Windows and Glass

[zdezine]

Whats the best way to show glass and windows? I've done it several different ways.

In my models (All EPX files are from SketchUP), I model glass, but then in Piranesi, just draw over it. This works good when you don't want to see into the building. Your typical sky reflection type window.

Other times, I've left the window frame empty, without glass. This allows me to use Piranesi effects on the room interiors. Then, if I want glass, I use the construct render action to create the transparent effect of glass.

What other methods are people using to show glass? I've seen a couple of examples in the gallery that use a raster image inside beyond the window to show the room interior. That looks pretty interesting. Any other ideas?

Thanks
Michael

[zdezine]

I thought I would post an example. This image shows both techniques being used. One is a day shot, one is a night shot.

http://www.zdezine.com/images/Graphics-Theater.jpg

[marcocrawford]

I use MicroGDS to create models but the principle will be the same for other systems.
I create an EPX file with all glass elements excluded, then using exactly the same output resolution and sizes I create a standard rendered image in BMP or PNg or TIF or whichever output you wish to use, but this time the glass is included so the renderer will provide the colour and reflections required.
In Piranesi I open the EPX in the normal way then import the rendered image over the top and then ask Piranesi to re-render the two together. This now gives me an epx file with all the intelligence of the space behind the glass (Depth, scale, perspective Etc), but the image RGB has all the reflection of the glass. when working with cut-outs or textures in the areas behind the glass I simple lower the amount of effect.
hope this helps.
Marco

[zdezine]

Marco,

Thanks! I didn't even realize that you could do that. I guess I never noticed the import button before. This opens up a lot of possibilities, and will even help me on my current task (some of our models changed slightly, but I don't want to start the images completely over, so I'll just render the new portions and merge them together)

Michael