Google SketchUp for Site Design: A Guide to Modeling Site Plans, Terrain and Architecture

ISBN-10: 047034525X

ISBN-13: 9780470345252

Google SketchUp for Site Design illustrates a holistic approach to SketchUp: how it works and more importantly, what to do with it.\ Filled with tutorials from front to back, the book focuses on the start and completion of projects that include rich detail and expression. Each part and chapter of the book builds on the previous chapters and tutorial.\ You will learn how to approach modeling site plans, buildings and site elements: from modeling each of these exterior environment elements to...

Google SketchUp for Site DesignA Guide to Modeling Site Plans, Terrain and ArchitectureThe design professional's guide to harnessing the power of Google SketchUpSite design professionals can now use the powerful tools of Google SketchUp for their own practices. This clear and focused illustrated guide explains how site professionals can use the SketchUp tools and functions to construct expressive models of exterior spaces and architecture. Utilizing the methodology known as SketchUp Process Modeling, the guide takes you step by step from the basics to more advanced methods that incorporate terrain, AutoCAD, and the creation of complex forms. Covering drafting, modeling order, and organization, you will learn how to:Use the SketchUp Sandbox Tools to design conceptual grading, terrain, and elevationDesign and model a variety of custom components including architectural detail, pedestrian lights, benches, and other site elementsIntegrate AutoCAD and SketchUp to easily create 3D-articulated modelsWith helpful tutorials and useful tips for both beginners and advanced SketchUp users, Google SketchUp for Site Design: A Guide to Modeling Site Plans, Terrain and Architecture will quickly have you creating models that are highly detailed and organized, easy to work with, and optimized for computer performance.Included with the book are Web links to free SketchUp exercises, models, and YouTube tutorials that expand on book concepts.

