2025-11-08 - Sketchup Advanced modelling techniques + Assignment 1 Issue

Quick recap

The meeting began with a discussion about resuming classes after a power outage in Kingston, including relaxed deadlines for assignments and advanced modeling techniques in SketchUp. Brian shared historical photographs and memories of Hurricane Gilbert, which led to a detailed exploration of various 3D modeling methods and their applications in architecture. The class engaged in practical exercises focusing on sketching and modeling techniques in SketchUp, with Brian demonstrating how to create and edit 2D graphics with transparent backgrounds and composite images using Photoshop.

Next steps

• Brian: Post class recording and summary for students to follow along

• Brian: Create and post a starter video showing how to begin modeling the building for Assignment 1

• Students: Submit Assignment 1 - due in a couple weeks

• Students: Complete studio-based assignment that was assigned pre-hurricane - submit as soon as possible

• Students: Choose one background image from provided folder for Assignment 1 composition

• Tara: Resubmit InDesign assignment with proper file format once software issue is resolved

• Brian: Check on students' progress with Assignment 1 modeling process at next class meeting

• Students: Try to complete and submit all pending assignments quickly before UTECH's grade submission cutoff

Summary

Post-Disaster Class Resumption Plan

The meeting focused on the resumption of classes following a power outage in Kingston and surrounding areas. Brian emphasized the importance of completing the semester on time to avoid an extended school year and announced relaxed deadlines for assignments. He mentioned that about 25% of students might face difficulties due to power outages, and UTEC will decide on a cutoff date for grades. The class discussed advanced modeling techniques in SketchUp, with some students facing technical issues. Brian shared information about a free version of SketchUp called SketchUp Make, which is no longer officially available but can be found online. He also showed some interesting pictures to the class.

Hurricane Gilbert's Resilient Structures

Brian shared old photographs and memories of Hurricane Gilbert, which struck Jamaica about 30 years ago. He described the widespread devastation, including flooded streets, downed trees, and damaged roofs, particularly in West Milan. Brian noted that while many buildings were destroyed, some structures, like a specific development with blue roofs, remained undamaged. He expressed interest in learning more about the construction techniques used in that development, which appeared to have stood up better to the storm.

SketchUp Modeling Techniques Overview

The class discussed modeling techniques in SketchUp, with Brian explaining different types like solid modeling and surface modeling. Tara raised a question about submitting a wireframe assignment, which Brian confirmed was received. Brian demonstrated modeling a 1990 Starlet using solid modeling techniques, emphasizing the importance of understanding different modeling methods. The class also briefly touched on other modeling methods such as digital sculpting and 3D scanning.

3D Modeling and SketchUp Techniques

Brian introduced various types of 3D modeling techniques, including surface modeling, spline modeling, digital sculpting, and parametric modeling, explaining their applications and differences. He demonstrated how to use 3D Studio Max and other software for modeling, emphasizing the importance of understanding these tools in architecture. Brian then focused on teaching the class how to sketch in SketchUp, explaining concepts like sticky fingers, groups, and components, and how to use these features to create and manipulate 3D models. He encouraged the students to practice sketching in 3D to enhance their design skills and creativity.

SketchUp Component and Group Techniques

Brian demonstrated the differences between groups and components in SketchUp, explaining how to edit and manipulate each. He then guided the team through creating columns as components and explained techniques for copying, rotating, and extruding objects in the model. Ashauni asked about turning off polar snapping, and Brian clarified that it cannot be turned off but can be managed by adjusting the settings. The team practiced copying and extruding elements to build the base of the building, with Brian emphasizing the importance of sketching in 3D and using visual estimates for measurements.

SketchUp Tutorial and Features Overview

The meeting focused on a tutorial session for SketchUp, where Brian demonstrated various features including adjusting the field of view, using the pencil and push-pull tools to create a window shape, and applying materials and textures. He explained how to use the paint bucket tool for solid colors, adjust material scale, and create custom colors. The participants were encouraged to explore the program and experiment with their own designs, with some members like Matthew noting they would need to watch a recording due to installation delays.

SketchUp Material and Style Customization

Brian demonstrated how to work with materials and styles in SketchUp, showing how to create and apply custom colors, use pre-built styles, and edit styles to customize line thickness, extensions, and face settings. He explained how to mix different styles and backgrounds, and mentioned that watermarks would be covered in a future compositing topic. Brian also showed how to save custom styles for future use.

SketchUp for Early Design Concepts

Brian discussed the benefits of using SketchUp for early design and conceptualization in architecture, emphasizing its simplicity and efficiency compared to more complex software. He encouraged students to use SketchUp for quick 3D sketches, transitioning to more specialized software like Revit for detailed drawings later in the design process. Brian then led a class exercise where students were tasked with modeling one of three simple hand-drawn sketches in SketchUp, with the goal of practicing quick and rough 3D sketching.

Practical Sketching and Proportion Techniques

The class engaged in a practical exercise involving sketching and modeling, with Brian emphasizing the importance of focusing on proportions and using the simplest methods to explore concepts, even if that means using hand drawing over complex software. Brian encouraged the students to practice creating "wiggle-up sketches" and highlighted the value of identifying and working with basic geometric primitives. He also stressed the importance of breaking down sketches into manageable shapes and maintaining proportions, using a specific example to demonstrate this approach.

3D Modeling with SketchUp Basics

Brian demonstrated how to create a 3D model in SketchUp by starting with a 2D sketch and then building it in 3D, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a similar view to the original sketch. He explained how to use various tools like the rectangle tool, extrude, push-pull, and the pen tool to create the 3D model. Brian also introduced the concept of saving scenes in SketchUp to preserve different views and discussed the importance of having the 3D model before adding details or expanding on it. He mentioned that the next part of the lesson would focus on combining SketchUp with other programs like Photoshop for compositing.

SketchUp Building Model Creation

Brian demonstrated a three-step process for creating a building model in SketchUp and combining it with a background image in Photoshop. He explained how to model the building using measurements and creativity, align it with the background image, and create reflections and water ripples. Brian emphasized the importance of selecting the correct background image from a provided list for the assignment and provided tips for aligning the building with the perspective lines. He also showed how to adjust the camera field of view and use wireframe view to better visualize the alignment.

SketchUp Camera Views Demonstration

Brian demonstrated how to create and save a camera view in SketchUp, emphasizing the use of scenes over camera views for simplicity. He explained how to adjust the view, lock the aspect ratio, and modify the style to achieve a more realistic look by turning off edges and profiles. Brian also showed how to adjust shadows and save the file with a transparent background, noting that this feature requires the Pro version of SketchUp.

Advanced Modeling and Image Editing

Brian demonstrated advanced modeling techniques in SketchUp, focusing on creating and editing 2D graphics with transparent backgrounds. He explained how to use Photoshop to composite images, including adding shadows and reflections. Brian also discussed an upcoming assignment and provided resources to help students get started with modeling a building. He emphasized the importance of timely submission of assignments to ensure grades are entered in time for UTEC's requirements.

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