BOBZBLOGZ
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SAMANIEGOMORGAN
BOBZBLOGZ A Series of Informal Articles from a British Architect working from The Philippines. Bob has worked throughout the Middle East and South-East Asia. He established his own Practice near Manila in 2010. Although based in The Philippines, most Projects originate from the Middle East and predominantly the UK.
BLOG 47: 18 July 2018
Straight to Video! Working with SketchUP for First Impressions
Figure 1: Toot Lodge
Introduction First Impressions always count, and you only have one chance to make a good one! What follows are a few ‘Tips and Tricks’ to do exactly that! – Make that ‘First Impression’ and invoke the ‘WOW Factor, in a relatively short space of time. The expression ‘Straight to Video’ is one from the Film Industry. It usually relates to Films that did not quite make it – Rather than being given a ‘Distributed Cinema Release’ the Films are consigned to the Video (DVD & Download) Markets, in the vain hope that they might at least recover some of their Production Costs. However, ‘Straight to JPEG’ is an expression that I coined several years ago. It actually relates to the Fast Production of ‘Rushes’ during the early stage of a project. Most Architects still rely upon a Pencil and Paper, in order to create and record Initial Ideas – The ‘Straight to JPEG’ process, is merely an extension of that, in order to convey the Design Message. A Combination of AutoCAD and SketchUP can achieve this very efficiently – SketchUP can also be used exclusively – It really depends upon what you are most comfortable working with.
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Here, we are not attempting to create Photo-Realistic Images and detailed BIM Models. If required, these will come along at a later stage, and will be part of the Fee Agreement. The process followed here can be considered to be an ‘Enabling Measure,’ and a worthwhile exercise in the Design Process. ‘Toot Lodge’ is a Project that has been ‘On the Books’ for several years! It has passed through the hands of several other Architects before it came to me – Surely, every Practice must have at least one of these? However and at long last, it now appears to be moving in the right direction.
What did Figure 1 Achieve? Was it a worthwhile exercise? First and foremost, it ‘Enabled’ everyone to get around the table and start talking again! – Something which had not happened for a very long time! Secondly, it assisted in revisiting and defining a Clear Brief for the Project – Again, something else which had become ‘Clouded’ over time. Thirdly, it had the initial ‘WOW Factor!’ Our Client had never seen a three dimensional view of the building before, and had been concerned that the ‘Perceived Mass’ of previous proposals was going to make it expensive – At least now, he can appreciate something a little more modest.
How was it all done? How long did it take and Cost? From my Initial Sketches and Notes, basic Floor Plans and Elevations were put together, which would form the basis for the SketchUP Model. This initial study, also gave us an opportunity to revisit the Brief. Previous proposals had been rather ‘Grand Affairs’ – Yet, although the site was ‘Desirable’ it was by no means exceptional. Although relatively isolated, the surrounding Residential Market was ‘Mature’ – Being a mix of Inter-War 3 Bedroom Houses, and several ‘Developer Housing Estates’ from the 1970s and 1990s.
Figure 2: Basic Plans, Sections and Elevations
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From my Initial Sketches and Notes, basic Floor Plans and Elevations were put together, which would form the basis for the SketchUP Model. The Accommodation Requirements of the Brief were met. There was also the opportunity to incorporate a usable Attic Space, if required. If nothing else, this process confirmed the requirements of the Brief, and enabled some long awaited Cost Planning. Accommodation is as follows. Viz., • • • • • • •
3 Bedrooms (Minimum) Main Bedroom to have En-Suite Bathroom Ground Floor Cloakroom Attic Space Desirable Separate Garage for 2 Vehicles Kitchen/Dining Room and Separate Utility Room Lounge
Figure 3: Basic ‘Box & Wedge’ Block Model in AutoCAD Using the ‘Primitives’ of Boxes and Wedges in AutoCAD, the Basic Plans and Elevations were extended in to Three Dimensions. This can also prove to be a great opportunity in the Decision Making Process – Retaining what works, and dismissing what does not.
