Redevelopment of Place Van Zeeland, Belgium - Google SketchUp Workshop: Modeling, Visualizing, and Illustrating - page 62

The production of a model of the existing square, the proposed development,
and a video showing various perspectives allowed the Poly' Art practice to
explain the project to the client and to gain approval from local residents.
The redevelopment project for Place Van Zeeland was carried out within the
framework of an urban renovation initiative at the heart of the historic center
of Soignies in Belgium. The model enabled us to gain approval from the
clients and the residents and was a key tool in communicating the aims of the
project to all concerned.
Project Context
Parking is the biggest problem in Place Van Zeeland, a consequence of its
irregular, organic development over the course of its history. With a steady
fall of 4 m from east to west and with building façades of varying orientations
and from various periods in history, the square was very difficult to read.
The project brief allowed for a reorganization of the entire square and the
creation of new, clearly identifiable subzones.
Since the organization of the square was somewhat chaotic and changes are
often difficult within a particular historic and social context, it was vital that
we were able to communicate the project to all concerned - both the client
and the residents of Place Van Zeeland.
The adoption of 3D so early in the project was done so that we could use
the model as a means of communication and also as a tool to assist in taking
internal design decisions. The modeling tool should, therefore, be easy to
learn and have the capability to evolve with the needs of the project.
The choice of 3D modeling software depended on several factors:
• ItshouldbeabletoimportAutoCADilestouseasabasisformodeling.
• Itshouldbeabletomodelterrainseicientlyandquickly.
• Itshouldbeeasytounderstandandhaveasshortalearningcurveas
possible.
Why We Chose SketchUp?
SketchUp's ease of use and intuitive nature is almost disconcerting when
you are used to other 3D software. In a professional context, where
3D training is not always possible because of time and money constraints,
SketchUp is an indispensable asset and quickly finds its place in the
production pipeline.
SketchUp has one extremely efficient tool that is a must-have for any land-
scape architect, the Sandbox. It enables you to make any terrain model
quickly and precisely. The other decisive factor in the choice of SketchUp is
its active and productive user community. This community contributes to the