

If you don't ind me asking, what software are you using to translate the satellite images into 3D models?

I'm using 3D Studio Max because I'm most comfortable with its controls and it gives me the ability to trace splines on the sat maps easier than going through AutoCAD, for example.

Quote:

Originally Posted by M.K.

Chicago Spire neither, but it is in your model. So no sense.

I am also impressive of your talent and accuration patience job. I would like to have a job like that also, but i am not so talented as you. Congratulations, i hope you become a successful city planner one day. Great and tremendous job. I appreciate a lot.

I'm just hoping they build the Spire, so I included it. I have faith that with clearing and a foundation they will finish it as soon as they get the money to do so. At least I hope.

And thank you very very much.

I have finished the model!

Here are a few renders; I may post some more as I render more throughout the day today:

Let me know if there's anything I obviously missed. I'm positive it's not a perfect model, but I'm really happy with it.

I'll try to get some views of specific buildings today.

JDRCRASH · #18 Posted **Sep 16, 2009, 5:13 PM**

Looks awesome!

BTW, even though construction has halted, including at least part of Waterview would be nice.

M.K. · #19 Posted **Sep 16, 2009, 6:49 PM**

Ok, you have finished it the mock-up base models. Are you going to colouring and detailing more the each one facade? It would be impressive for GE, just a tip. And presenting the render coloured in your Portfolio would even impress SOM somewhere, i think...

Ordo_ · #20 Posted **Sep 16, 2009, 7:35 PM**

This is an amazing thing dude. Really really cool