Unity for Architectural Visualization book released

[stefan]

Packt Publishing just released my book on Unity for Architectural Visualization. AFAIK, it's the first of its kind and there are several examples using ArchiCAD and CINEMA 4D included.

www.packtpub.com/unity-for-architectural-visualization/book

You can download a free sample chapter, which will get you started:
www.packtpub.com/sites/default/files/9781783559060_Chapter-02_0.pdf

[Eduardo Rolon]

Stefan,

Have you integrated this in the curriculum at your school?

[stefan]

I've not integrated the book itself, as the students have only a short introduction, but I suggest Thesis-students to use it (when applicable).

My students learn it by following video tutorials I recorded, where a large part of this content is included. They are in Dutch and recorded with Unity 3.5. I'm currently negotiating recording English updated videos which will probably have a similar outline as the book.

[Anonymous]

Hi Stefan,

Your book was a great idea, thanks. I am still thinking on likewise methods to integrate project visualization into an alternative and reasonable, not so time consuming tool and one possible way found. Months ago I also checked unity as well, however find some limitation which keep me away from the product. At the first glance FREE version deemed great idea however there are some limitation in quality comparing with the full 1000$ version. So I just have no idea whether it is worth or not this price.
Also could be better then BIMx regarding game engine can be highly programmable. Have you also dedicated chapter(s) for that as well?

Regards
Andras

[Anonymous]

Stefan,

Received my copy of the book a few days ago.

Nice job! A wealth of helpful tips; especially the section on lighting. That helped me improve my images quite a lot. Lighting was one area I really wanted some help with, and the book did not disappoint.

Will also get into the shader scripting on the next project. Harnessing that system's true power will make for great presentations.

Will definitely have this book opened at my side when working in Unity.

For anyone wanting to try out the Unity software, Stefan's text will save you a lot of time and prevent hair loss (from pulling it out).

Thanks again, Stefan!

[stefan]

andras wrote:
Hi Stefan,

Your book was a great idea, thanks. I am still thinking on likewise methods to integrate project visualization into an alternative and reasonable, not so time consuming tool and one possible way found. Months ago I also checked unity as well, however find some limitation which keep me away from the product. At the first glance FREE version deemed great idea however there are some limitation in quality comparing with the full 1000$ version. So I just have no idea whether it is worth or not this price.
Also could be better then BIMx regarding game engine can be highly programmable. Have you also dedicated chapter(s) for that as well?

Regards
Andras

I mention BIMx and mention why you would opt for Unity (or stick with BIMx).

BIMx = predefined > quality is good (with GI) and easy to use, export is also easy, but there is nothing you can add.

(Graphisoft is busy extending BIMx with additional modules, though).

Unity = open ended > takes more effort and good visual quality takes more steps, but you can program and extend it endlessly.
Start small, with basic scripts (use the ones explained in the book) and improve them and extend them piecemeal. Don't try to make everything from your very first project.
Right now, most architects are not capable of producing this kind of output, so you'll have a definite advantage if you step on this right now.

[stefan]

Dave wrote:
Stefan,

Received my copy of the book a few days ago.

Nice job! A wealth of helpful tips; especially the section on lighting. That helped me improve my images quite a lot. Lighting was one area I really wanted some help with, and the book did not disappoint.

Will also get into the shader scripting on the next project. Harnessing that system's true power will make for great presentations.

Will definitely have this book opened at my side when working in Unity.

For anyone wanting to try out the Unity software, Stefan's text will save you a lot of time and prevent hair loss (from pulling it out).

Thanks again, Stefan!

You made my day 😉
Thank you for your kind words.

[stefan]

Anyone read the book and has something to share? Ideas for an "advanced edition"?