MAXScript - StackUp Instructions

With this MAXScript you can stack any objects randomly into anything you can imagine. It's been modified from the 3Disciple Magazine free script which was bundled with a tutorial. In production, it has been used to make neighbourhoods of houses and low-rise apartment blocks, as well as structural and industrial objects such as scaffolding and industrial objects. Before anyone starts comparing this to more complex parametric/array node-based tools, let's be clear, this is a very simple tool to use that does one function really well - random stacking pre-built assets. There's no learning curve, apart from the way you set up the models to use with it. If you spend a little time creating 3D assets to use with it, you can build complex cities or towns with little effort and in no time. The most time-consuming task is planning how the stacking will conform from level to level (stairwells, facade designs etc).

See the below video for an overview of what it does.

The MAXScript is installed with our universal installer.

ROOT FOLDER

You can rename the ROOT FOLDER!

If you choose to make your own models to use with StackUp follow the above guide for each StackUp preset and you'll be fine. For example, 'Modern suburban houses', 'Apartment blocks', 'Retail shops' etc.

StackUp works by importing 3D models from set folders and stacking them based on the parameters you set, from single level to 99 levels plus roofs. Depending on how many models you place in each corresponding folder determines how random your final stacked model will appear. For example, if you have 1 x model in each folder there will be no variation, whereas 10 x different designed models per folder will look much more random and awesome!

The MAXScript requires that each model fits within identical width and height dimensional boundaries. This allows StackUp to build the imported stack using set width/height parameters. The depth of models isn't affected, nor are the top heights as these models 'cap' the stack.

A model can be smaller than the set parameters, but make sure the bounding box remains the same as the others. Similarly, a model can extend beyond the bounding box parameters if you want it (adding a basement under a ground floor model, for example).

StackUp places imported 3D models into a grouped stack generated at a set distance, placed along single or multiple splines. 

You can select single or multiple splines to use. StackUp will automatically convert shapes to edit splines.

Spline Layout

Select Model Files 

Building Parameters

Generate