CADD2
MODULE 4 Conceptual Design using Massing
Concept Design Visualization
with Sketchup Models
SKETCHUP COMPOSITE DRAWINGS
The process of communicating concept design ideas can involve a number
of visualization techniques such as physical models, diagrams, sketches, 3D
computer models and your typical plans and elevations. When designing
large and complex planning projects, it may be necessary to develop design
concepts for many different areas within the proposed development. A very
effective method of quickly visualizing ideas is Jim Leggitt’s “SketchUp
Composite Drawings”.
This process involves quickly generated Google Sketchup model views that
have minimal detail - much like stage set models. Once the SketchUp scene
is saved, the image is printed and the designer hand draw over it adding
much more detail, color, entourage, landscaping and character. The two
are composite scanned together and shown in concept design
presentations. See some of his works below.
Master SketchUp Model. All of the SketchUp scenes and drawings were
derived from sub-models that were expanded versions of this overall massing
model built to show the proposed development. Once a specific view is
identified, more detailed model components and architectural character
are added to the scene.
Canal Scene. The SketchUp model was developed with waterside steps and
bridges along with entourage. An 11"x17” image was printed and traced
over with a Pentel Sign pen on lightweight tracing paper. Color was directly
applied onto the original line drawing with Chartpak AD markers and
Prismacolor pencils. The final drawing was scanned with the print beneath
which resulted in a “composite” drawing that revealed much of the
SketchUp model visible below the hand drawing.
Waterfront Views. Both of these perspectives were created using the same
method of drawing over a SketchUp model view. Notice how much detail
was added in the hand drawing compared with what originally was built in
the model. By composite scanning a hand drawing over a SketchUp model
view, all of the shadows, sky, water color and building facades are visible in
the final image.
Enhance the View. The original SketchUp model did not have any detail
showing the water’s edge. The buildings were delineated but the pedestrian
pathway, canal and vegetation were drawn considerably.
Fine Tune Your Model Views. Whether you are visualizing a roof top swimming
pool or a public building, carefully establish your model view by adjusting
your SketchUp model's camera focal length, shadow setting, entourage
placement and height of the camera. Both of these model views are at eye-
level to create a more up-close and realistic impression of the subject.
Roof Terrace Drawing. This image expanded the SketchUp model view with
more detail added to the building facades and landscaping. The people
and furniture are traced directly from the model. When composite scanning
a hand drawing over a SketchUp view, you can add a second sheet of trace
beneath your drawing to lighten the model view and show less of the
computer image.
Public Terrace. This drawing has minimal detail in the foreground as it was
intended to highlight the pair of commercial buildings and the small tower
elements in front of them. The composite scan faded the building facades in
the background creating an illusion of distance and space. Bright gold and
red colors emphasized the feature commercial buildings. Notice how the
dark blue sky contrasts against the white facades of the buildings.
Marina Concept Visualization. The SketchUp concept model built depicted a
proposed marina development. The image formed the basis for the
composite drawing which the client approved and eventually used to
generate a photo-realistic rendering of the marina. This process of
“storyboarding” ideas with both 3D SketchUp models and hand drawn
overlays is a very effective method for quickly communicating ideas to clients
without time consuming modeling or high end rendering.
Final Rendering
