Tutorials of Visual Graphic Communication

Programs for Interior Design 2

YONGYEON CHO
IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY DIGITAL PRESS
AMES, IOWA
Tutorials of Visual Graphic Communication Programs for Interior Design 2 by Yongyeon Cho is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0
International License, except where otherwise noted.
Contents

Introduction 1

Part One. Image Search/ Diagramming/ Data Visualization

Chapter 1. Image searching techniques & Diagramming 4

Chapter 2. Illustrator - Basic 14
Chapter 3. Illustrator - Diagram 42
Chapter 4. Depthmap X - Data visualization 65

Part Two. Hybrid Digital Drawing

Chapter 5. Wacom tablet & Painter - User interface 81

Chapter 6. Painter - Tools and brushes 98
Chapter 7. Painter - Auto painting & Clone painting 105
Chapter 8. iPad & Procreate 117

Part Three. Advanced Modeling

Chapter 9. Revit - Family parameter 160

Chapter 10. Revit - Nested family 174
Chapter 11. Revit - Organic shaped walls 186
Chapter 12. Revit - Organic shaped ceiling and column 197
Chapter 13. Revit - Sketchup models 207
Chapter 14. Sketchup advanced modeling 219

Part Four. Advanced Rendering

Chapter 15. Vray for Sketchup 235

Chapter 16. Lumion - User interface and import 3D model 258
Chapter 17. Lumion - surroundings, objects, and materials 272
Chapter 18. Lumion - Lightings, scenes, and outputs 280
Chapter 19. Photoshop - brushes and quick retouch 290
Chapter 20. Photoshop - Advanced rendering post-production 303

Part Five. 3D Video Animation

Chapter 21. Enscape - walk-through video 316

Chapter 22. Lumion - walk-through video 322
Chapter 23. Premiere - Video pro-production 330

Appendix: Ancillaries 342

Introduction
Project Summary

This Open Educational Resources for the advanced level of architectural and interior design students who learn in-depth
knowledge and skills of computer-aided visualization software.

This digital textbook will be the second book of a series entitled “Tutorials of visual graphic communication programs for
interior design” (see the addons). The author will develop a total of twenty-two chapters to teach practical graphic presentation
techniques for architectural presentations. The carefully selected nine graphic communication software and technologies
based on the author’s industry experiences will be valuable learning material for designers.

The contents of this book are focusing on 1) practicing architectural diagramming using Adobe Illustrator and DepthmapX,
2) drawing hybrid digital perspectives with Wacom tablet and Corel Painter Essential or iPad and Procreate, 3) creating
organic shape in 3D and parametric furniture modeling with Autodesk Revit and SketchUp, 4) generating real-time and photo-
realistic rendering using Lumion, and Adobe Photoshop, 5) producing walk-through animations and practicing Virtual Reality
via Lumion, and Adobe Premiere Pro for improving presentation graphic quality. Students will learn these techniques by
following step-by-step tutorials.

This book is included multiple exercises for the reader’s practice. After completing the tutorial with user practice, the readers
can apply comprehensive techniques and knowledge to their design projects.

Objectives

First, this book will be the primary textbook for ARTID 569C Advanced Studies in Interior Design: Visualization Techniques.
ARTID 569 is for interior design seniors and graduates, and it is an optional class. Students who want to improve their
visual communication techniques seek advanced software knowledge before graduating from the program. Frequently, in this
type of tech class, students rely on the instructor’s demonstrations during lectures for acquiring knowledge. Our students
build their tutorials from various resources such as textbooks from the library or YouTube videos that the instructor informs.
However, students have struggled because sometimes students lost the steps because of the multiple steps required to follow.
Moreover, textbooks are expensive, and typically, a coursebook deals with only an application. Besides, YouTube videos
include unnecessary information like commercial advertisements. These separated educational resources of information often
cause students confusion and frustration. Thus, this book provides unified tutorials and accessible textbooks to cover the
selected advanced-level applications.

Second, this textbook is intended for learning nine applications that promote students’ visualization techniques and
knowledge. Many other books that teach software skills cover an application for readers, and the information is for a broad
target reader. However, this book’s readers will easily and comfortably find the relevant information in this digital book. The
nine applications were carefully selected based on the author’s practical experiences and discussion with faculty members
in the department. The nine applications are Adobe Photoshop: an industry-standard raster graphic editor for rendering
retouch, Adobe Illustrator: a vector graphic editor for diagramming; Adobe Premiere Pro: a timeline-based video editor for
walk-through video, DepthmapX: visual and spatial network analysis software, Corel Painter Essential: a raster-based digital
art application, Autodesk Revit: a building information modeling software, Sketchup: a 3D modeling computer program, and
Lumion: 3D rendering and visualization application.

Lastly, this book supports various learning experiences. The first is to complete a famous architecture by following the tutorial.

Introduction | 1
The second purpose is to provide exercises based on tutorials that practice for student’s design projects. The open-access book
consists of twenty-three chapters, including text-based step-by-step tutorials and screen-captured images with directions. The
author will use Iowa State University Digital Press. This free digital resource is for instructors who teach visualization classes,
and the resource can be a supplement resource for design studio instructors. Additionally, design students will follow the
instructors’ demonstrations in the lectures, and the students can practice the techniques after the lectures.

