Mastering VIZ Render for Autodesk ADT Users

Rating:
Summary: Mastering a Tough Subject
Review: I almost didn't buy this book as I have had previous experience in both Viz and Architectural Desktop; but, the price was right and I figured what the heck, it'll give me something to do over the holidays.

I'm very glad that I made the plunge because this book made me realize how little I did know about a very tough subject, optimizing the ADT building model in order to produce very realistic renderings with reasonable file sizes and render times. In fact, the two chapters on models is a "must read" for anyone who wants to be able to render ADT models in either Viz or VizRender.

Since both authors are architects, this book centers on producing outstanding presentations using VizRender. Their lighting techniques (both interior and exterior) and their recommendations for tweaking materials and render settings provide a clear path towards that end. It would be difficult to read this book and not become an accomplished renderer. In addition to the easy to understand text, there are lots graphics and a whole section of colored plates that illustrate the desired rendering results for each chapter. Finally, there are plenty of bonus excercises and excerpts to expand and sharpen the newly learned skills.

This book is definitely a must for anyone who wants to be proficient in using VizRender with ADT and several copies should be on the library shelves of any firm or school using or teaching those products.