Figure 4: Predefined Window Assemblies SAMANIEGOMORGAN
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This stage of Design Development would also highlight aspects of ‘Workflow.’ Is it easier to model in AutoCAD? – Or do I leave it until inside SketchUP? Over time, I have created various ranges of Fenestration that have been ‘Tried and Tested.’ An appropriate range was selected, and it was merely a case of ‘Inserting’ the Standard Types. Of course, other ranges and styles of fenestration can be substituted with relative ease. The same applies to Internal Doors, Casegoods and Whitegoods.
Figure 5: Crossing the Rubicon! As the AutoCAD Model was being produced, several forays were made in to SketchUP, to check on Scale, Mass and Proportion, etc. Ultimately, the AutoCAD Model was imported in to Sketchup – Some minor adjustments might be required, together with resolution of Transfer Errors, etc. (SketchUP however, is very ‘Forgiving’ in terms of the DWG and DXF Information it Imports)
Figure 6: Initial Clean-Up and Shadows The redundant Floor Plans and Elevations have been removed, together with all extraneous lines, etc. Shadows have been Switched-On for this example, in order to check on ‘Depth’ and Penetrations, etc. The SketchUP man is there purely as a guide to ‘Scale.’
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Figure 7: Composing the Stage Set Above we can see a collection of various components and a Drawing which appears somewhat haphazard and incomplete. However and remember, we are NOT attempting to achieve a Photo-Realistic Presentation – We just need the ‘Bits’ that make the ‘Scene’ work, from a presentation point of view.
Figure 8: Lights, Camera, ACTION! Figure 8 (Above) gives us the completed image, complete with Materials, Colour, Lighting, Shadows, People, Landscaping and Vehicles.
Figure 9: Monochrome perhaps?
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Now let us return to the questions from the beginning – How long did it take, and How much did it cost? My initial Sketches and Notes were prepared during some ‘Quiet Time’ one evening, once at home – Just enough to get an assistant started the following morning. This, I usually recognise as ‘Y Time’ where an entry is made on a Timesheet, but no ‘Dent’ is made to the Fee. In reality, approximately 2 Hours can be used. The ‘Basics’ for the model and the initial ‘Shift’ into SketchUP were carried out by an Intermediate Architectural Assistant, booking 3 Hours. Final Rendering, Entourage and ‘Tweaking’ was another 1 Hour on my part. Applying a Monetary Value will be ‘Relative’ to prevailing Book-Back Rates in your own Studio and Territory. Given the prevailing rates in The Philippines, and my ‘Y Time’ contribution, some will be astonished to find that the whole process cost a shade under £100
An Appropriate Composition Achieving a ‘Sense of Place’ Often referred to as ‘Architectural Entourage’ the placement of Cars, People, Trees, Shrubs and Street Furniture, etc., can be very emotive. Quite often, initial ‘Reveals’ will direct dialogue around particular prejudices – Particularly with Vehicles! In many instances the selection of Entourage Items generates more comment that the building being presented – However, this can be used to your advantage, by ‘Grasping the Moment!’
By ALEXANDER ROBERTSON FOR MAILONLINE PUBLISHED: 11:09 BST, 20 June 2018 | UPDATED: 16:32 BST, 20 June 2018
Do the architects know something we don't? Plans for Cotswolds mansion tipped as Harry and Meghan's bolthole show a stylishly-dressed young woman pushing a baby in a pram •
Prince Harry and Meghan's new property will be situated on a 3,800 acre estate
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New drawings have predicted that a baby will be a part of the building's future
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A woman in a long, stylish coat is seen pushing a pram in latest architect plans
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Planned property is set to replace farm buildings in Great Tew, Gloucestershire
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Plans for a Cotswolds mansion tipped to be the next home of Prince Harry and Meghan have predicted that a baby will be a part of the building's future.
