Soap Skin Bubble
This Ruby Script is similar to From Contour. It creates gridded faces between selected edges. The generated faces can be given a value to add bulge and curvature by adding pressure to the face, much like a soap bubble Fig. 12.22, Fig. 12.23 . The script was authored by Josef Leibinger. Website Fig. 12-22 Comparison between From Contour and Soap Bubble. From Contour requires two or more edges. Soap Bubble needs a closed loop of edges to stitch the faces. Fig. 12-22 Comparison between From...
Adding Color and Texture
By striking a balance between solid colors and textures, you can make your model more visually appealing and expressive. Use colors and textures that best define the material that represents the surface. As a general rule, apply more solid colors than textures. This will help delineate between the surfaces Fig. 7-31 . Fig. 7-31 Colored areas on a site plan. Fig. 7-31 Colored areas on a site plan. You can adjust Hue, Saturation, and Contrast under the Materials Edit tab. Make the colors lighter...
Component Library
Compiling and organizing a component library made of both pre-made and custom components Fig. 3-24 is important. Organize your components by category types for example, trees, benches, buildings . The Components menu Window gt Components can be linked to a user component library for easy access Fig. 3-25 . Fig. 3-24 Tree component library compiled from various websites. Fig. 3-24 Tree component library compiled from various websites. Fig. 3-25 Organize your components into a coherent component...
Articulating the Buildings
Buildings provide context. You can add pre-made or custom window and door components to the buildings. Then you can further adjust and manipulate the volume of the building mass Fig. 19-25 through Fig. 19-27 . There are three types of buildings that should be included in a site plan 3 Any proposed building or structure that has been designed and modeled. 3 E xisting buildings adjacent to the site plan or proposed architecture. Google Earth and 3D Warehouse contain many pre-made existing...
Modeling and Grading Tips
As you follow along with the tutorials to generate slopes and elevation, keep the following tips in mind. 3 As discussed earlier, all drafted edges and faces should be drawn on Layer 0. 3 G eometry generated using From Contour will be created as a group. Place the group geometry onto its own layer called Terrain. 3 When you are working with Groups and Components, make sure you are aware of group or component instances within which you are working, especially the Flatwork Base. 3 You will have...
Importing Site Plans
SketchUp lets you import several standard image formats JPEG images .jpg , tagged images .tif , bitmap images .bmp , and Portable Network Graphic images .png . When you use a site plan, make sure it was scanned or saved in a compatible image format. To import an image, go to File gt Import and select the file extension that supports the plan image. Several options will appear to the right of the file import screen. Select the Use As Image option. Click Open and the image will appear in...
D D
When you are using SketchUp modeling to create surfaces and objects, the 2D 3D method of problem solving is an important one to understand. If you can imagine and draw something two-dimensional in SketchUp, you can translate the 2D drawing into 3D Fig. 6-4 . Throughout this book, you'll see 2D drafted edges subdividing a face that is then given volume using various tools. This book focuses on drafting a 2D representative base and articulating that base into a 3D model Fig. 6-5, Fig. 6-6 . Fig....
Adjusting the Building Components
Components placed on buildings can be scaled, copied, moved, arrayed, rotated, and edited the same as other components. Select the door component and adjust its size using the Scale tool Fig. 6-37 . Adjust the door to match the length of the steps. You can see the completed building in Fig. 6-38. Fig. 6-38 The completed building with component detail. Fig. 6-38 The completed building with component detail.
Campus QuadArea Yvg
This tutorial uses the same model from Areas 1 and 2 to complete Area 3. Successful completion will require attention to detail and patience. Although the steps are quick, creating the desired surfaces is somewhat complex. The intent is to show how it is possible to create varied, yet connected elevations in multiple locations. As with the previous tutorial, pay close attention to the diagrams for the locations to place, copy, and draft arcs and edges. 1. Identify Area 3 in the example model....
Hidden Geometry
Extruded 3D faces originating from arcs or circle edges are constructed of faceted faces. The number of faceted faces is equal to the number of sides that compose the arc or circle. To set the dashed edges that compose the curvature to be visible Fig. 11-2 , turn on Hidden Geometry View gt Hidden Geometry . This will allow each individual face to be selected and adjusted Fig. 11-3 . Fig. 11-2 Hidden geometry composing the cylinder. Fig. 11-3 By making the hidden geometry visible, you can Push...
