Stained Glass Windows

[RobL]

Hi,

 

I am beginning a set design that I know will need stained glass windows.  I'm looking for advice on how to get started.  Do I build it from scratch?  Do I use an image?  I don't want to use an image prop because I need to make the windows broken.  I've been able to self-teach the basics of Vectorworks, but this goes past my skills.

 

Thanks in advance!

Edited November 23, 2020 by RobL

[TomWhiteLight]

Easiest would probably be a texture over a single extrude. The best way would be to import/draw a 2d line drawing, clip surface the shapes of the glass required and then select them all and extrude them (then rotate them 90 deg whilst in a left view to get them the right way up). Ungroup and apply coloured translucent textures. The second way would take awhile but would look the most realistic when backlit.

[JBenghiat]

The best solution depends a bit on where you are in the design phase. If you're developing concept renders, an image-based solution is ideal, as you can very quickly get your ideas in the drawing. If you're at the point where you will generate construction drawings from your model, your approach may be different.

 

You CAN use an image prop if the windows are broken. Image props can incorporate an alpha channel, so if you use an image file that stores transparency, like png, photoshop, or tiff, you can just make the broken parts transparent.

[markdd]

Here is an example of where you can use an image as a transparency. This is just a Nurbs Surface with the texture applied to it. There is also a bump shader in the texture that holds light a little otherwise the texture will look very dark. For it to work best as a stained glass window you need a light background behind it. (as in real life)

 

Anyway, here are 2 pics and the file to give you an idea. There is lots more you could do to refract the light across the wall, but maybe another day!!

Stained Glass window.vwx

Edited November 25, 2020 by markdd

[RobL]

@JBenghiat That's great information to have.  I am still in the conceptual drawing phase, but want to practice the skills before I get to the drafting phase.