Drawings of human figures have been added by architects ahead of the proposed creation of a luxury six-bedroom mansion in the countryside. The black and white drawings for the 3,800-acre estate, which could be built on the site of farmhouse called Beggar's Lodge, appear to be tell their own story. Plans seen here for the first time show line drawings of a stylishlydressed woman wheeling a pram carrying a small child along one side of the house. The reality of course is that the image has been around for about 50 Years! It is just a digitised version of Letraset/Mecanorma Transfer Figures from the 1970s – Which I still use – Albeit in modified and updated forms, for Two Dimensional Drawings. My response to the Daily Mail Article above was “So the building was fine then?” The Daily Mail article made no reference to the ‘Architecture!’ Like so many aspects of Design, ‘Not Offending’ often has to be regarded as a measure of ‘Success!’ Another attribute of ‘Architectural Entourage’ is to apply a ‘Sense of Scale.’ However Cars, just like People, come in various Shapes, Sizes and Colours! Using an American Car from the 1950s and 1960s will give a totally different ‘Look and Feel’ as opposed to using a Mini, or any other small family car. Models should also be selected with care – If appropriate, determine what car the Client drives beforehand! Cars can also ‘Date’ a presentation too. Unless preparing models for Car Dealerships, I would advise NOT using the Latest Models! Personally, my preference is for ‘Timeless Classics,’ or a car that I might drive, or have owned myself previously.
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This advice rests well against those who use the latest download of a Bugatti Veyron (Because it is available Free), for use on a Social Housing Project in a Third World location! – Sure, the ‘Quality’ of the Model and Rendering can look a ‘Million Dollars!’ – But is it Appropriate and Relevant? The opposing argument is considered in a later section (Figure 13).
Figure 10: Appropriateness in Composition The proposal above (Figure 10), was prepared for Technology Based Small Business Units in Birmingham (UK). The general ‘Look and Feel’ of the Project was firmly ‘Industrial Revolution’ – A trait appropriate for the Mixed-Use and heritage of the area. It was also used successfully in the marketing of the project. The ‘Milk Float’ was added, purely to give the scene a ‘Local Feel.’ The truck in the background also demonstrates that the development can accommodate Medium-Sized (Class 2) HGVs.
Figure 11: Design Icons Above in Figure 11 the Post WW2 AIROH Prefab Bungalow is juxtaposed against the Citroën DS. Both can be considered as ‘Design Icons’ and are from the same era. This presentation was prepared for a Housing Association and related to BISF Houses (A ‘Close Cousin’ of the AIROH). Initial comments drew scorn on the use of the Citroën, as being ‘Too Modern!’ That was until it was pointed out that the Citroën DS arrived in 1955, when the AIROH Prefabs were at their most prevalent.
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Figure 12: Compare and Contrast? Another approach was taken in Figure 12 (Above). Here a Rover 90 from the Immediate Post-War Era would have been a common sight. However, the Austin 1800 would have been appropriate for the ‘Heyday’ of the BISF Steel House! By the 1960s properties would have ‘Matured’ and again, this would have been common. Despite their ‘Design Life’ of 10 to 15 Years, many BISF Steel Houses still survive – More than can be said for the Austin 1800! Below (Figure 13) is a proposal for Emergency Housing in The Philippines following Typhoon Haiyan (Known locally as ‘Yolanda’) Here a 3D Presentation of the submission was paramount, given the ‘Form’ of the building, and the need to convey the concept. However, initial criticism stemmed from using the ‘Ubiquitous Tricycle’ in the scene. Some thought that “It puts The Philippines in a bad light, because we are still using Tricycles as a means of Public Transport!” However, its inclusion was intentional! After Haiyan, Road Infrastructure in particular was affected severely. Trucks and even small vans were unable to operate – The only thing that moved was the ‘Tricycle!’ Part of the Design Solution was to ensure that each Component Part of the Building could be carried by Two People, and/or transported on a Tricycle!