Students learning outcomes

The tutorials in the book can have positive impacts on students’ learning by 1) providing unified digital lecture contents to
learn the advanced level graphic communication applications for interior design and architecture students, 2) offering free and
readily available materials with texts and images, 3) supporting various examples and demonstrations that easily apply for their
current and future projects.

Affordability of the teaching contents

The book will help students’ finance because they are free with Creative Common. Whenever students need application
information, the tutorials will be available without paying for the textbook ($40 to $70). The course aims to learn nine
applications. Typically, a textbook for only one application and contains lots of detailed information. Not all readers need
all the information for their projects. However, the book delivers essential and necessary information based on the author’s
various experiences in different interior design and architecture firms from local, national, and international.

Pedagogical strategies

The book’s primary pedagogical strategy is to ease students’ software learning in lectures and apply the information to their
future design projects. Some students struggle with learning technical knowledge because of the amount of information
that students must follow the instructor’s demonstration. The detailed step-by-step texts and screen-captured image-based
tutorials can help students who missed steps in lectures. Some students learn lecture contents reasonably well in class, but
students cannot apply the information to their design projects. Thus, the examples and students’ self-learning exercises will
help them how to apply the techniques to their design projects.

Image credit information.

This Open Educational Resource contains multiple images from external resources. The author tried to gather image license information
and authorship. If removal of images from this resource is needed, please contact the author, [email protected]. Thank you.

2 | Introduction
PART ONE. IMAGE SEARCH/
DIAGRAMMING/ DATA VISUALIZATION

Chapter 1. Image searching techniques & Diagramming

• Understand the importance of visual communication and various current skills and techniques
• Be introduced to various image searching tips
• Understand public domain media and Creative Commons media
• Understand what a diagram is, and the types of diagrammatic representations

Chapter 2. Illustrator – Basic

• Be introduced to illustrator and similar applications in the industry

• Use basic tools and commends for an illustrated work

Chapter 3. Illustrator – Diagram

• Understand a working process to create a spatial, sequential process diagram

Chapter 4. Depthmap – Data visualization

• Understand the concepts of Space Syntax and the examples

• Ready for Space Syntax images
• Generate isovist, connectivity, and gate count graphics

Part One. Image Search/ Diagramming/ Data Visualization | 3

Chapter 1. Image searching techniques &
Diagramming

Session Objectives

Upon completing this session, students will be able to:

• (CO 1) Understand the importance of visual communication and various current skills and techniques
• (CO 2) Be introduced to various image searching tips
• (CO 3) Understand public domain media and Creative Commons media
• (CO 4) Understand what a diagram is, and the types of diagrammatic representations

Lecture Contents

(CO1) Understand the importance of visual communication and various

current skills and techniques

Visual communication in interiors

Read this article about visual communication in interiors.

Why visual communication is important

Read this article about why visual communication is important.

Types of technology in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry

• BIM
• Renderings
• Animations
• VR & AR
• Computational design

4 | Image searching techniques

 • Rapid prototyping
• Visual storytelling
• Environmental Energy analysis

Image credit: Amy Huber &

Lisa Waxman

Visual communication tools in the AEC industry

Software and apps for architecture firms: 140+ Software tools architecture firms need in [2020]-Modified by Cho [Excel
download] (source: architecturequote website)

Tools of the Trade, a resource page by Bekerman Ronen, gathers information about architectural visualization.

• Adobe Photoshop – Sketch, photo edit, rendering retouch

• Adobe Illustrator – illustrate, diagrams
• Adobe Indesign – presentation, publication
• Adobe Premiere – animation – create/edit video and audio
• Adobe After effects – animation – create motion graphics, key-frame based animation
• Adobe Acrobat DC – communication, presentation
• Affinity Photo – sketch, photo edit, rendering retouch
• Affinity Designer – illustrate, diagrams
• Affinity Publisher – presentation, publication
• Corel CorelDRAW – drafting, illustrate
• Corel Painter – digital art
• AutoCAD + architecture – drafting
• AutoCAD LT – drafting
• Revit – BIM, drafting, 3d modeling
• 3DS MAX – 3d modeling
• Sketchbook – Sketch
• BIM 360 – collaborating work
• Dynamo studio – parametric design
• Bluebeam – Drawing review, comments, communications
• Rhino – 3d modeling
• Grasshopper – parametric design
• Sketchup pro – 3d modeling
• Solidworks – 3d modeling

Image searching techniques | 5

 • Vectorworks – BIM, 2d drafting, 3d modeling
• Cinema 4D – 3d modeling
• Blender – 3d modeling
• VRAY – post-rendering
• Enscape – post-rendering, VR
• Lumion 3D – post-rendering, VR
• Corona – post-rendering

(CO2) Be introduced to various image searching tips

General search engines for high-quality images Design Portfolio websites

• Google image search – Tool • Behance

• Bing image search – Filter • Dribbble
• Pinterest • Issuu
• Yandex – Filters
• Yahoo – advanced

