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Hi, I've been using Maxwell for about 6 months; as an amateur photographer I really enjoy the interface. Up until now I have been 'sketch' rendering and am now looking to produce more realistic results.

I have been modeling the Casa del Fascio in Como for my portfolio (in Rhino).
The building has a large number of 'Glass Bricks/Blocks' used in both the walls and covered courtyard
http://jezrick.co.uk/wordpress/2010/11/ ... scio-como/

I have downloaded a Glass Brick material from the MXM Gallery
http://resources.maxwellrender.com/sear ... v2=0&tipo=

I'm unsure how to replicate the light cast and increase the amount through the glass blocks in the roof, as shown in the below photo
http://jezrick.co.uk/wordpress/wp-conte ... 50x621.jpg

Current (very dark) internal renders
http://jezrick.co.uk/wordpress/2011/02/ ... erior-wip/

I would appreciate all criticism and advice

Thanks for your time

To me it doesn't look like the roof is made of glass block (which would make sense from a construction stand point). It looks more like some sort of skylight with a lattice work through it - it's difficult to tell from that photo. But what does seam clear is that it's clear glass, rather than the typical frosted glass used in most glass blocks (including the one's you're using for your ceiling). I would first make that correction and see how much more light you get coming through.

-Brodie

Make sure you use AGS instead of real glass material for lighting an interior with sunlight.

Thanks Bubbaloo for your AGS tip, I was unaware of the issues to do with light passing through Glass.

Thanks brodie_geers for the glass blocks comment. I had been using a bump map, which unfortunately gave a very 'flat' appearance. I have now modelled all of the glass blocks (which have significantly added to my memory overhead) which I believe looks more realistic.

Since my first post I have had a half-day training session with (Maxwell Xpert) Tim Ellis http://think.maxwellrender.com/xperts.php?id=28
He was an excellent teacher, extremely patient and tailored the session to my needs. We talked through both some of mine and his projects, which was both interesting and helpful.

This is how the model is currently looking (Axo)
http://jezrick.co.uk/wordpress/2010/11/ ... scio-como/

And these are the interior shots I have been working on
http://jezrick.co.uk/wordpress/2011/02/ ... erior-wip/

There is still a fare amount of work to be done, mainly with the materials which need some textures adding; particularly the marble floors.

Thanks in advance for any comments

p.s. when you use 'instances' in Maxwell Studio, I believe that they reduce your memory usage, do they also speed up render times?
I ask because creating the glass block walls using 'instances' is quite time consuming (as there is no 'array' command), however if it helped my render time I would be worth it.

No, in fact under some circumstances instances can actually decrease the speed of rendering. Only use instances when you have to because of RAM limitations.

Thanks again Bubbaloo, it looks like I need to do some testing with 'Instances'.

If they increase the render time I will be here until Christmas, waiting for a render!

Normally floors aren't so reflective.

reflective floor = cheap CG