Furnishing Components
Site furnishings don't need to be arranged in any particular order. This is true whether you are arranging the ones generated in Chapter 8 or similar pre-made components Fig. 10-13 . As a general rule, though, you should make sure each component type is on its own layer. Before you import your components, create a layer for each furnishing type and make it active. Fig. 10-13 Import and insert custom-made site components from Chapter 8. Insert the bollards, pedestrian lights, park bench, planter...
Components within Components
Components and groups can be located, pasted, or created within other components. Example Enter the group instance of one of the cubes. Next, select two of the smaller adjacent faces, right-click, and select Make Component. Name the faces Cube Faces and select OK. The two faces are now a separate component within the Cube component Fig. 3-15 . Fig. 3-15 Create a component by selecting two faces within the Cube component instance. Fig. 3-15 Create a component by selecting two faces within the...
Conceptual Grading 1
You can easily add conceptual slopes and elevation to your models. By adding grade and elevation, you help communicate the spatial relationships and design intent Fig. 19-32 through Fig. 19-37 . For a review of conceptual grading, see Chapter 13. You should add conceptual grades, even minute slopes, where possible. Ideally, adding conceptual grade should be done before the Flatwork Base is populated with site elements. Fig. 19-32 Three arcs are drafted along the wall surface. With the three...
Joint Push Pull
This Ruby Script is the Push Pull equivalent for organic geometry. By selecting a group of faceted faces and applying Joint Push Pull, you can pull the faces up or down to add volume. The script allows you to select multiple, unconnected faces and apply Push Pull to all the selected faces. See Fig. 12.17 to Fig. 12.21. As with Tools on Surface, this script was created by Fredo6. Website Fig. 12-17 Selected faces on the terrain surface to be Push Pulled, in mass, using the Joint Push Pull Ruby....
Part AutoCAD to SketchUp
Many SketchUp users, depending on their professions, utilize Computer Aided Design CAD software when drawing site plans and buildings. Part 4 details a specific method for efficiently and quickly converting an AutoCAD file into a 3D model. Chapter 16 is an overview of the general AutoCAD-to-SketchUp conversion method. Chapter 17 provides a detailed procedure for organizing AutoCAD files for import into SketchUp. Chapter 18 details how to model the organized AutoCAD information from Chapter 17....
Copy and Paste Between Instances
The following architectural tutorials use the same window and door components on multiple buildings. To repeatedly use components, you can copy them between component instances. Simply select and copy a component while in a building instance. When you enter the next building component instance, you can paste the copied window or door component onto the face. As always, make sure you are working in the correct building instance. Or, while in a building component instance, you can use the...
Drafting Order
These steps, which will be described in more detail, provide general guidelines for drafting and for effectively using the inference system. First, draft the outline of the plan image. Gradually subdivide the surface into smaller, more detailed faces. Use all of the drafted geometry to snap and align the other edges and faces as more detail is added. The smallest surfaces for example, steps and walls should be the last geometry that you draft. Drawing the Site Perimeter and Building Footprints...
Sandbox Building Tutorial
This tutorial provides a detailed example using the From Contour tool and the Drape tool to articulate a building. Before you start this exercise, you'll need to understand how SketchUp tools, groups, and components work. To complete this exercise, you'll need to pay attention to detail and exercise patience. This tutorial building is loosely based on the Denver Justice Center Courthouse design by Keat Tan of Klipp Architects in Denver, Colorado. Download Model Sandbox_Building 1. Review the...
Free SketchUp Bonus Pack Components
Google SketchUp's website offers free and very useful component bonus packs Fig. 3-21 . To effectively use this book, download and install the bonus components for SketchUp 7. 2. Make sure you have a working Internet connection. 3. From the menu bar, choose Window gt Components to open the Components browser. 4. In the Components browser, click the Select tab to view the Select panel Fig. 3-21 . 5. Select the pull-down menu to the right of the In Model button the arrow to the right of the...
Basic SketchUp Tools
SketchUp tools operate by using the Click release technique. After a tool is activated, click and release the left mouse button to draw edges, move items, or perform some other function. Do not click and hold to perform functions this is known as Click drag. To practice the Click release technique, activate a tool, select the first point, and release the mouse button. Do not click and drag. Depending on the tool, further input is typically required, usually clicking the left mouse button to...
nil
6. Repeat step 5 to add color to the top and bottom of bulb. Add Color_005. Turn off Hidden Geometry when you are done with this step. Under Camera, select Perspective. 7. Add color to the rest of the lightfaces as shown.