Architectural and interior design magazines

Reverse image search engines (commercial)

• Archdaily
• TinEye
• Retail design blog
• Pinterest Visual search tool
• Interior design
• Google
• Dezeen
• Picsearch
• Frame
• Wallpaper
• Design milk
• Design boom
Stock image search engines • Work design
• Healthcare design
• Shutter stock • Office snapshots
• Getty images • Education snapshots
• Deposit photo • Hospitality snapshots
• Adobe stock
• 123RF

(CO3) Understand public domain media and Creative Commons media

Public domain media

Copyright.gov explains the public domain as follows: “A work of authorship is in the “public domain” if it is no longer under
copyright protection or if it failed to meet the requirements for copyright permission of the former copyright owner.” Finding
something on the internet does not mean it is in the public domain (Blechner, 2021, July 21).

6 | Image searching techniques

Creative commons media

Creative Commons is a non-profit that helps share + reuse creativity & knowledge via free legal and technological tools. These
tools are not alternatives to copyright laws, rather they work alongside them (About the licenses, 2017, November 7).

Royalty-free media

Royalty-free images aren’t necessarily free. In most cases, you’ll have to pay a one-time fee to obtain the rights to use the image.
Then you can use it as many times as you like. The “free” in “royalty-free” only means that you do not have to pay royalties to
the owner of the image every time you use it. For a comprehensive read on royalty-free images, check out this guide by Amos
Struck (Struck, 2020, April 30).

• Wikimedia Commons
• Flicker
• Pixabay
• Unsplash
• Public Domain Pictures.net
• Burst
• Old book illustrations
• The New York Public Library Digital Collections

You can find more search engines including images, audio, and video on this link.

(CO4) Understand what a diagram is, and the types of diagrammatic

representations

What is a diagram?

“A diagram is a symbolic representation of information using visualization techniques” – Oxford languages

“A simplified drawing showing the appearance, structure, or working of something; a schematic representation” – Wikipedia

“An architecture diagram is a graphical representation of a set of concepts, that is part of the architecture, including their
principles, elements, and components” – Dragon 1

A diagram is the spatialization of a selective abstraction and/or reduction of a concept or phenomenon. In other words, a
diagram is the architecture of an idea or entity. A diagram can be described as an imaginative process that by virtue of analog
and digital construction procedures helps in the transformation of typologies, configurations, and models.

Image searching techniques | 7

Types of diagrammatic representations

Programmatic representation

Distribution of the program

This diagram is an example
of a programmatic diagram.
The outer dashed line shows
the property line of the site
and the bord inner dashed
line represent the building
boundary. Each space
programs in rounded
rectangles with various
colors. The color shows the
level of privacy. Lastly, the
lines passing the space
programs are the potential
path of the occupants.

Specific activity and uses

This diagram can be an
example of the
programmatic
representation diagram.
Each dashed rounded
rectangle shows the story of
each program of the design.
For example diagram
number 2 tells there is a gap
between two buildings the
right side of the building
represents the current/
modern architecture, the
left side of the building
represents the architecture
in the past, and there is a
void space in between. It
represents the time between
the past and current
building which connects the
two times.

8 | Image searching techniques

Contextual representation

Implementation/visual
This 6 diagram can be an
example of an
implementation/visual
diagram that represents the
contextual issue in the site.
The left top diagram shows
the site’s relationship with
other related buildings and
traffics. The middle image
of the top diagram shows
the best circulation with the
buildings on the site. The
right top diagram presents
how to connect the
buildings with the
conditions. The left bottom
diagram shows the
pedestrian flow and the
middle bottom diagram tell
the outside garden for the
public. The last diagram
shows the building is twisted
for the dynamic views and
bounces back to the existing
building.

Site conditions
This diagram shows the
various site condition at
once. It presents the
location of the site and the
surroundings like the major
and secondary road,
topography, river, potential
flood area, green spaces,
town, major view to cover,
the short history of the site,
elevation, ethnicity,
language, and other
infrastructure information.

Spatial representation

Design concept

Image searching techniques | 9

 These sequential four
diagrams show the design
concept of this building.
The green-colored line
shows the nature from the
surroundings and the nature
in the building will connect.

Spatial relationships
This diagram and the
diagram above are from the
same project. This floor
plan with green color clearly
shows the concept of
connecting nature in the
space. Additionally, the
gray-colored space is for the
public lobby extended from
the inside out.

Volumetric relationships

10 | Image searching techniques

 This panel presents two
diagrams together with an
exterior perspective
rendering. The left top four
sequential diagrams show
the volumetric relationship
of the three masses with the
original structure that must
be remained. The right side
diagrams show the two floor
plans isometric views. This
will help reviewers to better
understand the
relationships of the spaces.

Construction representation

Structure and materials

This panel image shows two
images together, one is an
interior perspective
rendering to show the mood
of the space, and the other
is an exploded diagram that
explains the structure and
materials of the building
with annotation techniques.

Image searching techniques | 11

System operation
This group of diagrams
shows the systems of the
space. Generally,
architecture and interior
spaces contain many
systems together, like
HVAC systems, signage
systems, furniture systems,
A/V systems, lighting
systems, circulation systems,
and more. This diagram
represents the interior
systems together with leader
lines and short descriptions.

