Design architectural details in a circular building in Cinema 4D

Creating architectural models requires not only precision but also creativity. In this guide, I will show you how to design the roof and façade of a Rundbaus in Cinema 4D in more detail. The focus is on using the right tools and cleanly extruding surfaces so that your model really stands out.

Key Insights To improve the modular design of your scene, it's crucial to add specific details of the architecture. By correctly applying the knife in layer mode, you will achieve precisely the results you are aiming for. Every detail will help to make your design more vivid and believable.

Step-by-Step Guide

Optimize the Roof Edge

First, you need to adjust the roof edge of your Rundbaus. To do this, select the entire roof edge while subtracting some parts with the CTRL key. This allows you to select only the relevant areas.

Now you slightly extrude the selected surfaces inwards. Be careful that the extrusion does not go too far, as it should only create a narrow transition. With the combination of the MW keys, you bring the edge closer to the roof so that it almost looks like you could walk on it.

Add Window Row

The next step is to create a row of windows or other details, such as air conditioners or antennas, on the façade of your model. For this, you use the knife to cut the crucial lines. Select the model and navigate to edge mode. The knife should now be set to layer mode.

Make sure that the distance between the cuts is appropriate. At 4 cm, this is usually a good guideline, based on the height of your building. If the distance is too large, go for a distance of 2 cm to allow for better control.

Work Precisely

With a single click, you can now set your cut. To work precisely, it helps to hold the Shift key before making the cut to shift it even finer. This way you can ensure that the cut is exactly where you want it.

It is now necessary to extrude the newly created surfaces inside the model. Therefore, go back to loop selection. It is easier to select the relevant surfaces rather than marking them manually. Extrude the surfaces inwards at an angle of about 90°.

Fine-Tune the Extrusion

Note that you may need more than 90° to achieve the desired effect. Experiment with this value until the edge appears clean. At over 100°, the snap effect should activate, finalizing the corner point.

If you are satisfied with the extrusion, you can further transform it to increase the number of polygons in the model. This way, you create a thoughtful base for the later details you want to add to your architectural model.

Summary - Adding Architectural Details to Rundbaus in Cinema 4D

By using targeted methods in Cinema 4D, you can dramatically add depth and detail to your Rundbaus. Whether through precise work with the knife or the skillful use of extrusion, every change will make your model appear lively.