Sketch up Architecture

Course Module # 7    Are you a future Architect?

Due: 

Sketch up Architecture software - Similar to the Structural Engineering software 'AutoCad' - but a much simplier version. 

In our next course unit, we will be taking a break from Adobe App Suite and its host of programs to explore an entirely new area of endevour; architecture and design. 

We will need to sign up for a free 'Trimble' account to use the 'browser based tool suite and begin our 3 D design journey. As we progress through this unit we progress from a basic intro 'build a loft' tutorial and then go on to explore the world of architecture. We live our lives through the design ideas created by others...but what would a structure look like if YOU had total creative control 

Introduction - Sign up for a Trimble Account - a 'browser' based app'

Make a free account and use the 'web version of this'. Files can be saved in an 'on-line' folder and downloaded at the end of the unit. Use your school email account only for the sign up procedures. So the steps are as follows: 

• Go to the website 'sketchup trimble 

• select "START MODELING ' 

• sign up for a trimble ID - (account) 

• once varified - log in and start building 

Introduction to Architecture and design - What do you like? What elements could you incorporate into your own design elements?

• Current trends in design - notice the use of glass / angular design / explicit geometry / false roof lines / windows of mixed dimensions / use of reflective surfaces and pools / mixed material with glass , concrete, metal, wood slats and stark contrasts. 

• Architecture trends - a country house example (angular design / reflective pools / a blend of glass, concrete, rusted metal and industrial cladding. 

• Find your design inspiration - read through one design article that interests you

• A database of house designs 

• A deep dive into architecture forms and terms (it is a lengthly document so more of a reference) 

Part I -Introduction to Architecture Modelling - Learn the software fundamentals - Build a dream loft 

Just imagine you had the opportunity to create your own place to live - a dream loft. This place wouldn't necessarily be large but it would be on two levels? How would you design it? By definition it would most like be 'open concept' but what how would you organize and design it. Please use the PDF tutorial below to get you going but feel free to modify to your tastes. You can download finished furniture and other features directly to you project! 

Create a loft    (note: a few of the features may be different in the 'new version' )

Trimble 'Sketch up'  Introduction 

• Program shortcuts and tool bar explaination 

• Trimble User Guide 

Part II - Turn a 2 D sketch into a 3 D design - Do you have an eye for detail? 

In this more advanced introduction  - Please use this link - "Architecture 4 perspectives" . In this follow up introduction to Sketch up, you are asked to make a faithful replication of one of these 4 house / building designs. Your task is to take a four sided 2 D sketch and turn it into an accurate drawn 3 D structure. If time permits you can add a few outside features such as a walk way or some 'prefab' downloaded trees to decorate the structure (not required)

Part III - Create an Architectural masterpiece (house or tower) 

Project Option # 1 - Design a house that exemplifies the epitome of modern design 

Instructions: 

Using your skills with Sketch up, please create a modern architecture design that incorporates some of the techniques discussed in the articles and links above. For example, use of explicit geometry is one of the hallmarks of current design trends. As well, unusual juxtaposition of  wood, metal and concrete are found in many current structures.

Create a stylish modern house design using a range of exterior cladding materials and unusual design features. 

• Modern Architecture - everything you need to know...

• Unusual exterior facings - building structure can be clad in almost any material 

• Inspiring Architecture from around the world 

Project criteria: 

• Create a project that is the pinnacle of great design. 

• Use a variety of exterior cladding materials (wood / metal / concrete/ glass / tile / brick / cement tiles / stucco / possibly a 'living' wall or surface/ 

• Reflective exterior water feature 

• at least two stories high 

• both an exterior and an interior view (to make an interior space create the space BEFORE you put on the roof) 

• consider the landscaping and design of the immediate area that surrounds the structure

Project Option # 2 - Develop a LEEDS standard tower with environmentally friendly features built in

In this option, you will be tasked to create a LEEDS standard environmental building that recycles waste water / uses low carbon sources for heat (e.g. solar panels / geothermal) / utilizes rainwater for building use / and incorporates a 'living canopy' into its design (e.g. a green vegetation wall, trees built into the structure, a living roof - grasses etc). 

As best described on the LEED web site: 

"...LEED provides a point system to score green building design and construction. The system is categorized in five basic areas: Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, and Indoor Environmental Quality. Buildings are awarded points based on the extent various sustainable strategies are achieved. The more points awarded the higher the level of certification achieved from Certified, Silver, Gold, to Platinum..."

Please read the following articles BEFORE you begin your design: 

Here is a link that explains LEED building standards 

Green environmental buildings explained

Please study this info graphic to learn more about specific design elements that are considered "environmentally conscious" 

Examples of LEED (environmental) buildings 

Award winning LEED - Designs - learn about the teams and their projects...

A 34 story skyscraper          Example from Sweden

Brock House - A wood skyscraper    (A time lapse video of the construction of this building)

10 Most Environmentally Friendly Buildings in the World

Instructions: 

Current building designs are also now more environmental that before incorporating  "living roofs",  energy efficiency, solar panels, recycling rainwater and wastewater, low carbon footprint and other low energy use designs. You are tasked, in your role of architect of creating an environmentally friendly tower which includes at least FOUR building features that incorporate low energy use or other features. This tower design should also not only be environmentally friendly but also adhere to the principles of great design, scale and proportionality. 

You may modify the structure based upon your creative ideas. If you have time, try to work on the interior view structures as well.

Sketch up - the official help guide. 

Criteria for project 

• A high rise architecture with a modern design concept

• FOUR environmentally efficient features and functions (please label them)

• Use of a variety of materials in its design 

• Design is a positive addition to the city skyline 

• At least one balcony woven into the design 

• An impressively impactful entrance way 

• A living wall or living roof 

• rooftop terrace