Figure 13: Emergency Housing Philippines
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In another Philippines Project on the Resort Island of Boracay, ‘Private Vehicles are NOT Permitted!’ The few cars that do exist on the island are strictly regulated – There simply is not the Road Infrastructure to support them! – Despite the high volume of visitors each year. The submission originally had no vehicles at all – And was criticised. Reluctantly, the Hyundai Getz made an appearance in the Bottom Left-Hand Corner of Figure 14 merely to give an appreciation of Scale and to satisfy the Client.
Figure 14: No Cars Allowed! And of course no vehicle would be complete without appropriate Number Plates! Figure 15 (Below) shows a Stock of Plates for Dubai (UAE), The Philippines and the UK (Four Generations), to lend a sense of authenticity. All of the appropriate Fonts are available from the Internet.
Figure 15: Number Plates There are literally thousands, if not millions of Car Models available at 3D Warehouse, and from other sources. Be aware that some models obtained here will have a distinct American Bias – Some ‘Fettling’ will also be required where the author has created the model in Imperial Units to a ‘Miniature Model’ scale, or where the Origin cannot be found – Do not forget which side the Steering Wheel is on too. Quality varies too, and this has to be looked at on two levels. Available Models range from very basic Student Exercises, to fully detailed models – Complete with Engines and Suspension etc. SAMANIEGOMORGAN
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Again, we will have to consider File Size, a fully detailed Car Model will be around 20MB to 30MB. These are of course ‘Editable’ and unwanted components can be removed to create a realistic looking model, but without the overhead of a large file size – Just a Body Shell and Four Wheels. Sitting below this level are what are known as ‘Low Poly Models.’ Dependent upon the Viewing Distance, these may be sufficient, in order to give your models a sense of realism. ‘Low Poly Models’ are comprised of a Low Number of Polygons, and will not be as smooth as the detailed model. However, when viewed at some distance, the differences will hardly be discernible. As mentioned earlier, my own collection of Car Models is orientated around Classic Cars, and those with a particular and notable design history.
People Entire armies of People are available on 3D Warehouse. These can be categorised as 3D and 2½D. The 3D People usually generate large file sizes. Not only do they look somewhat ‘Unreal’ they are also cumbersome to manipulate. A useful ‘Workaround’ are the 2½D People. Essentially, ‘Flat’ in elevation they use the ‘Face-Me’ feature. This will ensure that regardless of the Zoom or Orbit within the Model, the orientation of People is adjusted automatically in order to Face the Camera. Face-Me People can also generate shadows. It should also be said that complementary ‘DO NOT Face Me’ models are also required. Otherwise, the Scene can look rather ‘Contrived’ with everyone looking at the Camera saying “Cheese!” My own collection has several component parts, orientated mainly around ‘Activity’ – Work and Leisure, etc. There are many that have also been generated specifically where nothing exists within 3D Warehouse. The Postman, and the Policemen below, being a case in point (Figure 16)
Figure 16: A very ‘British’ Street-Scene!
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Note the Policemen in Traditional Uniforms (Rather than the ‘Paramilitary’ available on 3D Warehouse). The Postal Cart or ‘Royal Mail Perambulator’ as it was known, was another very British element of a Typical High Street. For those unaware, Martins Bank became part of Barclays in 1969. YouTUBE contains some excellent videos on how to create your own Collection of Characters from Magazine Clippings and Personal Photograph Collections. The image above has been expanded to provide an example for inclusion here. It was however, part of a ‘Real Project’ from a few years ago. Martins Bank (Barclays), The Midland Bank (HSBC) and Williams & Glynns Bank (RBS) were all Brands set for re-launch. Despite all of the Hype, their reappearance failed to happen – Possibly being stored away until the next Banking Debacle!
