Taking 3d Models from Sketch Up and giving them a softer look

Good Morning,


When I first started to work in an architectural office I was always impressed on the talent and artwork that was being done by hand. The drawings had a life and you felt the human impact on the design. Someone cared about this project.

When computers started to take control of the media a cold version of architectural ideas and presentations were making its way to clients and the public. The technique of hand sketching over computer generated line work is a great method of presenting a final presentation but still a substantial amount of time is needed to soften it up.

Computers images can look like computer generated images and I find most people find them to be a bit cartoony and uninspiring at times. This is not always the case and I have seen many great examples as well.

I started using Sketch Up version 1 about 7 years ago and found it to be just what the architect had ordered from the computer software world. They finally got it right. This is how we think in terms of 3d forms and it was not as complicated as cadd or now BIM is to learn. Architects shape buildings using sections, elevations, and plans in concert. Some areas shape the forms over others. Sometimes the plan drives it, sometimes the sections, sometimes the elevation. It usually starts with a plan but it should not stop or start there as a given. Most cadd programs want you to start in plan. I like how sketch up starts you in 3d. They get it!!!

With Design many options should be explored to make sure you are building the right one.

Design software should promote changes easily so if the design is to find a new direction, not as much effort will be abandoned. It is the desire of the architect that the new thinking is in response and development of the previous designs thoughts helping to shape form from priorities of the client, site, neighborhood, and environment.

Sketch Up helps with the process but the results can seem a bit cold or overly precise on material selections to the point that it could offend a client. The client should see early on in the process a much looser design sketch and presentations so the design can be refined with a team approach.

The process of schematic design, design development, final design to construction drawings to building, should go thru a process that explores options and the option that will be constructed is the best outcome given a collaborative design process.

Some examples of my work will show how I use Sketch UP with Piranesi to help soften the look early on in the schematic design process.


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Eric H. Gjerde AIA