ASSIGNMENT 2A:
SKETCH UP // FORM vs. PLAY
SKETCH UP // FORM vs. PLAY
Describe your conceptual design approach as well as how it evolved as the project progressed.
My conceptual design started by looking at examples of various playgrounds. I noticed that a lot of the playground components incorporated the geometry of a hexagon. I decided to base all my components off of hexagons so that the space as a whole was cohesive. The geometry of a hexagon is also something that is rigid enough to hold but is still a fairly simple shape. As the project progressed and my head was flooded with ideas, I began to look at the hexagon as a 3D shape and not just a 2D one.
What resources were most effective in assisting you in developing your modeling skills? Your spatial configuration?
After watching all the tutorials on Canvas, I used the internet to figure everything else out so I could better understand how to use Sketch Up. I found a lot of PDFs that gave step-by-step instructions and a lot of YouTube videos that went a little bit more in-depth. For example, almost half way through modeling the existing space, I started to wonder why I could never get a straight on view like a plan or elevation. I did a quick search and learned that I was in perspective mode instead of parallel projection mode! Spatially, I wanted there to be freedom to explore and do your own thing whether it is by yourself or with a group. This allows the parent or caregiver to join in and interact with their child too.
Discuss the limitations of the software and what challenges it presented in the development of your design.
The limitations that I ran into with this software could probably be fixed by installing extensions into Sketch Up. One challenge I struggled with was the inability to move things around freely without the worry that they were going to get stuck to something else. I also found that creating anything with a curve is more difficult in Sketch Up than in a software like Rhino.
What other applications do you see the software being appropriate for outside of the applications presented for this project? Use your imagination.
Quick modeling! I found it very easy to start modeling simple things after getting a hang of some of the tools. I’ll most likely use Sketch Up in the future for personal use. Whether I want to make some cool 3D pop out card to laser cut or 3D print some piece of jewelry.
My conceptual design started by looking at examples of various playgrounds. I noticed that a lot of the playground components incorporated the geometry of a hexagon. I decided to base all my components off of hexagons so that the space as a whole was cohesive. The geometry of a hexagon is also something that is rigid enough to hold but is still a fairly simple shape. As the project progressed and my head was flooded with ideas, I began to look at the hexagon as a 3D shape and not just a 2D one.
What resources were most effective in assisting you in developing your modeling skills? Your spatial configuration?
After watching all the tutorials on Canvas, I used the internet to figure everything else out so I could better understand how to use Sketch Up. I found a lot of PDFs that gave step-by-step instructions and a lot of YouTube videos that went a little bit more in-depth. For example, almost half way through modeling the existing space, I started to wonder why I could never get a straight on view like a plan or elevation. I did a quick search and learned that I was in perspective mode instead of parallel projection mode! Spatially, I wanted there to be freedom to explore and do your own thing whether it is by yourself or with a group. This allows the parent or caregiver to join in and interact with their child too.
Discuss the limitations of the software and what challenges it presented in the development of your design.
The limitations that I ran into with this software could probably be fixed by installing extensions into Sketch Up. One challenge I struggled with was the inability to move things around freely without the worry that they were going to get stuck to something else. I also found that creating anything with a curve is more difficult in Sketch Up than in a software like Rhino.
What other applications do you see the software being appropriate for outside of the applications presented for this project? Use your imagination.
Quick modeling! I found it very easy to start modeling simple things after getting a hang of some of the tools. I’ll most likely use Sketch Up in the future for personal use. Whether I want to make some cool 3D pop out card to laser cut or 3D print some piece of jewelry.
Time log:
SketchUp // 32 hrs.
LayOut // 4 hrs.
Illustrator // 1 hr.
Other // 1 hr.
SketchUp // 32 hrs.
LayOut // 4 hrs.
Illustrator // 1 hr.
Other // 1 hr.