Okay, here we go. Let me tell you about this Mercedes building in Miami project I tackled.
So, first things first, I saw this awesome picture of the Mercedes-Benz Places in Miami. I was like, “Wow, that’s a cool design!” I thought, “Hey, why not try to model that?”
Getting Started: Scoping it Out
I started by gathering references. I found some more pictures online, looked at the surrounding buildings to get a sense of scale, you know, the whole shebang. Then, I fired up my 3D software – Blender, in my case – and started blocking out the basic shapes.
The Foundation: Basic Shapes and Structure
- I began with a simple cylinder for the main tower.
- Then, I added some cubes and scaled them to create the base and the podium levels.
- Nothing fancy at this stage, just getting the proportions right.
Leveling Up: Adding Detail
This is where it got a bit trickier. The building has this distinctive curve to it. I ended up using Blender’s “simple deform” modifier, the “bend” option to be exact, to get that smooth, flowing shape. It took some fiddling around with the angles and origin points, but eventually, I got it looking close enough.
Windows and Facades: The Real Grind
The windows were a whole other beast. I went with a modular approach. I created a single window unit with its frame and some basic glass material. Then, I duplicated it and arranged it along the surface of the building. It was a bit tedious, but it gave me good control over the spacing and alignment.
For the facade, I experimented with different materials and textures. I ended up using a combination of procedural textures and some downloaded PBR (Physically Based Rendering) materials to simulate the glass, metal, and concrete surfaces. Getting the reflections and lighting right was key to making it look realistic.
Surrounding Environment: Context is King
I didn’t want the building to just float in the middle of nowhere, so I added some surrounding buildings, roads, and even some basic vegetation. I just grabbed some free models from online resources to fill in the background. It really helped to give the scene some context.
Rendering and Post-Processing: Making it Pop
I used Blender’s Cycles render engine to generate the final images. I played around with the lighting, adding some sun and sky effects to create a dramatic atmosphere. Then, I took the rendered images into Photoshop and did some post-processing – adjusting the colors, contrast, and sharpness – to really make it pop.
The Challenges: Where I Got Stuck
There were definitely some challenges along the way.
- Getting the curve of the building just right was a pain.
- The windows took forever to arrange and align properly.
- Finding the right materials and textures was also time-consuming.
Final Thoughts
Overall, it was a fun project! It took me a few days to complete, working on it in my spare time. I learned a lot about 3D modeling techniques, material creation, and rendering workflows. Plus, I got a pretty cool image of the Mercedes building in Miami to add to my portfolio. Would I do it again? Heck yeah!
