Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Once the project design had stabilized, the next step was the presentation
stage. First of all, the model showed a relative uniformity of scale and defini-
tion of space (here, at about 1:200), and details were then added to certain
specific areas. This method reduced the construction time for the whole
project and left more flexibility for further adjustments.
In order to create high-quality images, it is often necessary to go beyond
SketchUp's rendering capabilities, notably in terms of complex reflection
effects, material rendering, or lighting calculations. There are many programs
capable of utilizing the data from the 3D model, and for this project, we used
two programs in particular: Artlantis Studio and Vray for SketchUp.
Artlantis is a stand-alone application that takes in the data exported from
another 3D modeling program. This program offers a real-time preview of
applied material effects, coupled with a very approachable interface; it makes
it very easy to adjust the overall look of a scene (lights, textures, etc.).
Vray is a rendering engine, developed originally for 3D studio Max, then
ported to several other programs, with SketchUp being one among them.
Unlike Artlantis, it is integrated directly within Google's program, where it
posts its own toolbar. The renderer offers many advanced control possibili-
ties, something that can put of new users at first. Luckily, sets of parameters
can be saved as preset files that can be easily reused, and only a few clicks are
necessary to generate a basic render.
Tip
Many websites offer these parameter files for use directly within Vray,
and so it is not necessary to know all the ins and outs of the program to
make use of it. The parameter files utilized here are from the website
www.wip-archi.com.
The use of different pieces of software allows you to really appreciate the
flexibility of SketchUp and underlines the necessity of a reasoned approach at
every step of the way.
New Approaches
Treating the modeling phase as something intimately tied up with project
development, and seeing the images produced as a spur to further develop-
ment, rather than as an end in themselves, is quite far removed from the clas-
sic approach. However, it is bound up with the very nature of SketchUp.
Having a discussion about the model, asking yourselves the questions raised
by it, and then creating renders to answer those questions are much more
interesting than arbitrarily choosing some points of view in your model, sim-
ply rendering them out in 3D, and showing them to the client.
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