Architecture Archives – SketchUp for Design

Attractor-Based Scaling with Scale By Tools

August 10, 2020August 29, 2020 by Alex SchreyerNo Comments

https://youtu.be/QRle49KTceY A new feature of my Scale By (Image/Attractors/Equation) Tools SketchUp extension is the ability to transform (scale/rotate/move) objects by proximity to other objects ("attractors"). Not sure what this means? Check out the tutorial video above that explains the basic functionality. You can learn more about this extension on its page and the reference manual. ...

Random Tools for Rendering in SketchUp (with Enscape)

July 16, 2020August 29, 2020 by Alex SchreyerNo Comments

https://youtu.be/f8QSU63o5zE?list=PL9BB9780934A68B41 This video tutorial shows how the Random Tools SketchUp Extension makes it easy to improve renderings, especially when vegetation is involved. I am showing how the tools work in the context of the real-time Enscape rendering software, however the principles apply to any renderer. With this extension, you can place objects randomly, rearrange them randomly (including size, position, and rotation). and adjust their textures randomly. Links Random Tools for Rendering in SketchUp (with Enscape) on YouTubeRandom Tools Extension ...

Creating an Undulating Wall with Scale By Tools in SketchUp

July 15, 2020August 29, 2020 by Alex SchreyerNo Comments

This week's video tutorial shows an application of my recently published Scale By Tools SketchUp extension. Specifically, the Move Vertices by Image tool allows you to modify a mesh based on image data, which as a result embosses the image on that surface. This can then be used to create terrain, but it has many other applications, too. In this example, I am using this tool to deform a wood slatted wall with a ripple pattern. This would be manufactured using CNC cutting, for example. Links Creating an Undulating Wall with Scale By Tools in SketchUpScale By Tools ExtensionA different approach: Creating an Organic Wall | Method 1 - From Spline Curves in SketchUp ...

Just Published: Two New SketchUp Extensions (Random Tools & Scale By Tools)

July 8, 2020July 5, 2020 by Alex SchreyerNo Comments

I just published two new SketchUp extensions that were both based on Ruby code that was either previously posted on this site or in my book, Architectural Design with SketchUp". Random Tools Ever wanted to place large swaths of randomly-arranged grass in SketchUp as shown in the image above? Have you been frustrated by textures that repeat a bit too much on copied wood boards? Do I have an extension for you... Read the announcement Scale By Tools Using the provided tools, you can scale, move or rotate objects based on an image or a mathematical equation. For the equation, you can choose between a trigonometric function or a power function. It is also possible to use image data to push/pull faces or move vertices, which can be useful to create ripples on water or a heightfield topography. Read the announcement...

Pulled Brick Design Options

October 5, 2018July 2, 2020 by Alex SchreyerNo Comments

I came across brick wall designs today where the architects were considering various options with pulled bricks. This design approach has been used before in many different ways but the basic principle is always the same: In a brick wall that is dominated by stretchers, you insert strategically placed headers which then protrude a little bit beyond the brick wall surface. This creates a very nice pattern with interesting shadows. The first image below shows such a design in a SketchUp model: Given that in reality these are placed manually it may be reasonably easy (and therefore not too costly) to vary the extend of their extension beyond the surface and thereby create more interesting undulating patterns. One such pattern is shown below: As it turns out, this is very easy to do by simply modifying some of the scripts from Chapter 7 and combining coding with a carefully created SketchUp model. The secret for success is having a component type (the...