Materials & Colours Predefined Palettes of Materials and Colours are available within SketchUP. However, these have diminished somewhat during later releases. Despite this, various users have posted their own Palettes on 3D Warehouse. The 3D Warehouse Model Preview also permits the Download of Materials, without having to download the entire model, to use as a source.
Figure 17: Personalised Palette of Colours & Materials Figure 17 is my own Basic Personalised Palette of Colour and Materials. Some ‘Trial and Error’ will be required in order to find a ‘Happy Balance’ of what appears as Screen Image Colours, when compared to the Printed Page. Of particular note is Brickwork. The SketchUP Standard Patterns are NOT aligned to any particular Brick Size. Therefore, some Scaling Adjustment is needed before these are applied. There are many Websites offering FREE High Quality Materials in JPEG Format. Ideally, your Internet Searches should include the expression ‘Seamless’ in order to render without any Junction Lines and Overlaps. For Solid Colour, a visit to the ‘Sherwin Williams Collection’ on 3D Warehouse is worthwhile for download. However, keep in mind that each Material and Colour Definition will expand the File Size of your model quite substantially. Unused items should be ‘Purged’ from the model after compilation.
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Figure 18: Stylised Tree Collection The Free Versions of SketchUP contain some fairly basic Tree and Planting Components. The 3D Warehouse is also full to bursting with many more examples. However and just in the same way as Vehicles, Tree Components can be deceptively large in terms of File Size. Just like the ‘People Collections’ these are available in 3D and 2½D Formats, using the ‘Face-Me’ Feature. Personally, I have created a Palette of ‘Stylised Forms’ (3D) as in Figure 18 (Above). They use simple 3D Primitives or have been created using the ‘Follow Me’ feature in SketchUP, which works in the same way as the ‘SWEEP Command’ in AutoCAD. The forms are useful where Medium-Sized Trees and Shrubs are required, at a relatively high density. Being truly Three Dimensional they render well and cast realistic shadows.
SketchUP Lighting Limitations But, Opportunities can be created!
Figure 19: Lighting & Shadow Drama By using a ‘Dramatic Sky’ and ‘Long Winter Shadows’ (Late Afternoon in November), the Colours in this proposal were accentuated. The only other alternative was to use more ‘Professional’ Rendering Applications with a Night-Time Setting, and Artificial Light. This we tried however, the results above were far more acceptable.
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Figure 20: Twilight External Render (Twilight Image) The image in Figure 20 was modelled with SketchUP and rendered with the Twilight Add-In. Some skill is required in balancing the Model Colour Saturation and Shadows (Depth of Light and Dark). Twilight does not use the SketchUP Line Profiles, so there are no ‘Hard Edges’ between one plane and the next. In some instances this can make the result look a little ‘UnderCooked.’
Figure 21: Twilight Internal Render (Twilight Image) The same applies to Internal Renders, although there is the benefit of Artificial Lighting. In order to obtain worthwhile results, we have found that High Resolution Renders are required, resulting in long periods of time with the computer merely ‘Thinking’ and not doing anything else!
Interior Spaces This is possibly one of the most difficult areas to illustrate with SketchUP, as there is no facility to render, with Artificial Lighting. However, some good effects can be achieved by temporarily hiding certain External Elements, to allow ‘Daylight’ to do the work.
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Figure 22: Back Wall Removed Figure 22 (Above) is possibly the simplest to achieve. Here, a single external wall has been hidden, and the shadows adjusted, in order to create the most dramatic effect.
Figure 23: Perforated Ceiling Figure 23 (Above) was a proposal for my own Kitchen. Here, ‘Slots’ were created in the ceiling, and one wall removed in order to achieve a Rendered View. As stated before, we are NOT in the business of ‘Photo-Realism’ – We just need the ‘Shot’ to convey the Message of the Design – In this case, how a simple Galley Kitchen fits the Brief, and an Existing Space!