References

About the licenses. Creative Commons. (2017, November 7). Retrieved December 21, 2021, from https://creativecommons.org/
licenses/

Amy Huber and Lisa Waxman, IDEC IDEC Exchange 2019 spring, Navigating the changing tides of technology

Bekerman, R. (n.d.). Architectural visualization tools of the trade (2D / 3D). 3D Architectural Visualization & Rendering Blog.
Retrieved December 21, 2021, from https://www.ronenbekerman.com/tools-of-the-trade/#3d-modeling

Blechner, A. J. (2021, July 21). Finding public domain & creative commons media: What do public domain & creative commons mean?
Harvard Law School Library. Retrieved December 21, 2021, from https://guides.library.harvard.edu/Finding_Images

Gailis, G. (2020, September 1). 140+architecture software tools for architects [2020]. ArchitectureQuote. Retrieved December 21,
2021, from https://architecturequote.com/software-tools-for-architects/

Professional Design Institute. (2017, March 5). Visual communication in interiors. Professional Design Institute. Retrieved
December 21, 2021, from https://www.design-institute.com/blog/visual-communication-in-interiors

12 | Image searching techniques

Struck, A. (2020, April 30). What are royalty free images? best guide to use royalty free photos! Stock Photo Guides. Retrieved
December 21, 2021, from https://www.stockphotoguides.com/use/royalty-free/what-are-royalty-free-images

Why Visual Communication Is Important? (n.d.). [web log]. Retrieved December 21, 2021, from https://eztalks.com/unified-
communications/why-visual-communication-is-important.html.

Image searching techniques | 13

Chapter 2. Illustrator - Basic

Session Objectives

Upon completing this session, students will be able to:

• (CO 1) Be introduced to illustrator and similar applications in the industry.

• (CO 2) Use basic tools and commends for an illustrated work.

Lecture Contents

(CO1) Be introduced to illustrator and similar applications in the industry

About Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator is the industry-standard vector graphics app that lets you create logos, icons, drawings, typography, and
complex illustrations for any medium. Adobe Illustrator is the industry-standard design app that lets you capture your creative
vision with shapes, color, effects, and typography.

Adobe illustrator work examples, please watch the video linked in the texts below to understand the process of the illustrated
drawings.

1. Perspective drawing (Digital Art Creation, 2017)

2. Isometric drawing (Satori Graphics, 2019)

Alternatives of Adobe Illustrator.

1. Affinity Designer
2. Corel Draw
3. Inkscape
4. Gravit designer

14 | Chapter 2. Illustrator - Basic

(CO2) Use basic tools and commends for an illustrated work

Note. The information below is from the Adobe illustrator user guide and selected tools, commands, and panels by the instructor.

Adobe illustrator interface

Open Adobe Illustrator 2020 by clicking the icon: .

You may be required to sign in to confirm your license.

Once the application opens, you will see this start page. On the start page, you can create a new file using a template, browse
to open a file, or open a recent file.

Once you click the [Create New] button, a new window will pop up.

• [STEP 01] Enter a file name to save. e.g. [First name_Last name_Exercise 1 Diagram].
• [STEP 02] Change the unit to [Inches].
• [STEP 03] Update the size of the artboard size [Width=20in, Height=14in] for the Exercise 1.

Note 1. Bleed sizes for printing documents. Often designers create a document a bit bigger (0.125”) than an artboard size for white space.
However, documents for web or computer use do not need to have the bleed because there is no space to cut.

Chapter 2. Illustrator - Basic | 15

Note 2. Color Modes. [CMYK] = Printing color, [RGB] = Web color.
Note 3. Raster Effect. Height (300 ppi) = Printing (more memory use), Screen (72 ppi) = Web (less memory use).

• [STEP 04] Click [Create].

Save the file by pressing [ctrl+s] on the keyboard, before you start your work.

Once you create a new file, you will see a white artboard with the workspace [Essentials].

16 | Chapter 2. Illustrator - Basic

The workspace is modifiable, meaning you can change what you want. Adobe Illustrator offers some recommended
workspaces for users. Once you click the workspace switcher, you can choose one of the settings. I recommend using the
[PAINTING] preset.

The image below is the [Painting] workspace and illustrates the name of the interface.

Note1. Once you press the [tab] key on the keyboard, you can hide all panels.
Note2. For a presentation mode, press [Shift+F] or click the presentation mode on the bottom of the tool panel.

Chapter 2. Illustrator - Basic | 17

Note3. Also, you can minimize and maximize the panel groups by clicking the arrow on the top-right corner of the panel groups

Document setup

On the document set, you can change the units, bleed size, and Artboards size.

To edit Artboards size:

• [STEP 01] Click [Document Setup] on the control panel.

• [STEP 02] Click [Edit Artboards].

18 | Chapter 2. Illustrator - Basic

 • [STEP 03] To open the artboard, you can also click [Artboard tool] or press [shift+o] on the keyboard.
• [STEP 04] You can change the current Artboard size by editing [W] and [H] of the document or you can drag the blue box
on the artboard.

