Expert: Andre Hickman - 8/30/2004

Question
I like to know what is best 3D design software in the market? for landscape and architecture.

What do you evaluate about Archicad, vectorworks, artlantis, form-z and Maya?

Thanks.

Answer
Hello. I'm not a guru on determining the best software on the market.  Why? because each software cost so darn much that you usually find the one that suits your needs and stick with it, until you can afford to "try" something else.  I know that Artlantis is primarily for architecture, etc. but it seems to be used as a renderer more than a software to actually design (the buildings and stuff are designed in autocad or some equivalent)

I don't use 3D for architecture and landscape.  I use it for art, logo design, 3D broadcast animation, and character animation.  I think that if you are trying to evaluate the softwares for that industry, you might want to talk to some people that actually use it primarily for architecture. Even if I were trying to develop some photorealistic landscape or building scenes for a movie, I wouldn't start by talking to the creative artsy guys...I'd go to a contract builder/architect who designs and emplements buildings, and who has to develop these "walkthrough" animated presentations for clients, or to a land developer who does a lot of major landscaping design (like golf courses.)  I think they would be an excellent starting point for that type of info.

But with my experience in softwares, I would never say, relatively speaking, that one software is better than another (unless the company was PAYING ME to)  Most times it is a matter of preference, and what you need the software to do.  While two programs might have the same functions, one may focus on one function more than the other.  So find what will work for you, and go at it!

Cheers,
Andre'