Part Introduction to SketchUp Process Modeling
SketchUp Process Modeling provides a road map for how best to accomplish specific goals in SketchUp. Chapter 6 introduces SketchUp Process Modeling through a tutorial modeling a site plan that includes a building, walks, trees, lawns, and trails. Chapter 7 applies the method as a modeling exercise utilizing a scanned and imported hand-drawn site plan. Chapter 8 provides a series of tutorials to create custom site objects. Chapter 9 reviews how to model basic buildings and building elements such...
Arranging the Components on the Building
Now that you have made the components, you need to arrange them on the building as indicated in the following steps. 42. Insert Window 1 at the location indicated on the massing. 43. Make sure you place the window on the face in the correct location as directed by the dimensions. 44. Coy and paste the second window 2'-6 from the adjacent face dashed hidden geometry edge. 45. Immediately after placing the second window, add the third window equidistant between the other two by entering 2 in the...
Arcs
SketchUp does not display true arcs. As outlined in Chapter a series of edges faceted together. Conversely, AutoCAD does generate true arcs. SketchUp reinterprets any imported arcs with faceted edges. The formerly smooth arc in AutoCAD becomes a series of lines that distort the overall shape and form of the arc in SketchUp Fig. 18-5 . Imported arcs are the primary culprit in creating difficulties when you are healing faces. The reinterpretation of a smooth arc into a series of edges causes the...
PreMade Components
Many objects in the built environment can be added to a model as components. Although you can create custom components, the fastest and most convenient way to populate a model with objects is to use pre-made components. Components can include benches, cars, people, pedestrian lights, trash receptacles, signs, traffic signals, buildings, various furnishings, trees, shrubs, flowers, windows, doors, trains, and bridges. The list is endless. Most models incorporate a large variety of components....
Detailing the Sign
The corner wall is designed to serve as a sign in the plaza therefore, it can use some additional detail. a. With the Offset tool, select the top face of the wall. Offset the face outward 3. The edges of the face will offset 3 and create a face overlapping the original edges Fig. 7-43 . b. Push Pull the new surface 3 in height. Push Pull the inner face 3 to match the first face. c. Delete the excess lines of the inner face and add color to the faces Fig. 7-44 . Fig. 7-43 Offset the top face of...
The Handrail
This tutorial shows one method to create accurate ADA-compliant handrails for steps. As with the previous tutorial, instructions are kept to a minimum. Download model Handrail 1. Draft the edges and faces of a standard set of steps. 2. Draft the line work as indicated by the diagram. The outline forms the perimeter of the handrail. 3. Offset the face generated by the outline in step 2 inward 2. Delete the bottom edge of the offset. Delete the diagonal line across the top of the steps. Draw...
Tools on Surface
These are a powerful set of tools similar to SketchUp's Drawing commands. They can be used on organic geometry and irregular surfaces to draw lines, arcs, and shapes Fig. 12.15, Fig. 12.16 . The Ruby Script was authored by Fredo6. Fredo6 has created some amazing SketchUp plug-ins that can be found at www.sketchucation.com. Website Fig. 12-15 The Tools on Surface toolbar Fig. 12-15 The Tools on Surface toolbar Fig. 12-16 Shapes drafted directly onto an organic surface using Tools on Surface....
Troubleshooting Shadows
If an object is casting a shadow on the vantage point of an eye-level view, the scene shadows will be distorted. There are two solutions to this problem 3 You can adjust the location or shadow settings of the scene. 3 You can determine which object is casting the shadow on the camera's vantage point. Select that object typically this will be a building or tree component behind or directly adjacent to the scene position and right-click to open Entity Info. Under Entity Info, uncheck the Cast...
Overlapping and Short Lines
Lines that are connected in AutoCAD, once in SketchUp, can overlap or fall short of the intended endpoint. For example, two lines connected at 90 degrees are imported into SketchUp. A close inspection of the lines might show that one of the lines is either extended beyond the endpoint or falls short, creating a gap. These overlaps and short lines are difficult to notice, but they affect how faces are created. With overlapping lines, the tiny amount of extra edge beyond the intersection of the...
