Simple models with good textures vs Complex models with crap textures

[malec]

I've always noticed that the general trend here is that people prefer to create simple models but use really good textures for the detail, which is the exact opposite of what I do.
I'm just curious why everyone chooses that way, not critisizing or anything, just wondering.
I presume there's a lot less lag so large cities can be made. For example my marina model is 80MB and only has about 20 towers fully done.

For me I get a kick out of spending ages on a model and seeing the result, it usually pays off in the rendering. Also I presume non-standard shaped buildings probably have to be done this way to be anyway good. Is it possible to apply textures to curved surfaces like that?

[FREKI]

Simple buildings are faster to make, easier to texture and as you say fill a lot less so lag doesn't become a problem..

If one is making a hole city going into tiny details will make it take ages ( as you know with your amazing details ) and I doubt many have that kind of pathience.. so they add the details with texture instead..

Personally I love detailed buildings, but making a hole city of them is too big of a task for me to take apon myself - I light to keep it light and fun..

[Mocholate]

If the hand drawn model is as detailed as a material based model then its good.

But if you don't have patience to draw every detail then the result is not worth it .

[Mocholate]

Then there is also the different types of 'hand drawn'

methods are,
*modelling by intersecting floor and window templates
*copy and paste floor sections
* completely hand drawn

or a mixture of any of the 3 , and that's why i like it

[Aleks]

Idk, I never really liked textures although they make the buildings look more realistic. I've always used the hand drawn technique except for my Seattle model which I didn't even work on that much because I didn't like textures much.

[Mocholate]

I would prefer material if it were as good as Staunton, but Patrick is a genius with textures ,not many can compare.

[malec]

I think the texturing way works really well for sketchup as clearly shown by Patrick's city.
However for rendering I think it's much better to have the detailed model, along with some textures such as rough concrete or wood where needed

[CGII]

I don't see why this is a 'versus' issue, I do models of both often. But I could never make City City as big and complex as it is if I did it without textures. For one it wouldn't have the dirt and grime on buildings but more importantly I would spend so much time on the buildings and use so much processing power that the city wouldn't ever be as large as it is.

[Mocholate]

Originally Posted by malec

I think the texturing way works really well for sketchup as clearly shown by Patrick's city.
However for rendering I think it's much better to have the detailed model, along with some textures such as rough concrete or wood where needed

Yer , I dont put any materials on mine, They is all done in Kerk

I agree with the dirt and grime ala CGII but then i only do modern where grime is forbodden

[Orpheum]

Here's a simple model I made with good textures. The see-through steel tower on the top is just alpha channels, very little geometry. What do you guys think?

[Skyscraper100]

Originally Posted by malec

I think the texturing way works really well for sketchup as clearly shown by Patrick's city.
However for rendering I think it's much better to have the detailed model, along with some textures such as rough concrete or wood where needed

i agree!
thats exactly what i want to say

[Austin55]

most full 3d things are crap though...

[Skyscraper100]

i dont think so.

[malec]

Originally Posted by Orpheum

Here's a simple model I made with good textures. The see-through steel tower on the top is just alpha channels, very little geometry. What do you guys think?

Very nice.


I think an all geometry model is very time consuming but it's also very rewarding when you get to the rendering stage and seeing all those reflections come to life.
A low geometry but complex texture model is great in sketchup and works really well for 3D cities, etc, where the computer would simply crash otherwise.