Sketchbook/ Modelling in 3d Studio Max

With the CAD plans imported into 3D Studio Max. The lines that represents the theatre walls can be extruded upwards at the relevant heights by using the extrude modifier- (the Extrude modifier adds depth to a shape and makes it into a parametric object to the height you specify). Your wall now exists as 3D object with a length, width and depth. I then begin building the rest of the model. In order to have clear visual access to the model, I usually created the structure of the theatre in several parts- for example I build several walls, the ceiling, and the floor . This way I can hide or move away any relevant sections of the theatre structure when modelling and viewing other part of the set .

There are a wide variety of modelling tools to create almost anything you can think of. There are companies that sell 3D wireframe models that can be imported instead of building from scratch but they are expensive and not always appropriate; sometimes - as in theatre design -props are required for very specific periods.

With a little practice, modelling on the computer is not that difficult a task. Some of the furniture such as the tables were quite easy to model, it requires simple boxes placed at different heights, widths and lengths, which you then group together in the desired configuration. This is much the same as when making props out of balsa wood - you first mentally breakdown the object into pieces. For example when constructing a chair, you will make the back, the legs, and the seat and then glue them together. Using the same logic you create the chair on the computer (see the next example).

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Setting up and becoming familiar with your modelling space in terms of grids, units and viewpoints is very important before beginning a project. In 3D Studio Max there is the possibility of working with up to four viewpoints of your model at any one time(see image above).