Part 1 Introduction to SketchUp 1Chapter 1 How to Use This Book 2Who Can Use This Book 2Learning Tutorials 4Downloadable Tutorial Models 4Downloadable Pre-Made Components 7The Four Parts 7Part 1 Introduction to SketchUp 7Part 2 Introduction to SketchUp Process Modeling 8Part 3 Sandbox Tools 8Part 4 AutoCAD to SketchUp 10Chapter 2 SketchUp Basics 11Geometry 11Simple Geometry 11Complex Geometry 12Healing Faces 12Subdividing Faces 13Sticky Geometry 13Face Count 13Basic SketchUp Tools 14Drawing and Modification Tools 15Additional Tools 16The Value Control Box 18Styles 19Navigation and 3D Inference System 20Drafting with Edges 22Model Organization 24Chapter 3 Components and Groups 26Components Instances 28Editing Components 28Adjusting the Component/Group View 30Components within Components 32Components and Layers 34Pre-Made Components 35Free SketchUp Bonus Pack Components 35FormFonts Components 37SketchUcation and Google SketchUp Component Forums 37Component Forums 37Google 3D Warehouse 37Component Library 37Chapter 4 Problem Solving 39Problem-Solving Tutorials 40Typical SketchUp Problems 40Different Results on Different Computers 41SketchUp Freezes 41Auto Save 41Subdivide 41Support Sites 42Chapter 5 Ruby Scripts 43Downloading Ruby Scripts 44Installing Ruby Scripts 45Activating Ruby Scripts 45Troubleshooting an Installation 46Part 2 SketchUp Process Modeling 47Chapter 6 Introduction to SketchUp Process Modeling 48The Built Environment 48Surfaces 49Objects 492D = 3D 50Drafting the Flatwork Base 51Drawing the Base52Reviewing the Drawing 55Applying Material and Color 56Organizing Models 57Adding Volumes 58Lower the Road 58Creating the Building 59Making a Roof 60Push/Pulling the Steps 60Push/Pulling the Walls 61Adding Objects to the Flatwork Base 61Organizing Components 62Creating Component Layers 62Component Tools 63Adding Components to the Flatwork Base 66Adding Component Windows and Doors 68Adjusting the Building Components 69Reviewing the Completed Model 69An Advanced Example 71Modeling Your Own Designs 72Chapter 7 Detailed Site Plan Modeling 73Using Site Plans 73Importing Site Plans 74Imported-Image Resolution 75Placing the Plan Image on a Layer 75Scaling the Image 75Preparing the Drafting Trace 76Drafting Tips 77Drafting Order 78Create the Flatwork Base Group 85Adding Color and Texture 86Adding Volume 87Road and Curb 87Steps and Plaza 88Planter Walls 89Ramp 90Planter Walls Adjustments 91Entry Sign Wall 91Buildings as Components 91Building Volumes 92Adding Detail to Volumes 93Detailing the Sign 93Detailing the Planters 95Chapter 8 Custom Site Furnishings 98The Modeling Process 98Components within Components 99The Follow Me Tool 101Model Organization 104Tutorials 104The Bollard 105The Pedestrian Light 107The Modern Bench 110The Park Bench 111The Decorative Planter Bench 117The Decorative Rail 121The Handrail 123Chapter 9 Custom Architecture 125Sculpting the Building 125Building the Mass 125Making Window and Door Components 126Problem Solving the Window Components 128Copy and Insert 129Copy and Paste Between Instances 129Make Unique 130Tutorials 130Setting the Workspace 131Adding Mass to Buildings 1 and 2 131Adding Mass to Building 3 134Window Components 136Door Components 140Balcony Component 141Chapter 10 Arranging and Presenting the Model 145Arrangement Methods 146The Accuracy Method 146The Speed Method 146Logical Order and Adjustments 147Buildings 1473D Vegetation 147Furnishing Components 152Creating and Exporting Scenes 153Selecting Your Scenes 153Plan Views and Elevations 154People and Cars 154Trees and Scenes 154Adding Sky 155Exporting Scenes and Shadows 155Troubleshooting Shadows 155Chapter 11 Architectural Tutorial 160Working with Arcs and Circles 160Hidden Geometry 161Components and Faceted Surfaces 162The Courthouse Tutorial 164Drafting the Floor Plate 165Adding Volume 168Adding the Custom Components 175Arranging the Components on the Building 180Adding Detail to the Building 185Part 3 The Sandbox Tools 189Chapter 12 Introduction to the Sandbox Tools 190Playing in the Sandbox 190The From Contours Tool 190The From Scratch Tool 192The Smoove Tool 193The Drape Tool 194The Add Detail Tool 195The Stamp and Flip Edge Tools 195Ruby Scripts and Sandbox Tools 197Tools on Surface 197Joint Push Pull 198Soap Skin Bubble 200Drop Ruby 201Simplify Contours 202Additional Tools and Concepts 203Intersect with Model 203Construction Geometry 205Chapter 13 SketchUp Conceptual Grading 206Conceptual Grading 206Modeling and Grading Tips 207The Tutorials 207Pedestrian Ramp 208Driveway Ramp 210Slopes and Grades 213Building Entry Walk 215Park Landform 226Campus Quad-Area 1 235Campus Quad-Area 2 238Campus Quad-Area 3 242Campus Quad-Area 4 257Chapter 14 Complex Canopies 2662D Plan to 3D Form 266Simple Canopy Tutorial 267Complex Canopy Tutorial 273Chapter 15 Sandbox Architecture 279The Drape Tool 279Working with Drape 279Troubleshooting Drape 284Sandbox Building Tutorial 284Part 4 AutoCAD to SketchUp 293Chapter 16 Overview of AutoCAD to SketchUp 294General Overview 295Organizing the AutoCAD File 295Generating the Geometry 297Arranging the Objects 299Chapter 17 Organizing AutoCAD 302AutoCAD Reorganization 303Folder and File Structure 303AutoCAD Base Files 304External Reference Files 304Isolating Surfaces 308Closing Perimeters 309Organizing Site Objects 310Write Block Surfaces and Objects 311Importing the Flatwork File 313AutoCAD and SketchUp Units 313The Flatwork Drawing File 314Chapter 18 Modeling the AutoCAD Flatwork Base 315Exploding the Flatwork Base 315Problematic AutoCAD Lines 316Overlapping and Short Lines 316Arcs 318Random Anomalies 318Healing the AutoCAD Flatwork Base 318Healing with the Line Tool 319AutoCAD Clean-Up Ruby Scripts 322Working with Ruby Scripts 324Troubleshooting Ruby Scripts 327Method Summaries 328Next Steps 328Chapter 19 Arranging the Model 331Populating the Flatwork Base 331Exploding the Objects 333Importing Layers 334Replacing the Components 335Finishing Touches 342Articulating the Buildings 342Exchanging 3D Components 343Conceptual Grading 345Adding More Components 347Making Adjustments 348Adding New Details 350Adding People and Cars 354Index 355