topic Re: Modelling Classical Details in Libraries & objects

Modelling Classical Details

JCCARLOS0791 — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 05:44:07 GMT

Hi,

We have a project that is quite unique for our brand, as it involves Italian classical details. I have attached some reference images for your review.

Could you please advise on the best workflow for creating these types of details? In particular, we would like to know whether there is a recommended AI application or software that can convert reference images into 3D objects compatible with Archicad.

We would appreciate your suggestions on the most efficient and accurate approach.

Looking forward to your feedback.

Best regards,
John

Operating system used: Mac Apple Silicon Tahoe 26.5

Re: Modelling Classical Details

CosminF — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 16:30:53 GMT

Hi,

In short, I do not know of an amazing tool that can generate clean geometry starting from a reference picture (but if someone else knows I'd be more than happy to learn about it).

Some alternative solutions, depending on the degree of accuracy you need to have in the model:

1. Point cloud scan existing details and model based on that. Or I'm sure you can find pre-modeled details online. Those will not be editable however.

2. AI -> 2d -> 3D ish. If you only need to have some semi-generic, embossed details, you can always ask chatgpt/claude/gemini to produce a 2D view of details starting from reference images. You can take that output, plug it into affinity vector (free software) and export it from there, vectorized as DWG. You can then take that dwg, use slabs to "fill" it and you'd have a 3D element that would look 3D but not very intricate.

(you can maybe freestyle some heights, by importing the vector as svg into Blender 3D (another free software) and then selecting random points (theres a function for that) and then raise them so that they apear "sculpted". Note that this will look very bad up-close.

3. Use an image texture in Archicad - if you only need those to be visible in 3D and not very precise, you can always crop them out and place them into 3D as an image (and make them believable in the AI rendering later on).

4. Model them in Blender (for such shapes I reckon it will be faster than Archicad but I might be wrong and ymmv)

5. Good old-fashioned model them if you will also need to give execution drawings, or CNC templates etc.

Re: Modelling Classical Details

Patrick M — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 17:44:41 GMT

photoshop and custom surfaces would be my first inclination... however... I do work with plenty of architects that want to see the actual relief and texture, not just a flat jpg/image on the surface.
for that, it would be a combination of complex profile beams/columns, shells, morphs, and the basic shape library... and a hope and prayer that you don't break your computers polygon threshold

Re: Modelling Classical Details

Davor P — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 23:50:17 GMT

https://vktrs.co/tools/image-to-gdl/
Our tool that converts images to ready-to-go GDL objects. We have one user creating fireplaces for pointcloud reconstruction - but the results can vary.
To keep the model not blow up - I would use SketchUp - Match Photo function and create sections that can be repeated. Model rough shapes and let the small details be represented by image - like @Patrick M suggested.
Tricky part is getting the Sketchup model to import better into Archicad. I built my own converter that doesn't triangulate all of the geometry - but Modelport might do the same.