From the Book
This chapter of Architectural Design with SketchUp goes beyond using SketchUp as a simple 3D modeling tool. Although this software is excellent at that, 3D modeling in SketchUp can be about more than just representing your designs—you can use it very effectively to add design intelligence to your models through parametric objects or data and thereby inform your designs and/or create workflow efficiencies. The following sections cover group- and component-based modeling (for detailing, assembly planning, estimating, and other tasks), working with Dynamic Components, and using Building Information Modeling (BIM) principles.
Curious about next steps?
Check out my tutorials on this site in the 3D Modeling category.
SketchUp Models In This Chapter
Below are two of the models that you can explore interactively in your browser (click and drag to orbit):
View and download all models from this chapter on the 3D Warehouse.
Links In This Chapter
Updated links will be listed here:
- https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com – The Trimble 3D Warehouse (UPDATED)
- https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/collection/e89fe26ad1304488de650492e45fb14f/DC-Cabinets – SketchUp’s Dynamic Component cabinets collection (UPDATED)
- https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/collection/d86b819368a7afe98095ba2080357053/DC-Learning-Examples – SketchUp’s Dynamic Component learning examples (UPDATED)
http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/buildingmaker – Google’s Building Maker site(UPDATED) – Please note: Google has discontinued this service 6/1/2013.- http://extensions.sketchup.com/ – SketchUp’s Extension Warehouse (UPDATED). The grid plugin can now be installed from here, too.
http://www.google.com/earth/yourworldin3d/– Your World in 3D site (UPDATED) – Please note: Google has discontinued this page
Sample Videos From This Chapter
You can access all Chapter 3 videos using the password from the book on Wiley’s companion site: www.wiley.com/go/schreyer2e
All Chapter 3 videos:
- 0301: Trimming solid objects (included here)
- 0302: Assembly animation
- 0303: Exporting video (included here)
- 0304: Stud wall dynamic component
- 0305: Space planning with dynamic components
- 0306: Applying IFC classifications
Next Steps
- Check out my tutorials on this site in the 3D Modeling category.
- Chapter 4 explains how extensions can make modeling in SketchUp easier and more efficient.
Discuss This Chapter
Use the form below to add any comments, tips, tricks etc. for this chapter…
I just bought the book and tried to use the space component from this companion site. Unfortunately I realize now that the one available for download is in the imperial system and I’m looking for one in the metric system. Is it available somewhere else or can you please explain how to create it? Cheers
Good point! I should do both. I’ll post a metric version soon and then write a blog post on how to convert.
If you need it sooner, go into the Component Attributes dialog and change the display options for the attribute.
Here’s the metric version that reports in meters:
http://goo.gl/IhS1O
In the book you say top down load the “Space Component.” Where oh where is it?
As one reader has pointed out, the method in example 3.2 does not work with components or groups that are themselves nested in another component/group. This is a quirk/feature in SketchUp. For the assembly animation, make sure everything that needs to be hidden is selectable without going into group editing mode. More details:
http://sketchupfordesign.com/members/monkhousemonk/activity/139/