Subdividing Faces
Subdividing is a term used throughout this book. It refers to using geometry, typically edges, to further divide a face into multiple faces. There are many instances where you will be asked to use the SketchUp drawing tools to partition or subdivide a face into multiple faces Fig. 2-5 . Fig. 2-5 Edges can subdivide a single face into two or more faces.
Pedestrian Ramp
In this tutorial, you will learn to create a simple pedestrian intersection ramp using some simple edges and From Contour. Download from 3D Warehouse and open model Pedestrian_Ramp_Tutorial 1. Push Pull the corner surface down to be flush with the adjacent road surface. 2. Select the curved outer edge flush with the road and the top smaller arc-edge adjacent to the buildings and walks. With the edges selected, activate From Contour. The From Contour tool will stitch the two selected arcs...
Using Site Plans
Site plans are drawn and scaled drawings that represent two-dimensional layouts of a built environment Fig. 7-1 . They range from hand-drawn sketches on tracing paper to elaborate pencil, marker, PhotoShop, or AutoCAD plans. This chapter focuses on constructing a Flatwork Base from a scanned hand-drawn plan of a courtyard and surrounding buildings. To complete this exercise, download the Conceptual Site Plan Image model from 3D Warehouse. The model is part of the SPM Part 2 collection SPM Part...
The Park Bench
In this example you will learn to mirror and make components unique while also utilizing components within components. 1. Draft the edges on the face. 2. Convert the geometry into a component. Call it Frame. Add volume as indicated. Note if Push Pull causes the other side of the volume to lose its faces, heal the faces in the component instance by going from endpoint to endpoint with the line tool along the hollow edges. This simple component will be used to make the Bench frame. 3. Copy the...
Part Sandbox Tools
The Sandbox tools are powerful and easy-to-use tools that can create complex and organic forms. Chapter 12 introduces readers to the Sandbox tools and associated custom Ruby Scripts in a series of simple diagrams. Chapter 13 demonstrates how the Sandbox tools can create conceptual terrain and grading. Chapter 14 utilizes the Sandbox tools to create complex canopies and tensile structures. Chapter 15 reviews tips on using the Sandbox tools for modeling architecture. Fig. 1-10 Model of plaza for...
Part Introduction to SketchUp
Chapter 2 reviews how SketchUp works and introduces its basic tools and functions. Chapter 3 introduces components and groups. Chapter 4 discusses how to best use SketchUp to problem-solve models and how to best problem-solve SketchUp when it performs in unexpected ways. Chapter 5 introduces readers to Ruby Scripts, custom tools that make working with SketchUp easier. Fig. 1-8 Recreation park concept model, Al Ghadeer community, United Arab Emirates. Fig. 1-8 Recreation park concept model, Al...
Road and Curb
Push Pull the road 6 down. Remember to delete the excess edges and faces created by Push Pull on the perimeter of the road face Fig. 7-32 . I Table 7.1 Colors Used on the Flatwork Base Faces I Table 7.1 Colors Used on the Flatwork Base Faces Asphalt Building Concrete Walk Gravel - Inner Ring Gravel - Outer Ring Lawn Vegetation_Bark_Marble - Texture removed Groundcover_Sand_Smooth Groundcover_Brick_Crushed -Texture removed Vegetation_Grass1 -Texture removed Vegetation-Blur7- Texture removed...
Folder and File Structure
So that you can efficiently work between the two software platforms and keep the various files well organized, you should establish a folder and file structure. Choose a location for the folders, either on the local hard drive or on a project server. If you are working with an existing project file structure, you will probably want to keep the folders and files with the associated project. Create a new folder named 3D. This will be the main folder containing all the AutoCAD and SketchUp folders...
Components and Faceted Surfaces
Components, such as windows and doors, can be affixed to the individual faces of a curvature. When the Hidden Geometry is visible, placing a component onto the surface is no different than placing a component on any other face Fig. 11-4 . Faceted faces can interfere with a component. For example, the window component in Fig. 11-5 is arranged between two faces, with the hidden edge in the middle. This will cause the component to be hidden or disrupted by the adjacent face. Components can be...
The Value Control Box
The Value Control Box VCB , located at the bottom-right corner of the screen, allows users to accurately portray dimensions and achieve precision while modeling. Inputting specific numerical values provides lengths, widths, heights, rotation angles, and other dimensions to geometry Fig. 2-19 . SketchUp must be maximized to view the VCB. Fig. 2-19 The Value Control Box allows users to enter exact lengths, widths, and other dimensions to create precision geometry. Fig. 2-19 The Value Control Box...
