ART (Advanced Rendering Technology) today announced that it will exhibit the latest developments in computer visualization with the design tools of its RenderDrive™ rendering system running on 3ds max™ from Discreet at the A/E/C Systems 2001 conference and exhibition, Booth #2219.

On display at the June 19-21 Chicago-based conference, RenderDrive is optimized for architectural engineering applications and enables fast generation of high-quality visualizations running on the 3ds max modeling, rendering, and animation platform.

With the ultra-realistic virtual photographs and animated walkthroughs created with these technologies, architectural firms can more effectively obtain design and zoning approvals — and add convincing images to marketing and promotional campaigns — well before actual construction begins.

“When it comes to realism, ART sets the standard for visualization tools in the architectural engineering market,” said ART Marketing Manager Craig Wareham. “By showcasing our technology running on 3ds max, as well as several other popular design applications, we’re able to provide an excellent demonstration of how our customers can streamline costs while impressing clients at each stage of the design process, from conception to construction.”

ART’s RenderDrive utilizes physically accurate rendering methods to produce lifelike lighting, textures, and reflections on a variety of materials. With typical software-based rendering applications, the generation of high-quality images requires massive computing resources or long production times. RenderDrive, however, uses unique, physically based rendering chips to deliver photographic images in a fraction of the time and cost required by traditional rendering software.

RenderDrive and 3ds max have successfully been used by architectural firms worldwide, including Chapman Taylor Architects, Paul Steelman Design Group, Taylor Woodrow plc, and SCB Architects, who have come to rely on RenderDrive for its ease of use and unsurpassed image quality. ART’s latest RenderDrive release, RD5000, continues the tradition of high performance by delivering ray-traced rendering with production times comparable to scanline rendering.

In addition to integrating with several other design and engineering applications, RenderDrive is compatible with 3ds max through the RenderPipe MAX software plug-in. With the RenderPipe MAX interface, designers are able to import design features — such as accurate reflections on windows and building materials, or convincing motion blur effects on walkthroughs — directly into the standard 3ds max platform. By bringing these unique effects into the tools familiar to many designers, ART weds high quality with high productivity.

Operating on the Windows® platform, 3ds max from Discreet is the world’s best-selling 3D modeling and animation application. The latest release of 3ds max, currently in version 4, has received more than 65 industry awards since its introduction and provides professionals with a fully collaborative 3D environment for creating visual effects and animation.

“Discreet is pleased to demonstrate its interoperability with ART at the A/E/C Systems conference this year. Running on the powerful 3ds max platform, ART provides its customers a dynamic photo-realistic visualization rendering option that delivers business-winning results,” said Frank DeLise, product manager for Discreet 3ds max.