2025-10-25 DDM Exercise 5 (Sketchup)

Quick recap

The instructor discussed schedule adjustments due to weather and announced extensions for upcoming assignments while emphasizing the importance of completing work before potential delays. The class transitioned from 2D to 3D design using SketchUp, with the instructor demonstrating basic tools and concepts while guiding students through exercises. The session concluded with instructions for creating technical drawings and architectural layouts in SketchUp, including demonstrations of layout features and the importance of maintaining accurate measurements and presentations.

Next steps

• All students to submit the InDesign exercise by the extended deadline.

• All students to complete the SketchUp Exercise 5 and submit both the SketchUp file and a PDF of the layout file with their name included.

• All students to continue working on their studio-based assignment due at the end of the coming week .

• Brian to save and upload the class video for students to review.

• Students to safeguard their electronic devices in preparation for the storm.

Summary

Weather Impact on Design Assignments

The instructor, Brian, discussed the impact of recent weather events on the class schedule and assignments. He announced extensions for the InDesign exercise and poster project due to potential disruptions next week. Brian emphasized the importance of completing as much work as possible before any delays, as end-of-semester checks and balances still need to occur. The class will focus on 3D design using SketchUp over the next two weeks, transitioning from 2D to 3D programs. Brian explained the differences between general-purpose and specialized 3D software, noting that SketchUp is a versatile design tool suitable for architectural concepts and other creative projects.

Introduction to 3D Modeling with SketchUp

Brian discussed the different levels of complexity in 3D modeling software, explaining that while Chief Architect and Revit are specifically designed for architecture, SketchUp is a simpler, more general-purpose tool that will be used as an introduction to 3D modeling in the course. He demonstrated how to access and use the free web version of SketchUp, and introduced the concept of 3D space using the X, Y, and Z axes to measure and manipulate objects in a virtual environment. The class was instructed to open SketchUp and follow along with the instructor's explanation of basic 3D concepts.

SketchUp Navigation and Exercise Demo

Brian demonstrated various viewing and navigation techniques in SketchUp, including wireframe, bounding box, smooth shading, and orthographic views. He explained how to change the camera's angle of view and focal length to zoom in or out. Brian then guided the class through Exercise 5, which involves using SketchUp to create a 3D model. He instructed students to download the necessary files and open the exercise on the DDM website. Brian emphasized that this would be their last exercise and reminded them to save their work in case of internet issues over the weekend.

SketchUp Desktop Tool Overview

Brian demonstrated how to use the desktop version of SketchUp, explaining key features like the selection tool, line tool, and snapping capabilities. He compared SketchUp's user interface to Illustrator, highlighting similarities between the tools and highlighting the infinite workspace of 3D programs. Brian showed how to draw shapes using the pencil tool, emphasizing the automatic snapping feature for creating straight lines and the color coding system for indicating horizontal and vertical lines.

3D Shape Drawing Software Demo

Brian demonstrated how to draw 3D shapes using a design software, focusing on transitioning from 2D to 3D and using tools like the orbit tool, color axis highlights, and the pull-push tool. He explained how to navigate the 3D space, draw lines along the x, y, and z axes, and create shapes like a letter C and E. Ashauni and Raheem faced some challenges following along due to differences between the web version they were using and the full version Brian was demonstrating. Brian emphasized the importance of understanding the color coding for different axes and perspective in 3D drawing.

SketchUp Training: Basic Tools Overview

Brian led a training session on using SketchUp, demonstrating basic tools like the push-pull tool for extrusion and the selection tool for object manipulation. He explained concepts such as non-coplanar surfaces and the importance of closed shapes in creating solid models. Brian guided participants through creating precise 3D shapes using measurements and discussed the difference between freehand modeling and accurate massing. He also addressed questions about toolsets, presets, and units, providing solutions for accessing advanced tools and setting dimensions.

SketchUp 3D Modeling Basics

Brian demonstrated how to create a 3D model in SketchUp, focusing on a LEGO block exercise. He explained how to change units, draw the base, and use the push-pull tool to extrude the shape. Tara asked if they had to work in millimeters, and Brian confirmed that for practice purposes, they should use millimeters. They discussed how to increase the precision in SketchUp to allow for more accurate measurements. Brian showed how to draw the base and create the basic shape of the model, emphasizing the importance of breaking down the shape into basic forms. They also touched on how to draw the circle at the top of the model.

SketchUp Technical Drawing Tools Demo

Brian demonstrated how to use various tools in SketchUp to create a technical drawing, including the tape measure tool, offset tool, and push-pull tool. He explained how to find the center of a shape, create a circle with a specific radius, and offset lines to create inner edges. Brian also showed how to use the Orbit tool for navigation and shared keyboard shortcuts for accessing tools. The group discussed how to determine measurements for a LEGO block design, including the height of the block and the dimensions of a hole in the bottom.

SketchUp for LEGO Design Basics

Brian demonstrated how to use SketchUp to create a LEGO block design, including drawing circles, using the tape tool, and adding text. He explained how to use the section tool to verify the accuracy of the design. Brian also introduced SketchUp Layout, a tool for presenting designs on a sheet with different views, labels, and dimensions. He showed how to open Layout and create a basic layout for a design.

SketchUp Layout Feature Demonstration

Brian demonstrated how to use SketchUp's layout feature to create multiple views of a 3D model and generate a PDF. He showed how to save different scenes with various styles and views, then transfer them to the Layout application where additional annotations and dimensions could be added. The model could be edited in SketchUp, and the changes would update in Layout, maintaining a live link between the two files.

SketchUp Design and Workflow Basics

The class focused on using SketchUp for architectural design, with Brian demonstrating how to create and configure layout sheets for conceptual designs. He explained that students should submit Exercise 5 by saving different views and creating a PDF layout file. Brian clarified the upcoming studio-based assignment in InDesign, which is worth 15% and due at the end of the following week. He emphasized that students should use their own content from their ritual project to create a presentation sheet. The class also covered how to handle section lines in SketchUp and discussed software choices for design workflows, with Brian recommending 3D Max as the best advanced software for architectural purposes.

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