• [STEP 05] If you need it, you can also add new artboards. Once you print or make a PDF file, it will show on different
pages.

Preferences

On Preferences, you can change many things when you operate the application. I usually use the preferences to change the
units and user interface.

Chapter 2. Illustrator - Basic | 19

Tool panel & Control panel (Basic)

Selection tool – [v]

The selection tool is to select an object/objects.

• [STEP 01] To select an object, click or drag over an object/ objects/ a group/ groups.

• [STEP 02] To select an object inside of a group, you must double click to open the group and then select an object/objects
by clicking or dragging it over.
• [STEP 03] To select multiple objects, hold the [shift] key and select another object(s).

For more information about the selection tool, please read the Selecting Objects help page on the Adobe website.

Direct selection tool – [a]

This direct selection tool is to select an anchor point/anchor points in an object/objects/a group/groups.

• [STEP 01] You can select anchor point(s) by clicking or dragging over it.
• [STEP 02] To select multiple anchor points, hold the [shift] key and select another anchor point(s).
• [STEP 03] To move the selected anchor point(s), you should drag and drop the anchor(s) or use keyboard direction keys.

20 | Chapter 2. Illustrator - Basic

• [STEP 04] You can convert the anchors’ edge style by clicking convert icons on the control
panel.

• [STEP 05] The curve shapes can be editable by controlling handles.

Chapter 2. Illustrator - Basic | 21

 • [STEP 06] You can remove anchors by clicking [remove selected anchor point icon] .

Pen tool – [p]

The Pen tool is THE MOST IMPORTANT tool in this application.

22 | Chapter 2. Illustrator - Basic

This is a drawing tool that creates an object by mouse left click.

The Pen tool supports both straight lines (click) and curved lines (drag).

An object can be closed and open. This can be identified with this identifier .

If you need to draw a 45-degree line or a 90-degree line, hold the [Shift] key.

If you want to add an anchor point, mouse over on edge of an object, the mouse icon changes to +, then you can click to add an
anchor point.

For more information about the Pen tool, please read the Drawing Pen Curvature or Pencil help page.

Paintbrush tool – [b]

The Paintbrush tool is a free-form drawing tool.

Typically, designers/illustrators use this tool with a Wacom Tablet (pressure-sensitive).

For more information about the paintbrush tool, please read the Create and Edit Artwork with Paintbrush help page.

Type tool – [t]

The Type tool is used to add text to a design.

Chapter 2. Illustrator - Basic | 23

There are 7 ways to add text:

• Option 1. Add horizontal text by clicking on the artboard.

• Option 2. Add horizontal text block by drag and drop.
• Option 3. Add horizontal text to an object by clicking the object.
• Option 4. Add text on an edge of an object or a path by selecting [Type on a Path tool].
• Option 5. Add vertical text by clicking on the artboard.
• Option 6. Add vertical text block by drag and drop.
• Option 7. Add vertical text to an object by clicking the object.

For more information regarding the type tool, please read the Creating Text help page.

Shapes

There are 5 different basic shapes in this application.

• Rectangle tool – [m]

• Ellipse tool
• Polygon tool
• Star tool

24 | Chapter 2. Illustrator - Basic

 • Line segment tool

There are two ways to create a shape. One is clicking to open the shape window to enter numbers, the other is dragging to
manually draw a shape.

For more information regarding the shapes tool, please read the Draw Basic Shapes help page.

Eyedropper tool

The eyedropper tool is to copy the attributes of an object by clicking the object.

To apply the attributes, hold the [Alt] key and click an object.

For more information about the eyedropper tool, please read the Appearance Attributes help page.

Chapter 2. Illustrator - Basic | 25

& more [Edit toolbars…]

Once you click this [Edit toolbars…], more toolbars can use.

If you want to move a tool to the toolbar, drag and drop off the icon.

Free Transform – [e]

Free Transform is a different transform tool than just using a section tool.

Once you click an object, select [Free Transform Tool].

There are three options

• Free Transform
• Perspective distort
• Free distort

26 | Chapter 2. Illustrator - Basic

For more information about the free transform tool, please read the Scaling Shearing and Distorting Objects help page.

Fill & Stroke

Change to the Default setting (Fill-White, Stroke-Black) – [d].

Change Fill and Stroke selection – [x].

To change the Fill color & gradient, use the control panel.

To change Stroke color & types, click [Stroke] on the control panel.

Chapter 2. Illustrator - Basic | 27

Panel Groups

Swatches

A swatches panel is a way to save the color that you use in a drawing.

The image below shows the default swatch board.

You can add new color from the library by clicking the stacked lines icon .

28 | Chapter 2. Illustrator - Basic

Also, you can try the Adobe color theme by clicking the linked lines icon .

Color Guide

The Color Guide panel is another tool to select a color. This panel proposes color harmony.

Chapter 2. Illustrator - Basic | 29

To apply the color, you can just click the color that you want to apply.

For more information about the Color Guide, please read the Color Group Harmonies help page.

Gradient

Once you click the gradient on the gradient panel, the gradient will apply to the fill or the stroke.

To change the gradient type, color, opacity, location, and degree.

