3D Modeling help! Anyone here is an expert or knows something about it?

Question

Hi. I want to become an architect, and architects usually use 3D models to shows clients the final proyect. Although Im still in 11th grade, I would like to start learning about 3D modeling. I know there are specialized courses to learn 3D modeling at schools, but unfortunately I havent found one. My last resource is to learn through the internet, so does someone know where I cand find tutorials (hopefully FREE) about architectural 3D modeling?
(You can view the images of 3D Modeling here: http://www.panebianco3d.com/images/architettura-architecture_01.jpg
http://www.panebianco3d.com/images/architettura-architecture_02.gif)
They said they used the following programs to do the model: Lightwave 3d 5.6, Lightwave 3d 6.0. Has anyone hear about these, anyone knows how to use them? Where can I find tutorials (from basic level) to use this programs? Where can I find the programs on internet (hopefully for FREE) or where can I purchase them? Has anyone tried Google SketchUp? Is it good?

What are other 3D Modeling Porgrams (than can be used to show models of houses, interior design and spaces, furniture) that are good? Im looking for a program where you can make realistic-looking models (not like the ones in Google SketchUp, that dont look realistic). I've visited this webpage: http://www.cgchannel.com/, and its a forum on 3D Modeling. Anyone knows about it?

WHERE CAN I FIND TUTORIALS ON 3D MODELING (FOR FREE) FOR BEGINNERS.

Answer 1

If you are serious about becoming an architect, you should learn AUTO CAD 3d modeling program.

3d architectural program is totally different from 3d art and designn programs.

with designing a house or a building, you have to deal with the right measurement to correlate with the real life outside the program as if you going to build it. with regular 3d program, you can do anything as long as it looks good to you.

I suggest that you take architectural drafting first to get a hold on how architectural desig works. within the architect program, it has 3d option to create the 3d look for your project after you've finished. You need to learn the basic of shape and size and relationship of space withing your project.

doesn't maters if you designing a house or a tea pot, drafting program can do it all and do it right. you can actually used your model to make a prototype to show to company or companies or manufacture.

Auto CAD is kind of pricy, so go talk to your local community college or university and sign up.

if you thinking about 3D modeling for animation, by all means, Lightwave, Maya 3D or something similar is great.

have fun and good luck!

Answer 2

Easy 3D Animation Software : http://3dAnimationCartoons.com/?atRr

Answer 3

Free SketchUp is fun and easy, but limited. It's worth looking into though:

http://www.sketchup.com/

Answer 4

No, Lightwave is not free.

Use Blender - http://www.blender.org/ - is it :)

Answer 5

Try this

http://www.freebyte.com/cad/cad.htm
http://www.download.com/sort/3150-6677_4-0-1-3.html?
http://www.thefreecountry.com/sourcecode/graphics.shtml
http://www.freedownloadscenter.com/Best/3d-drawing-free.html