Video Sample 1 (QuickTime 4.9 MB)
Extruding Interior Walls

Video Sample 2 (QuickTime 3.1 MB)
Modeling Spiral Staircase

Exterior View Elevation detail of
Charles Eames House

The Charles Eames House
Architectural Modeling

In this video tutorial from Andy Brown of Luxology, we look at techniques for creating an architectural model in modo from a given set of dimensions that is suitable for architectural visualization.

Our subject for the modelling exercise is a classic building; part of the Charles Eames house situated in Los Angeles. It’s an incredible and important piece of design and the perfect subject for this tutorial as it allows us to tackle many different aspects of arch viz modelling, from creating a building’s skeleton right on through to interior and exterior detailing. It’s also a straightforward building with a very accessible design, which makes it the perfect subject for methodically gaining insight into using modo for this kind of 3D modelling.

Special thanks to architect and teacher Adam Elstein for his help whilst researching this tutorial.

Software Required: modo 302

Total Running Time: 1 hour 33 minutes of instruction.

Notes: These tutorials are delivered online in 1280 x 720 QuickTime (H.264) format and are available for download through your Registered Products page after purchase.

Album

Product

Retail
Price

Album 01 - Architectural Modeling
(Includes Videos 01-03)

Topics Covered include:

Direct use of floorplans as texture maps
Accurate modelling of walls, floors, ceilings, stairs, doors, windows, tension cables, joists and roof
Grid snapping
Advanced Drawing style
Pen tool
Boolean operations
Absolute scaling
Drag Snapping
Gaining modelling efficiency through macros accessed via a pie menu
Modeling in place (and with the correct alignment) via the workplane

$25.00

Note: These videos are designed to be viewed sequentially as a complete set and thus individual videos are not separately available.

Video Descriptions

Product
Video 01 - Framework (Total Run Time: 23m) In this first video we build the column and joist assembly which form the main supporting structure of the building. It’s also a key motif in the design creating a repeating pattern across the ceiling. With such an exposed structure, as we model the building we need to be sympathetic to the way it was built and our approach is to replicate that as much as possible as we develop the skeleton of the building. In the process we use Grid Snapping, Absolute Scale and the Workplane to make sure everything is correctly aligned and dimensioned. Supporting Content One model: Video1Finished.lxo One image: Framework.jpg File Size: 89MB

Video 02 - Interiors (Total Run Time: 27m) In this second video we develop the upper and lower floors of the building. We use a fixed grid to trace out the walls from provided floor plans, and we use a combination of Absolute Scale and Drag Snapping to accurately create, position and open doors. We then use Booleans to create a stairwell, and at all times we take great care to ensure that everything is correctly aligned and scaled so that the upper floor blends seamlessly into the lower; breaking up the internal space of the building. Supporting Content Two models: Video2Start.lxo, Video2Finished.lxo Two images: First_Floor.jpg, Ground_Floor.jpg File Size: 136MB

Video 03 - Windows (Total Run Time: 42m) In the third video we complete the house by concentrating on the window openings, which are a fundamental element in both the interior and exterior of the building. One of the signatures of this house is the way the exterior of the building is segmented to form an elaborate grid pattern — which means that most of the window panels are slightly different. To create them we not only make use of the workplane, snapping and Absolute Scale, and we also utilize macro recording to allow us to create the window panels both quickly and accurately. The video shows you how to make your macros accessible via a pie menu. Supporting Content Two models: Video3Start.lxo, Video3Finished.lxo File Size: 190MB

Note: In addition to the content provided with the album, modo 302 should be installed and running as you are viewing the tutorials so that you can pause the video and try the techniques presented in the tutorial.