And also, you can control the direction by using the gradient tool from the toolbar.

30 | Chapter 2. Illustrator - Basic

Transparency

The transparency tool is to adjust the object or group transparency and blending modes.

Click the Transparency tab on the panels.

Chapter 2. Illustrator - Basic | 31

To edit the opacity or blending modes, click the arrow and change the values or the mode.

For more information about Transparency, please read the Transparency blending modes help page.

Character

The character panel is for editing texts in your illustrator file.

To open the full panel, you will need to double-click the tab.

From the character panel, you can edit font, font style, font size, leading, and more.

32 | Chapter 2. Illustrator - Basic

 image credit: Screen
captured and modified by
the Author from Adobe
Illustrator.

If you need to change your font to all capital letters, open the character panel menu and select All Caps.

You may also need to break the fonts/texts for additional edits. You choose the types and mouse right-click, and select [Create
Outlines].

Chapter 2. Illustrator - Basic | 33

For more information about formatting type, please read the Formatting type help page.

Paragraph

The paragraph panel is for editing paragraph alignment and indents and hyphenation.
image credit: Screen
captured and modified by
the Author from Adobe
Illustrator.

For more information about formatting paragraphs, please read the Formatting Paragraphs help page.

Align

Align panel is to controls the object or group by aligning/distributing with other selected objects or groups.

34 | Chapter 2. Illustrator - Basic

For more information about Align tool, please read the Moving, Aligning, and Distributing Objects help page.

Pathfinder

Pathfinder panel (Shape Modes and Pathfinders) is for combining objects

For more information about Pathfinder tools, please read the Combining Objects help page.

Appearance

The appearance panel is to view and adjust the appearance attributes for an object, group, or layer.

Chapter 2. Illustrator - Basic | 35

 image credit: Screen
captured and modified by
the Author from Adobe
Illustrator.

You can add/edit strokes and/or fill.

To add an effect, click the Add Effect button and select an effect.

36 | Chapter 2. Illustrator - Basic

For more information about Appearance, please read the Appearance Attributes help page.

Place [shift+ctrl+p]

Use the Place command to load other bitmap images on your artboard.

• [STEP 01] Click [File] >[Place] and select an image that you want to add, and click [Place].
• [STEP 02] Drag and drop to place the linked image.

• [STEP 03] To replace the image with another image, you should click the name of the image on the control panel and
click replace.

Chapter 2. Illustrator - Basic | 37

Also, you can embed the image into the file to avoid missing links in the future.

For more information about the Place function, please read the Importing Artwork Files help page.

Image trace

Image trace command is for converting a bitmap image to a vector object (editable in illustrator).

• [STEP 01] Before using the command, please embed the linked image.
• [STEP 02] Once you click an arrow next to the [image trace] button, you can see some preset to convert image to object.
You can try the preset that is appropriate for your purpose.

• [STEP 03] If you need any additional adjustment for the converted object other than the presets, please open the image

38 | Chapter 2. Illustrator - Basic

 trace panel.

To convert the editable object, please click [Expand] on the control panel.

For more information about image trace functions, please read the Image Trace help page.

Group [ctrl+g], ungroup, and expand objects

For more information groups and expanding objects, please read the Grouping Expanding Objects help page.

Ruler [ctrl+r] and guides

For more information about rulers and guides, please read the Rulers, Guides, and Crop Marks help page.

Layers

For more information about layers, please read the Using Layers help page.

References

Adobe Illustrator. (2021, December 20). Welcome to the illustrator User Guide. Retrieved December 21, 2021, from
https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/user-guide.html

Chapter 2. Illustrator - Basic | 39

Adobe Illustrator. (2021, October 26). Select objects. Retrieved December 21, 2021, from https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/
using/selecting-objects.html#selection_options_and_preferences

Adobe Illustrator. (2018, January 11). Drawing with the Pen, Curvature, or Pencil tool. Retrieved December 21, 2021, from
https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/drawing-pen-curvature-or-pencil.html

Adobe Illustrator. (2019, January 30). Create artwork with the Paintbrush and Pencil tools. Retrieved December 21, 2021, from
https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/how-to/create-edit-artwork-with-paintbrush-pencil-tools.html

Adobe Illustrator. (2021, December 13). Create text. Retrieved December 21, 2021, from https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/
using/creating-text.html

Adobe Illustrator. (2019, July 10). Draw basic shapes. Retrieved December 21, 2021, from https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/how-
to/draw-basic-shapes.html

Adobe Illustrator. (2021, August 3). Appearance attributes. Retrieved December 21, 2021, from https://helpx.adobe.com/
illustrator/using/appearance-attributes.html

Adobe Illustrator. (2019, April 23). Scale, shear, and distort objects. Retrieved December 21, 2021, from https://helpx.adobe.com/
illustrator/using/scaling-shearing-distorting-objects.html

Adobe Illustrator. (2020, April 24). Color groups. Retrieved December 21, 2021, from https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/
color-groups-harmonies.html

Adobe Illustrator. (2021, April 16). Transparency and blending modes. Retrieved December 21, 2021, from https://helpx.adobe.com/
illustrator/using/transparency-blending-modes.html

