Phillip Tripp Posted September 17, 2024 Share Posted September 17, 2024 I am reaching out for advice from 3D freeform modelers about preferred strategy/tools/methods for creating a custom shaped bench. Staff in our office are often familiar with Rhino from college classes, but not familiar with the processes in Vectorworks, even though both use solid modeling. I am sure there are different approaches to accomplishing the same result such as simple shapes directly to nurbs modeling or using extrude along path tools for each similar shape section of the bench, but we are eager to hear the preference or trade-offs between the different approaches or completely different approaches. The end goal is transitioning more staff from relying entirely on Rhino for 3D freeform modeling to using Vectorworks tools given a high volume of VW licenses in the office compared to Rhino, as well as a desire to keep design progress in one program. We are a landscape architecture office and I believe the full features of Rhino exceed the basic needs of custom shapes our office may dream up. Given the different methods available, we were hoping to choose a method based on responses from others. The images below illustrates progress for a bench modeled in rhino. Roughly 3 or 4 profiles extruded along a curving path with 2 moments of the bench including a portion where the seatback tapers from full seat back to flush at an exponential rate of rise. Another unique element of the bench is a varying fillet radius of the front seat edge along the length of the bench. Other features of the model would be the breaking of the bench into segments and skate deterrent void evenly distributed along the front seat edge. In the end, the model is both for visual renderings, but eventually becomes used for sharing directly to granite fabricators. We would provide enough dimensional info for key sections using the elevation tool and plan view for radii, etc. While these images show every segment pulled apart, we typically only dimension the unique pieces. Here a few of the most desired goals: Easy Future Editing: Prefer the tools that allow preservation of history for easy future edits over a process that requires complete restarts, although open to the idea of preserving the original starter objects if that is the alternative. Models are never done until the clock runs out, so ability to edit afterwards is essential. Dimensioning: Is there a way to associate the dimensions labeled in the section viewport annotation space that will auto update if the bench profile or path changes in the model? When I tested, the viewport updates correctly as expected for the revised model section, but the dimensions required adjusting to new snap points. Thank you in advance for any time and advice you are able to offer! Images Below: The bench is a continuous curving bench with varying seat back condition. The individual seats surrounding this are parts of the large bench and can be ignored. Quote Link to comment
Jeff Prince Posted September 17, 2024 Share Posted September 17, 2024 (edited) That geometry isn’t difficult to model in either program. The process you would use in Vectorworks can be the same as Rhino. The sloping back is probably best done as a separate piece added to the base bench and then fillets at the union. Alternatively are SubD or Deforms to get the shape. EAP or lofts seem more appropriate for this scenario. Generally, Vectorworks can do a better job documenting it compared to stock Rhino (ie not using aftermarket dimensioning plugins). Preserving history is a bit tricky until you have experience. I tell people to save key aspects of the design on separate design layers as it evolves rather than rely on object history to get you back to a point. This is easy to do simply by duplicating layers as you move along through iterations. i think it’s better that you allow designers to use their preferred tools if they have a high degree of competency there. Your organization will be better off having multiple skill sets to deploy that to limit yourself to one tool. It is common in AEC to use Rhino and Revit side by side. No reason you can’t do the same with VWX. Bonus, Rhino is an inexpensive perpetual license compared to VWX, so it’s cheap to have a license or two floating around… priceless when you need to open certain file types. Edited September 17, 2024 by Jeff Prince 1 Quote Link to comment
VIRTUALENVIRONS Posted November 26, 2024 Share Posted November 26, 2024 This post is several months old, but to that end I have been helping this firm with the transition from Rhino to Vectorworks. The Rhino version of this is compartmentalized (segmented). The Vectorworks version could be the same, but there is a smoother way. Likely this method could be used in Rhino, Blender, C4D, etc. It is somewhat complex, but more insight into the power of NURBS modelling in Vectorworks. At first it did appear straight forward until they pointed out that the rounded bunt with the notches is not constant. It tapers from one end to the other so each notch is different.....fun stuff. 1 Quote Link to comment
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