This is a case study on creating a 3D model of a swimming pool, and using the model to create plans, sections, and details. We will model the swimming pool, in 3D. You could use the model to create planes, sections and details (but this isn’t in the notes). We…
Creating the Steps. When you first look at the steps, it looks impossible to get the steps to start where you want, and finish them on the bottom of the pool, following the curve. Vectorworks has a some very effective techniques to make this happen.
Cutting Out the Pool. What we have so far is pretty good, but it is still a solid form. We need to cut out the inside of the pool to make a hollow shape. Vectorworks has a tool that will do this for us, called the Shell Solid tool.
Rounding the Bottom of the Pool. In reality, the bottom of the pool is usually rounded to the sides. We can round the bottom of the pool easily by using the Fillet Edge tool.
Building the Pool Edge. It might seem back to front, but now is a good time to create the pool edge. There are a few tools in Vectorworks that makes it easy to create the pool edge, and they are easier to use now, than later.
Radius The Pool Corners. We can edit the edges of the pool, so that at the top of the pool the corners are square and easy to tile around, but curved at the bottom to make it easy create on site and clean later on.
Extruding the Base Shape. When you have the basic shape of the pool, you can start to create the 3D model of the pool. A Vectorworks extrusion is the easiest place to start.
How to get started creating a joinery unit. Start with a rectangle and then use the extrude command all the Push/Pull tool.
One of the new features in Vectorworks 2011 is the ability to use the camera to create a viewport. If you use this technique, you do not need to create a crop object, and you can edit the camera settings after the viewport is made, if you need to change…
You may not want to upgrade, you may not be able to afford to upgrade, but I still think you should read about what is new in Vectorworks 2011. There are some new ways what will change the way you think about creating your models.