Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Figur e 8.33
edited center spline
Keep in mind that selecting lines or shapes to create forms is a sequential operation (when
it's not in a closed loop). Windowing to select all the splines and then creating the surface
will result in very different forms than if you were to sequentially select adjacent splines
(Figure 8.34). The result is that the surface form isn't interpolated as smooth between the upper
and lower splines. Instead, a distinct edge is created between the two splines.
Figure 8.34
spline-based
surfaces
As you can see, it's easy to create complex surface forms using reference lines. Now let's
begin to create complex forms using reference planes.
Using Freeform Building Massing
Now that you are familiar with the basic functionality of the massing tools, let's learn how to
generate and explore building forms in an informal way. The exercise in this section will build
on the skills you learned in the previous section, and you will learn how to directly manipulate
solid geometry using grips, gizmos, and dimensions.