Component Tools
There are many tools that affect the placement, copies, rotation, and scale of components. The following list is a quick overview of some tools Move Copy Like many of SketchUp's tools, Move Copy has multiple functions. Ctrl Alt click and drag to create a copy of the selected component geometry. Entering a value distance in the VCB will locate the copied component the specified distance away from the original. Move Copy Array - Linear Move Copy has the ability to create multiple copies in a row....
Installing Ruby Scripts
To install Ruby Scripts on a Windows system, place them in the following directory path C Program Files Google Google SketchUp version Plugins To install Ruby Scripts on a Macintosh system, place them in the following directory path Hard Drive Library Application Support Google SketchUp version SketchUp P1ug-ins To install some Ruby Scripts for example, Surface Tools , you'll need to read and follow the instructions that come with the downloaded files.
Park Landform
Now it's time to work on the park. In this tutorial you will give the park a personality of its own. You will learn to generate terrain using three separate Sandbox tools From Scratch, Drape, and Smoove. In combination, they allow you to generate smooth terrain fitting into a specific site plan location. The height or depth of the terrain is easily controlled, and you will learn to snap the terrain to the tops of walls and edges. Download from 3D Warehouse and open model Park_Landform 1. Review...
AutoCAD Base Files
After you create the folder structure, your next step is to create a copy of the original project AutoCAD file. The original file refers to the AutoCAD base that is being used for the layout of the project. Typically and in professional terms these are schematic design, design development, or construction document base files that are used by an individual or the project team to delineate a site or building design. Because you will significantly alter the AutoCAD project file, you need to use a...
The Stamp and Flip Edge Tools
The Stamp tool can help you place objects onto an organic surface. The Stamp tool helps imbed the selected item into terrain by adjusting the geometry to enfold the object Fig. 12-12 through Fig. 12-14 . Fig. 12-12 The Stamp tool is activated on a building model. Fig. 12-12 The Stamp tool is activated on a building model. The simple Flip Edge tool reverses and adjusts the orientation of edges. When you generate faces using From Contours, some of the edges are aligned in ways that distort...
The Modern Bench
The Modern Bench Tutorial will demonstrate how Push Pull can be used to create subtracted volume. Download model Modern Bench. 1. Draw the volume. 2. Draft the faces on the front surface as indicated in the diagram. The colors are for reference only, to delineate the faces. 3. Push Pull the center face inward. Snap the face to an edge on the opposite side of the volume. This will cause the center face to disappear. 4. Use the Line tool and draw edges to define the top seating surface of the...
Slopes and Grades
The tutorial will teach you how to use arcs and edges drafted on a vertical surface to generate a series of gentle slopes and grades. Make sure the arcs are flush with vertical face of the walls. Download from 3D Warehouse and open model Slopes_Grades 1. Draw three connected arcs along the vertical surface of the wall as shown in the graphic. Make sure to connect the first point of the first arc and the second point of the third arc to the bottom corner endpoints of the wall and Flatwork Base....
Driveway Ramp
In this tutorial, you will build a driveway ramp. You will have to draft edges and arcs to help complete the form of the ramp. This is the first instance in which you will use construction geometry that will provide frame for the ramp. Download from 3D Warehouse and open model Drive_Ramp 1. Push Pull the surface indicated by the arrow in the image downward to be flush with the adjacent road surface. 2. With Hidden Geometry set to visible, draw an edge and arc connecting the exposed vertical...
Construction Geometry
Construction geometry provides another useful method for generating organic shapes. Construction geometry consists of drawn edges used to create the skeletal forms or wire frames of an object. From Contour is applied to the wire frame to generate edges and faces that define the skin of the object or form. You will learn how to create edge construction geometry to create slopes, buildings, and complex structures using the Sandbox tools in Chapters 13, 14, and 15 Fig. 12.32 . Fig. 12-32 The edges...
Preparing the Drafting Trace
You can use the downloaded Conceptual Site Plan Image mentioned earlier for the rest of this chapter. This exercise's image is already scaled to the correct size. The image group is on its own layer, and the group itself is locked. As described in Chapter 6, the Flatwork Base will be sculpted on a rectangular face. Because the plan image will be traced onto the rectangular face, the surface needs to be transparent. To prepare the drafting face, follow these steps a. With Layer 0 as the active...