Figure 24: Side Lighting from Exterior
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In Figure 24 (Above) the lighting effect for a Memorial Chapel was created by using ‘Solid Blanks’ Bonded to the Glass of the South Facing Side Windows, leaving small gaps of Clear Glazing, for the light to penetrate. The approach is rather similar to ‘Frit Glass,’ but much less expensive to achieve.
Figure 25: Daylight Shafts Figure 25 (Above) for a Dental Surgery uses a Light Shaft in the Ceiling, and the Scene has the Back Wall removed. This image is taken from several scenes which also make use of Blinds (Open and Closed) against the window for effect.
The Virtual Camera SketchUP, like most other rendering software, has several Camera Functions. Generally speaking, an average Eye Level for a Camera would be 1,500mm above Floor Level, for a Shot taken in a Standing Position. Somewhere between 900mm and 1,100mm would be used when seated. However and just as with lighting, some ‘Drama’ can be created with the use of Low and High Angles, especially when coupled with Long Winter Shadows. A fundamental knowledge of Photography is desirable, in order to choose the Lens Size. More advanced Rendering Packages and the Twilight Add-In, also have the ability to ‘Set the F Stop’ – Thus giving areas of Hard and Soft Focus.
Figure 26: The Vinta Memorial (1,500 Height; 50mm Lens)
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Figure 26 (Above) was achieved using the more or less standard settings of 1,500mm Camera Height, with a 50mm Lens. However below, the Camera Height is only 700mm and the Lens used is 35mm giving a Wider Angle of View. Note, that as with Conventional Photography, ‘Parallax Errors’ are accentuated at the edges of the view.
Figure 27: The Vinta Memorial (700mm Height; 35mm Lens) Camera Heights and Lens Specifications will require some experimentation in order that Shots do not enter the realm of ‘The Surreal.’
Composing the Export View and Settings This is really where it all comes together – It is well worthwhile developing your own ‘Pre-Flight Checklist’ for not only the output, but also ‘Checking’ of the Model – It is so easy to miss certain details which will ultimately Make or Break a Presentation. Below are a few Tips for SketchUP Settings. STYLE SETUP Edges: Profiles: 1 Depth Cue: Extension: Endpoints: Jitter: Colour: All Same (Black) Sky: Ground: Background: R=255 G=255 B=255 (White) For the Final Presentation the above settings are my own preferences. However, when ‘Working and Assembling’ in SketchUP a Profile Setting of 2 or 3 can be useful, as it highlights Edges that do not enclose Faces, and require ‘Intersection.’ Extension, Endpoints and Jitter, all relate to the ‘Pseudo Freehand’ capabilities of SketchUP – Again, this will be set according to ‘Personal Preferences’ following some Experimentation with both Screen and Printed Output. SAMANIEGOMORGAN
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Adding a Sky or Landscape Background can also be carried out at the very end. SketchUP can be set to search a favourite Folder/Directory for images. Ideally, the JPEG Backgrounds should be as large as possible, and be of a Good Quality. My own preferences are for ‘Dramatic Skies’ having a Watercolour Style – This tends to Iron-Out any problems with ‘Pixelation.’
Figure 28: Skies and Backgrounds applied as ‘Watermarks’ WATERMARK SETTINGS Set as Background: Create Mask: Lock Aspect Ratio: With the Aspect Ratio left Unchecked, the Background Image will ‘Float’ to the extremities of the View. Note that adjustment of Up/Down and Left/Right Settings when Locked are relatively nominal. SHADOW SETTINGS Time: Date: Light: Dark: :Use Sun for Shading: On Faces: On Ground: From Edges:
11:00 to 15:30 08 November to 20 November 80 45
Ideally, your Model Building, will have a ‘Physical Place Setting.’ This will probably be in the form of a modified Site Plan, enhanced to show Level Differences, and Topographical Features. Ideally, this should be in the form of a Separate Component or Sub-Model, upon which the Building sits. In this instance, the ‘Shadow On Ground’ setting should be Unchecked, as shadows will need to be cast on the Site Model, and not a Notional Plane set at ‘Zero Z.’
