Many things can be designed in three dimensions with the aid of 3D modeling software such as Google Sketchup, a free 3D modeling program utilized by architecture students everywhere. With the aid of such programs, architecture students can design detailed buildings in three dimensions at full scale.
Despite the ability of powerful rendering programs (such as V-Ray) which turn these virtual models into realistically rendered images, it is often desirable to have a physical model to show prospective clients or professors. Using software such as Autodesk AutoCAD, these models can be brought into the physical world at any desired scale.
This instructable documents the creation of a physical model for a project I completed for architecture school. The design was developed using traditional drawing media in the very early stages, further designed in AutoCad, and fully realized in 3D using Sketchup. Once the design was completed, stylized renderings were created using V-Ray, a Sketchup plugin to give some realism to the design. However, it was still a requirement to build a physical model.
By measuring the dimensions of the virtual surfaces inside Sketchup and then drawing these surfaces in 2D using AutoCAD, I was able to create a physical object/model from a virtual one using a laser cutter.
Each component of the model (each roof plane, exterior walls, ground plane, columns, beams, etc.) is cut out and becomes like a “puzzle piece.” Each puzzle piece is then assembled and glued to form the final model.
This is technique used by many architects and architecture students to speed up the model making process. Using a laser cutter, several hundred pieces of any shape can be cut at any scale in a matter of minutes.
I see this instructable as an introduction to how physical models can be made from 3D models that can benifit newer architecture students who may be unfamilar with or new to laser cutting, as well as the curious individual interested how us architecture types make models these days. The degree of precision that can be achieved is really quite remarkable.
These images are of the Final Physical Model 3/32" scale. Dimensions are apprx. 28" Long x 18" wide x 4" high
Despite the ability of powerful rendering programs (such as V-Ray) which turn these virtual models into realistically rendered images, it is often desirable to have a physical model to show prospective clients or professors. Using software such as Autodesk AutoCAD, these models can be brought into the physical world at any desired scale.
This instructable documents the creation of a physical model for a project I completed for architecture school. The design was developed using traditional drawing media in the very early stages, further designed in AutoCad, and fully realized in 3D using Sketchup. Once the design was completed, stylized renderings were created using V-Ray, a Sketchup plugin to give some realism to the design. However, it was still a requirement to build a physical model.
By measuring the dimensions of the virtual surfaces inside Sketchup and then drawing these surfaces in 2D using AutoCAD, I was able to create a physical object/model from a virtual one using a laser cutter.
Each component of the model (each roof plane, exterior walls, ground plane, columns, beams, etc.) is cut out and becomes like a “puzzle piece.” Each puzzle piece is then assembled and glued to form the final model.
This is technique used by many architects and architecture students to speed up the model making process. Using a laser cutter, several hundred pieces of any shape can be cut at any scale in a matter of minutes.
I see this instructable as an introduction to how physical models can be made from 3D models that can benifit newer architecture students who may be unfamilar with or new to laser cutting, as well as the curious individual interested how us architecture types make models these days. The degree of precision that can be achieved is really quite remarkable.
These images are of the Final Physical Model 3/32" scale. Dimensions are apprx. 28" Long x 18" wide x 4" high
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Note: This instructable assumes that an audience familiar with 3D Modeling using Google Sketchup and 2D drawing using Autodesk AutoCAD.
It is not feasible to go into how this was actually modeled in 3D, as this is an entire series of instructables focusing on the use of a single program. Many tutorials can be found online. Just type in Google Sketchup Tutorials and you'll be on your way. It is a very easy program to learn.
This instructable simply documents the process of turning the completed 3D model into a set of 2D drawings and the resulting physical model.
These images are of the 3D model inside of Sketchup, as well as some rendered images created using V-Ray and Photoshop. As nice as these virtual images may be, I still need a model for people to look at and hold in their hands.
I always model and draw at FULL SCALE. That is to say, when I model a wall that in reality would be 8' high if were ever to be made in real life, I draw the wall at 8' in the program. Even if the model is going to be at 1/8" scale, where 1/8" represents 1'.
This way, when I have the drawings at full scale, I can then print/cut the model at any scale I want by changing the plot scale.
It is not feasible to go into how this was actually modeled in 3D, as this is an entire series of instructables focusing on the use of a single program. Many tutorials can be found online. Just type in Google Sketchup Tutorials and you'll be on your way. It is a very easy program to learn.
This instructable simply documents the process of turning the completed 3D model into a set of 2D drawings and the resulting physical model.
These images are of the 3D model inside of Sketchup, as well as some rendered images created using V-Ray and Photoshop. As nice as these virtual images may be, I still need a model for people to look at and hold in their hands.
I always model and draw at FULL SCALE. That is to say, when I model a wall that in reality would be 8' high if were ever to be made in real life, I draw the wall at 8' in the program. Even if the model is going to be at 1/8" scale, where 1/8" represents 1'.
This way, when I have the drawings at full scale, I can then print/cut the model at any scale I want by changing the plot scale.
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I work with laser cutting but I recently got into architectural model making using my laser. But I have been searching and searching for other materials to use rather than wood that will provide a nice elegant and finished look without having to use paint. And your model is simply brilliant! I will definetely try gray chipboard combined with linseed oil.
Can you recommend other materials that work just as well when cutting with laser? I'm interested in architectural model making and I'm looking forward to more architectural model making-posts from you! :)
Museum Board (2 and 4 ply)
Strathmore (similar to Museum Board)
Chipboard (1,2,3,4 plys)
Look up a material called Sintra Board (can be thermoformed with a heat gun too)
Acrylic, PLexiglass works real nice as well
Can look up a material called Taskboard
PVC Foam
PVC Sheets (from hobby store)
Basswood
Masonite looks real nice if you linseed it, but is hard to cut
Cardboard will even work
Pretty much anything can be cut (except metal, but I have etched metals with laser) but you need to try out settings.
Never used our lasercutter at school to make models, people in my class who use it always have a wood-like material but i think it's so ugly, prefer to use different types of cardboard to make it look good. Can u cut wathever material in lasercutters? never asked it at school.
I have a lot of other models which are much better, but this is the only one where I have pictures of the construction process.
One reason for going piece by piece is beacuase I am accounting for the physical material's thickness. For example: In some cases I do not need to measure the top of a beam or a face of a thick wall, since other faces when glued together will make up the thickness.
I will defenitly check out that plugin! Thanks for the heads up.