Adobe Illustrator. (2021, June 22). Format type. Retrieved December 21, 2021, from https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/
formatting-type.html

Adobe Illustrator. (2021, April 16). Format paragraphs. Retrieved December 21, 2021, from https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/
using/formatting-paragraphs.html

Adobe Illustrator. (2017, February 15). Move, align, and distribute objects. Retrieved December 21, 2021, from
https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/moving-aligning-distributing-objects.html

Adobe Illustrator. (2021, April 16). Combine objects. Retrieved December 21, 2021, from https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/
using/combining-objects.html

Adobe Illustrator. (2021, August 3). Appearance attributes. Retrieved December 21, 2021, from https://helpx.adobe.com/
illustrator/using/appearance-attributes.html#appearance_panel_overview

Adobe Illustrator. (2021, November 12). Import artwork files. Retrieved December 21, 2021, from https://helpx.adobe.com/
illustrator/using/importing-artwork-files.html

Adobe Illustrator. (2021, May 14). Image trace. Retrieved December 21, 2021, from https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/
image-trace.html

Adobe Illustrator. (2020, June 4). Group or ungroup objects. Retrieved December 21, 2021, from https://helpx.adobe.com/
illustrator/using/grouping-expanding-objects.html

Adobe Illustrator. (2021, December 13). Rulers, grids, and guides. Retrieved December 21, 2021, from https://helpx.adobe.com/
illustrator/using/rulers-grids-guides-crop-marks.html

40 | Chapter 2. Illustrator - Basic

Adobe Illustrator. (2021, August 17). Layers. Retrieved December 21, 2021, from https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/
layers.html

Digital Art Creation. (2017). Drawing Perspective Vector Art in Adobe illustrator. YouTube. Retrieved December 21, 2021, from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niKUMz0wpUQ.

Satori Graphics. (2019). Learn Skills For QUALITY ISOMETRIC DESIGN – Illustrator Isometric House Tutorial. YouTube. Retrieved
December 21, 2021, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFHxknDs4Mk.

Chapter 2. Illustrator - Basic | 41

Chapter 3. Illustrator - Diagram

Session Objectives

Upon completing this session, students will be able to:

• (CO 1) Understand a working process to create a spatial, sequential process diagram

Session Highlights

At the end of the session, students will be able to create the graphics below.
Image credit: Modified
diagram based on a
diagram – Mulemba House
by Trienal de Arquitectura
from Pyo, M., & Kim, S.
2012 by Cho

42 | Chapter 3. Illustrator - Diagram

 Lecture Contents

(CO1) Understand a working process to create a spatial, sequential process

diagram

In this tutorial, you will see a working process to create a spatial, sequential process diagram. Through the process, students
will learn how to use the tools and commend in Illustrator.

Create a new file

• [STEP 01] Open Adobe illustrator. (in this tutorial, I used the illustrator 2021 version)
• [STEP 02] Create a new file by clicking [CREATE NEW].
• [STEP 03] Enter the file name [Firstname_Lastname_Exercise 1 Diagram].
• [STEP 04] Enter artboard size [20in x 14in].
• [STEP 05] Confirm Color mode [CMYK].
• [STEP 06] Raster effect [300 dpi].

Save the new file

• [STEP 01] by clicking [FILE] > [SAVE] or, press [CTRL+S].

• [STEP 02] Find/create a project folder.
• [STEP 03] Click [SAVE].
• [STEP 04] Change the version to Illustrator CC by clicking the version.
• [STEP 05] Click [OK].
• [STEP 06] Click [OK] on the warning message.

Chapter 3. Illustrator - Diagram | 43

Place a background image

• [STEP 01] For the exercise, you must download the image file and use it.
• [STEP 02] For your project, you can use a sketch file as a background image.
• [STEP 03] Click [FILE] > Click [PLACE] or, Press [SHIFT+CTRL+P].
• [STEP 04] Select an image file that you use as a guide for a diagram.
• [STEP 05] Click a place on the artboard.
• [STEP 06] Confirm you are using [SELECTION TOOL].
• [STEP 07] Adjust the scale by dragging and dropping the edge of the image. You may hold the [SHIFT] key to keep the
image ratio. Or you can use [TRANSFORM PANEL] to adjust the size of the image. Or adjust the size on [CONTROL
PANEL].
Image credit: Modified
diagram based on a
diagram from Pyo, M., &
Kim, S. 2012 by Cho.

44 | Chapter 3. Illustrator - Diagram

Adjust background image transparency and add new layers

• [STEP 01] Click the background image.

• [STEP 02] Adjust the value of Opacity to 30 from [CONTROL PANEL]. Or Click [TRANSPARENCY PANEL] to open the
panel, and adjust the opacity value to 30%.
• [STEP 03] Double click the [LAYER 1] layer from [LAYERS PANEL]to update layer name [BACKGROUNDS].
Tip. Use a name that you can recognize better for the layer number.
• [STEP 04] Click the [+] icon three times from [LAYERS PANEL] to add three new layers.
• [STEP 05] Adjust names for each new layers [DIAGRAMS], [ARROWS and ICONS], and [TEXTS].
• [STEP 06] Lock the [BACKGROUNDS] layer.