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For Dramatic Shadows, these will be set somewhere between 11:00 and 15:30 from 08 November until 20 November – Some ‘Trial and Error’ will be required, as no two images are the same. Basic Orientation and Shadow Settings when ‘Working’ in the Model will be Noon on 21 June. A Notional North can be taken as the direction of the Green Axis AWAY from the Origin. Ideally, Scene Selection Presets will have been made, in order for Quick Reference. Do not forget to ensure that the ‘Shaded with Textures’ setting has to be Switched-On, along with Shadows. These settings should be left OFF when ‘Working’ in the model as they are Memory Hungry, and will slow down the Computer, due to the large amount of processing.
Export to JPEG Four Final Settings are required from the JPEG 2D Export Menu. Firstly, a View Size needs to be set. For ease and for experimentation, the Default Box of ‘Screen View’ can be Checked – Output will default to the Screen Resolution you have on your monitor. However and preferably, the View Size can be set manually. This should reflect the required Aspect Ratios in common use; 16:9 2:1 and 4:3 The Pixel Numbers can then be entered. With an Aspect Ratio of 16:9 an Image Size of 3,750 by 2,108 Pixels will be required, which will generate a file of around 2MB. Output Quality should be set to its maximum. Again, a little experimentation will be required with the Anti-Alias Setting. Much here is dependent upon your Model Orientation and Materials in relation to the Materials themselves.
Figure 29: Unwanted Moiré Patterns Without Anti-Alias being engaged unwanted ‘Moiré Patterns’ can occur. Note the Side Wall Cladding in Figure 29 Above. However, with the Anti-Alias engaged, certain Brickwork Materials can appear to be rather ‘Non-Descript.’
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Again ‘Trial and Error’ will be required to determine the optimum setting related to the view orientation. In the example above, Anti-Alias did not resolve the Moiré Pattern. However, adjusting the Orbit, making the Flank Wall longer, had the desired effect. As can be seen from Figure 29, this Model was rather detailed in that it used True Vectors for the Wall Cladding and Roof Sheeting – The Wall Cladding for the BISF House was a Unique Profile, given that the Corrugation Module had to coincide with the Projecting Window Haunches. An alternative would have been to use a JPEG Material Pattern, to avoid the Moiré problem.
Printed Output It should go without saying that much here is dependent upon the Printer! However, a 2MB JPEG image of 3,750 by 2,108 Pixels will give a good quality print at A4 (210mm by 297mm). To obtain High Quality Prints at larger sizes from JPEG Files, remember that the Pixel Dimensions of the Image will grow ‘Inversely.’ Although the dimensions grow at a factor of 1.4 (A4 to A3) the area of the sheet has to Double.
Model and Image Security Before the ‘Final Save’ there are a couple of SketchUP Settings worthy of note. Firstly, the Model can be given a Geo-Location – Effectively binding it to specific Global Eastings and Northings.
Figure 30: Dudley Zoo Entrance (3D Warehouse) The 3D Warehouse Preview above (Figure 30) carries additional information about the model to the right of the Preview Image. One Click on Geo-Location will overlay the Google Maps Image (Figure 31) below,
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Figure 31: Physical Location You can also ‘Claim Credit’ for the authorship of a Model too. This is done from the Window> Model Info> Credit> Menu. Unfortunately, the ‘GeoLocation’ and ‘Claim Credit’ functions do not bind themselves to a model, permanently. Should Components within a model be exploded, or an entire model Cut from one file and Pasted into another, the Geo-Location and Claim Credit information is lost. As the SketchUP Models have no real Security Protection, and the application is Open Source, retaining Copyright, means Retaining the Model! Issue to others for Fee Paying Work should be by JPEG or PDF only.
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