One to bookmark: Syncronia

Syncronia provides a library of freely downloadable models and textures for use in visualisation work.

Syncronia has updated its collection of free architectural resources, adding – if we counted the assets listed in its latest newsletter correctly – seven new 3D models and around 30 new texture maps.

And since we haven’t featured Syncronia before on CG Channel, we thought this was a good excuse to draw your attention not only to the new content, but to the site itself.

Realistic models of real-world furnishings
Like the commercial marketplace Umolab, which we featured earlier this year, Syncronia specialises in digital versions of real-world objects.

But whereas Umolab tends more towards smaller objects, like domestic appliances, Syncronia tends more towards larger fixtures and furnishings: from taps and radiators to entire kitchens.

Supplied in standard 3D file formats
Models are supplied in a range of formats, including MAX, 3DS, OBJ and DWG. We counted over 200 model sets on the site at the time of posting, including 50 in MAX format.

Textures are supplied as both JPEGs and as libraries, including 3ds Max’s MAT format and Revit’s RVT format. The site also includes reference images of the real objects, and even catalogues from their manufacturers.

As the list of file formats suggests, the assets are geared as much towards architects as 3D and visualisation professionals, but they do give you an accurate base from which to work.

Being run out of Milan, the site favours Italian brands, but many of the models should be generic enough to use in a range of projects – particularly the furniture, which includes chairs, sofas and tables.

Visit Syncronia online
(Registration required. Models can be accessed via the Tools menu)