Workflow for Architects: 5 Best SketchUp Plugin
Despite being an extremely powerful tool when it comes to the visual representation of architectural projects, SketchUp lacks some useful features that make it easier to model, largely because it is an all-purpose program rather than one that specifically gears towards architecture. You will need to install plug-ins into SketchUp if you want to work more precisely or if you want to model faster.
1. Instant Roof
Plug-ins like Instant Roof makes it possible to create several architectural elements in a short time. A roof can be made by selecting faces and edges in this particular case. A roof can be built in an infinite number of ways, depending on the type of roof and geometry you create for housing.
Workflow
Here is how you can create a Craftsman-style roof as a trial run. To illustrate, you drew two shapes coming together in SketchUp.
1. You must keep in mind that although you have the freedom to design the geometry as you wish, you must select a geometry group that is large enough to accommodate the roof if you do not want to modify the parameters.
2. After that, sides and faces need to be selected.
3. It is because the Slope is so steep that I didn't select one of the edges. The Slope determines by the unselected edge.
4. Click Plug-ins ? Instant Roof ? Make Roof.
5. You can set parameters and select the type of roof.
6. Then, let's erase the lines that appear on the faces after exploding the group.
7. That is a pretty straightforward workflow, as you can see.
To learn more, watch the following video tutorial.
For more information, visit: valiarchitects.com
2. 1001bit Tools
A plug-in like 1001bit tools is an absolute must for you. A collection of tools designed for the creation of a wide variety of architectural elements are available. There is a lot to consider when designing a roof, including railings, windows, stairs, and roof design. Furthermore, it includes some tools for importing & editing geometry that native SketchUp does not, like fillet, extend, and chamfer. You may need to wait a little while for SketchUp to load after installing the plug-in. The main reason is that it checks the license status before loading.
Tools Integrating in 1001bit
1. Basic tools within 1001bit include Distance between 2 Points, Points on Face, Arc Center Point, and Circles.
2. Divide Tool, which divides the edge of the selected area, is perhaps one of the most useful tools, especially if you're creating complex objects.
3. The tool Best Fit Face is useful for creating organic shapes since after creating non-coplanar points, you can click a series of points, and the components of that face will create.
4. There are a variety of array tools you can use, but Polar Array is the most useful since it allows you to create a spiral staircase with very few parameters.
5. Wall tools are a simpler way to construct walls than in SketchUp. It is not necessary to draw and extrude planes anymore. You pick out a wall type and change parameters. You can also use it for applying wall details such as baseboards.
6. There are almost no differences in the parameters for Wall Openings and Columns. Create a new type by selecting the type and applying parameters.
7. A tool for creating Foundations is one of the tools in Structural Models, as mentioned previously. Quick and efficient from pad footings to strip footings.
8. There are twelve kinds of stairs in the Stair Tool, while Escalator is a tool for creating mechanical stairs.
9. Window and door frames can be created using the tool that has the same name while previously you had to create a face to apply it to an opening.
10. For facades, a perforated screen can be used to define their skin. The skin represents an aspect of the project.
Advantages
1. The layer management system of 1001bit is better than that of SketchUp.
2. The 1001bit workflow is easier for you to use than SketchUp's for switching layers.
To learn more, watch the following video tutorial.
For more information, visit: 1001bit.com
3. Artisan
You can create organic shapes using the Artisan plug-in. Working with subdivision and extrusions in it is somewhat reminiscent of 3ds Max's workflow. Sculpting 3D models in this manner is friendlier than natively using SketchUp. As well as being useful for furniture design, it also provides accurate rounding of corners and edges.
To learn more, watch the following video tutorial.
For more information, visit: artisan4sketchup.com
4. Instant Road
It allows you to create roadways, paths, and waterways on terrains. Lines, curves, and faces are the required geometry to create these elements. You can create a road from a centerline, from a face, or even make islands. You can select both the group and the terrain when you group the lines.
Workflow
1. In the plug-ins, you will find the following: ? Instant Road ? Road from Centerline.
2. You then apply the parameters for our road, such as its width, its curve, and if additional parameters are required.
3. You can now edit the road group after it has been created by double-clicking it. Adapt your changes as you wish. Selected the group and the terrain and closed it. The following plug-in is available: ? Instant Road ? Road from Face.
To learn more, watch the following video tutorial.
For more information, visit: valiarchitects.com
5. Edges to 3D Profiles
You can use the Edges to 3D Profiles Tool in Sketchup to create structural models and even bridges.
Workflow
1. The Tool will work with the edges you choose.
2. Enter the parameters for your desired profile. You can apply some steel profiles by default.
3. You can create profiles.
To learn more, watch the following video tutorial.
For more information, visit: help.sketchup.com
