3D Modeling Special Interest Group – August 2017

In this session, we first looked at the Automatic Working Plane and how to take advantage of instant push/pull features when constructing objects in a 3D view; then, we applied these techniques in building a pool.

Topics covered:

• 00:44    We started by drawing a rectangle shape in a 3D view, which gave us access to the Automatic Working Plane and the Push/Pull Mode. If any of you are confused by the differences between the layer plane, screen plane, and working plane, we covered these in detail in the video for the Getting Started Special Interest Group August 2017 webinar. Next, we pulled the rectangle shape into a 3D column and drew a square shape on it; using an Automatic Working Plane and the instant Push/Pull Mode, we could easily make a hole in the column or add a shape onto it, depending on whether we went into the plane or pulled out from it. The Automatic Working Plane only appears when you use tools for creating objects. These tools are useful as well for cutting objects in 3D—using the ALT or Option key makes it even easier! We then performed various “tricks” using the Push/Pull tool in Sub-Face Mode, which allowed us to easily manipulate 3D shapes. We examined the Push/Pull tool’s Extrude Face and Move Face Modes. The Extrude Face Mode follows the rule that extrusions extend perpendicularly from the working place, whereas the Move Face Mode allows you to bypass that rule.
• 15:25    We continued our session by applying what we’d discovered to construct a 3D pool with an infinity edge and a beach edge. The Push/Pull tool allowed us to easily extrude our 2D pool outline into a 3D object. Using an Automatic Working Plane and a Floating Datum was helpful to form a line on the shape, a line that would define the shape of the underside of our pool. The Push/Pull tool in Sub-Face Mode helped us to cut the excess away. Changing the OpenGL Options made the curves of our pool less “lumpy” looking. The next challenge was hollowing out our pool shape—the Shell Solid tool hollowed it out like magic! Using the Fillet Edge tool enabled us to add a curved edge—we experimented with the difference between Constant Radius and Variable Radius. Subtracting from the top of the pool wall helped us to refine the infinity edge. An old Convert Copy to Lines technique and our paint pot allowed us to add a water surface to the pool. We added a Vectorworks Texture, a Heliodon, and some point lights, and it looked pretty good! The J-click method for selecting objects that line up with each other can be a lifesaver. Finally, we used the Extract tool to create a site modifier underneath the pool that matched the shape of the bottom of the pool. Throughout this project, knowing the right tools to use made constructing our pool easy and simple—Vectorworks took the effort and frustration out of it!

 
 
3D Modeling August 2017 am
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