For this journal entry, I will not just demonstrate how to use the CONNECT and BRIDGE

commands as shown earlier in class, but also share some insight that could expand one’s
understanding for these valuable tools.

Based on my recent experience in using these, it has come to my attention that the
functionality of the Connect command is very much welcome especially in molding a
singular face into a much more detailed façade. The Connect tool does this by connecting two
edges with another edge. It procures several avenues for creating unique designs and cuts
on surfaces of solid objects. This could be applied in the creation of window designs, railing
designs, designs of wall partitions, as well as objects like bookshelves.

Meanwhile, the functionality of the Bridge command is very much welcome in terms of using
it for connecting the faces or edges of two objects or polygons. As the name implies, it
connects the segments of two elements, regardless if they are lying on the same plane or not.
As long as the values of the parameters are valid and the direction of how the bridging
surface is going to be formed, it could be reversed depending on how the output is desired
to look like. The process involves the fusion of two elements into one, and it is also aided by
an interface involving the adjustment of some technical properties (segments, bias, taper,
smooth). This tool is recommended for closing the gaps between the floors of a structure, as
well as interconnecting objects like chains and pipelines.

When used in tandem, these commands would be able to produce many outputs ranging
from basic fenestrations, brise soleils, to complex wall designs. Together, they constitute a
certain level of reliability in molding such a variety of architectural elements with just a
sleight of hand on its parametric properties. The possibilities are virtually limitless, but are
ultimately limited to the user’s scope of familiarity with the commands and the program as
a whole.

APPLICATION: STEPS IN MAKING A RAIL FENCING

STEP 1: Launch 3DS Max from your desktop. From the Views Tab on the upper left corner
of the program window, set the active viewport to Top View for the next step.

STEP 2: Before we could formally start using the given commands, first we must create a
surface wherein we could apply these to. Start by creating the outline of your railing using
the line tool. Adjust the thickness of the railing by setting the outline to 0.10 meters. and
proceed to its massing by using the extrude tool. When extruding, set the height of the
railing to its standard height which is 1.20 meters.

Side note: To make accurate line drawings of the railing’s plan, make sure that the snap
toggle is activated by using the shortcut S key.

STEP 3: After creating the outline of the rail fencing and extruding its massing, hover to the
drop-down menu on the right and choose Edit Poly. Under the Edit Poly, choose Edge.
STEP 4: Select the two edges of the railing. Once selected, choose the connect tool and set
the number of segments/polygons to 5, or depending on your preference as long as it’s not
less than 3 segments/polygons. Add any shape that you would like on the front surface of the
rail fencing.

Side note: To precisely choose the edges for the connect tool, use the shortcut key F3.

STEP 5: Individually adjust and rotate each of the slanted, segmented partitions within the
railing vertically.

STEP 6: Go back to the edges tab and select all edges of the rail fencing.

STEP 7: Activate the connect tool once more to create openings on the whole, these will
serve as the design of the rail fencing.

STEP 8: Activate the bridge tool and delete any excess surface on the openings made on the
polygons.

STEP 9: Switch the active viewport to Perspective to check the final output of the rail
fencing. And you’re done!