Online Vectorworks Course for Museum and Exhibit Designers

Part 2 of this course starts next week, so if you want to book onto this course, you’re not too late, but you are running out of time.  If you are in the museum or exhibit design area, this course will be really exciting for you.

We start off with a blank file and we import the clients PDF or DXF file for the outline of the project. This will give us the accurate information we need to work with. There can be several challenges with importing information, so we will make sure we cover those so that when you are working on a real project, you know what to look out for.

We will convert out imported drawings into 3D using a series of techniques. We will learn which techniques are useful, and when to use each one. This will give us a 3D model that we can walk around. So, we will also learn how to do that and how to turn our walk through into a movie to present to the client.

I can be important to make 3D objects, so we will make some 3D objects, and we will also be looking at techniques that allow you to quickly make complex shapes, using images. This will make it very fast to create all your catalog objects, and you can use this to put pictures on the walls. We will also add data to to these object so we can count and schedule all the objects in the exhibit.

After we have learned about textures, lighting, and rendering, we will look at setting up views of the exhibit. We also look at the walkthough again and create a new movie, walking through the exhibit with lighting and textures, so you can show prospective investors what you have in mind.

If you are working in Museum or exhibit design area, you might be wanting you use Vectorworks, but do not know how to get started. I have been talking to museums for some time, and I now have a course outline, exercises and a calender organized. This course has been tested at the main New zealand museum called Te Papa, using an online classroom training system, so I know this works.

The course is offer in two parts, so you can choose which one you need to attend. Choose part 1 if you are a beginner, and choose part 2 if you have some knowledge of Vectorworks.  Each session approx. 60 mins duration online, with approx. 60 min homework each session. Each session has a limit of  4 people which will allow time for some individual training.

Session 9 – Introduction to Worksheets

Worksheets are so important. They allow you to count and report items in your exhibits. This sessio is needed to get you started.

Session 10 – Importing DXF and PDF Plans

You often have to work with other consultants, or with existing information. In this session, we learn how it import and manage this information.

Session 11- Converting Imported Plans into BIM

After we have imported the plans, we can make the building in to a model. This will allow us to walk though the model, as well as using the model to create floor plans, elevations, and sections.

Session 12 – Creating 3D Views and Walk Throughs

Now that we have our model, we can set up 3D views of the exhibit, and make a walk-though movie of the exhibit.

Session 13 – Symbols and Image Props

In this session we will learn how to make a photo into an object for the exhibit. This could be a painting, sculpture, or jewelry. These techniques will speed up your exhibit production, and allow you to create a report of all the objects. If you use a rail system for your exhibits, we will use this an an example for creating symbols and image props.

Session 14 – Attaching Data to The Exhibit Pieces

Building on form session 14, we will attach information to our exhibit pieces, so we can count or report them.

Session 15 – Textures and Rendering

Making textures and rendering is really fun, and you can see what you exhibit will look like.

Session 16 – Questions and Answers

This session is to wrap up the training and answer any outstanding questions. You will need to complete a final project to pass this course.