2025-09-15 3D Modelling Practical

The meeting began with technical updates including website modifications and module scheduling information, along with announcements about class participation tracking and project requirements. Brian demonstrated the process of transitioning from hand sketches to 3D models in architecture, covering the importance of sketch refinement and the creation of schematic drawings before detailed modeling. The session concluded with practical instruction on using Revit software for drafting and design work, including guidance on navigating the interface and creating schematic design sketches for a two-tier ground floor layout.

Next steps

• All students: Submit Checkpoint 1 by Saturday, September 20th

• All students: Complete the schematic cut drawing in today's class for double points

• All students without Zoom profile pictures: Update profile pictures ASAP

• Students: Check the class website regularly for assignment due dates and schedule updates

• Brian: Recover and fix the meeting links on the class website

• Brian: Assign topics to students who haven't chosen presentation topics during today's lecture session at 2 PM

• Students: Who haven't chosen a presentation topic yet to select one from the available topics on the website

• Gregory: Register for a topic and catch up on missed assignments from the first class

• O'Carey: Resubmit sketch using the working submission link

• Brian: Continue updating the class timeline as the course progresses

• Students: Report any errors spotted on the website or timeline to Brian

• Brian: Confirm whether some classes might need to be rescheduled for Saturdays instead of Mondays

• Students: Who didn't submit their sketch during the previous class to complete it by today to receive class participation points

• Students: Check if the lecture meeting link is working at the end of class

Summary

Class Website and Calendar Updates

Brian announced updates to the class website, including a new timeline feature for tracking assignment due dates and a revised class recordings section with AI-generated meeting summaries. Brian reminded students about the requirement to update their Zoom profile pictures and noted that over half the class had submitted their sketches.

Module Schedule and Project Updates

Brian updated the class on module scheduling, confirming that classes will remain on Mondays with occasional Saturday sessions if needed, and introduced a new class participation system that will track attendance and involvement in activities. He outlined the major project requirements, including Checkpoint 1 which involves creating design sketches and schematic drawings due Saturday, with bonus points available for in-class submissions. Brian also announced that presentation topics 3 and 4 will be revealed during the lecture session, and clarified the submission process and late work policy for the project.

3D Modeling in Architecture Workflow

Brian demonstrated the process of transitioning from hand sketches to 3D models in architecture, highlighting the importance of sketch refinement before moving to AEC modeling tools like Revit. He compared the efficiency of sketching directly with using AEC tools, illustrating how measurements and tool selection in Revit can slow down the design process. The discussion included a practical example where a bed couldn't fit in the initially planned space, emphasizing the need for consideration of actual measurements and furniture sizes during the design process.

Schematic Drawings for 3D Modeling

Brian explained the process of creating schematic drawings as a middle step between initial sketches and detailed 3D modeling in Revit. He instructed the class to focus on simple 2D line drawings of plans and elevations without worrying about furniture or specific design details, using only basic drafting tools like lines, offsets, and fillets. The purpose of this exercise is to quickly confirm proportions and measurements before moving into detailed 3D modeling, allowing students to avoid wasting time on specific design elements that might not fit the space properly.

Revit Software Navigation Overview

Brian led a session on using Revit software, focusing on navigating the interface and understanding the project browser. He explained the ribbon structure, which organizes tools into categories like Insert and Annotate, and demonstrated how to use the project browser to explore different project elements. Brian addressed questions about template options, suggesting that students use either the multidisciplinary or architectural templates, and provided guidance on navigating the software interface, including zooming and panning functions.

Revit Dynamic Tools and Views

Brian demonstrated how Revit's ribbon and properties dynamically change based on what tool or object is selected, showing different options for floor plans, edges, and elevation tools. He explained that when drawing in plan view, users are also creating a 3D model, and demonstrated how to switch between different view types including 3D views and architectural views using the project browser and view cube.

Revit 2D Drafting Views Overview

Brian led a session on using 2D drafting views in Revit, explaining how to activate and work within this view type which provides a blank canvas for drawing lines similar to AutoCAD. He demonstrated the process of importing a sketch as a reference to guide the floor plan design, which will consist of two floors with a deck. The team was instructed to use their own sketches as references for creating the floor plans, with Brian noting that scaling doesn't matter for this initial drafting phase.

Revit Sketch Scaling Techniques

Brian demonstrated how to scale and refine sketches in Revit, showing participants how to adjust measurements and create more precise floor plans. He explained the process of using reference measurements to trace sketches and modify them for better accuracy. Brian also showed how to change dimension units and format them to display both millimeters and feet, allowing for more precise measurements in the design process.

Architectural Drafting Workflow Exploration

Brian discussed different approaches to architectural drafting and design processes with students. He explained the benefits of starting with basic line work to gauge sizes and heights before moving to more detailed modeling, emphasizing the importance of finding the right balance between tools and efficiency. Brian shared his personal workflow of using SketchUp for initial sketches before moving to Revit, while noting that other architects use different tools like Illustrator or AutoCAD. He encouraged students to experiment with different methods to discover their own optimal design process, stressing that the goal of the current module is to learn various approaches rather than establish a single "correct" method.

Revit Design Module Overview

Brian announced that the next module will cover designing in Revit, with students required to create a floor plan and section as 2D sketches using Revit. Students were informed that these sketches would be counted as classwork and submitted in both working file and PDF formats without needing specific sheet sizes or title blocks. Brian clarified that while students should show building openings and dimensions, the level of detail beyond that is up to their discretion, and he advised students to review the grading criteria on the class website for specific requirements.

Schematic Design Sketching in Revit

Brian guided the class on creating a schematic design sketch for a two-tier ground floor with an upper and lower deck. He emphasized that the focus should be on proportions, dimensions, and logical space placement rather than detailed architectural elements. Brian demonstrated how to sketch the layout in 2D, including foundations, decks, and windows, and explained how to use Revit tools to create a more detailed layout to scale. He instructed the students to finish their schematic sketches and clarified that they could print directly from the viewport without needing to create a sheet, as the focus was on modeling and design rather than architectural production.

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