Draw the top-left corner diagram to start

• [STEP 01] Press [Z] to zoom in and out. Or you can press [CTRL+ +] to zoom in, press [CTRL + -] to zoom out.
• [STEP 02] Press [SPACE] key to handing the artboard.
• [STEP 03] Press [P] to use the [PEN] tool.
• [STEP 04] Confirm you selected the [DIAGRAMS] layer.
• [STEP 05] Start to draw the site line. If you want to use only lines without fill color, you must click the [FILL] and change
the color to [NONE].

Chapter 3. Illustrator - Diagram | 45

 • [STEP 06] Draw the building base volume using the [PEN] tool.
Tip 1. Smart Guides [CTRL+U] is on by default. You will see the snaps while you draw, use the snap. Hold [SHIFT] key to draw 0,
45, 90-degree lines.
Tip 2. Illustrator is a drawing tool; this is not AutoCAD. That means they don’t need to be 100 % precise. Some artistic expression is
allowable.
Suppose you want to draw with the isometric grid line. Please follow this step in the link.
• [STEP 07] Click the object and click [STROKE] from the [CONTROL PANEL] to open [STROKE PANEL] to adjust the
stroke thickness and align stroke.
Tip. You can open the [STROKE PANEL] from [APPEARANCE PANEL] or [STROKE PANEL] directly.
• [STEP 08] Adjust the [WEIGHT] and [ALINE STROKE].

46 | Chapter 3. Illustrator - Diagram

 • [STEP 09] Draw the edge of the box using the [PEN TOOL]. You may also adjust [STROKE] as well.

Add angled texts

• [STEP 01] Click [TYPE TOOL] or press [T].

• [STEP 02] Draw and drop to add a text box.
Tip. When you create a text box, be careful with the cursor icon changes. If you want to draw a path/object as a text box, you need

Chapter 3. Illustrator - Diagram | 47

 to click the path/object. Otherwise, you need to draw and drop in an empty area.
• [STEP 03] In the text box, some placeholder will automatically fill. You need to delete the placeholders and add your text.
• [STEP 04] Edit the font, size, leadings, and more.

• [STEP 05] Mouse right-click on the text box.

• [STEP 06] Click [CREATE OUTLINES] to break the texts.
Tip. If you skip this [CREATE OUTLINE] process, [FREE DISTORT] will not be applied.
• [STEP 07] Click [FREE TRANSFORM TOOL] and click [FREE DISTORT].
• [STEP 08] Drag and drop the corner of the selected text box to create angled text.

• [STEP 09] Adjust the text color/transparency/effect.

48 | Chapter 3. Illustrator - Diagram

Finishing up the first diagram

• [STEP 01] Adjust the building volume fill color to hide the site line.
• [STEP 02] Adjust the site line color to indicate the volume of the site.

Note. For the exercise, you can add/develop the diagram that you are given. DESIGNERS!!

Ready to make the second diagram

• [STEP 01] Select the first diagram > Mouse right-click > Select [GROUP].
• [STEP 02] Hold [ALT] key > Drag and drop the first diagram to the second diagram location.
• [STEP 03] Select the copied second diagram > Mouse right-click > Select [UNGROUP].
• [STEP 04] Remove and edit to create the second diagram.

Chapter 3. Illustrator - Diagram | 49

Draw lines and fill colors

• [STEP 01] Select the group > Mouse right-click > Click [ARRANGE] > Click [SEND BACKWARD] Or Select the group >
Press [CTRL+[ ].

• [STEP 02] Select [LINE SEGMENT TOOL].

• [STEP 03] Draw lines to set the guide the color fill.

50 | Chapter 3. Illustrator - Diagram

 • [STEP 04] Select the lines that you draw by using [SELECTION TOOL].
• [STEP 05] Make a group by pressing [CTRL+G] to prevent any accidental selection while using [PEN TOOL].
• [STEP 06] And lock the line group by clicking the grouped line group from [LAYERS PANEL].

• [STEP 07] Select [PEN TOOL] to draw the color-filled area.

• [STEP 08] Draw color-filled objects individually. And adjust colors.
Tip 1. If you want to make the object line precisely, use outline mode by pressing [CTRL+Y]. It will allow us to see only outlines: no
color fill, no stroke. To exit the outline mode, press [CTRL+Y] again.
Tip 2. Also use [DIRECT SELECTION TOOL], shortcut [A] to adjust the anchor points.
• [STEP 09] Make groups by color of the objects.
• [STEP 10] Make a group the groups.
• [STEP 11] Change the order of the group.
Tip. Please see the [LAYERS PANEL] to see the drawing orders.

Changing color with using Swatches and Library

• [STEP 01] Previously you used the default swatches. You can select color by double-clicking Fill color and pick a color
from [COLOR PICKER].

Chapter 3. Illustrator - Diagram | 51

 • [STEP 02] In this tutorial, you will add new colors from the background image using [EYEDROPPER TOOL], shortcut [I].
• [STEP 03] Hide the [DIAGRAMS] layer by clicking the eye icon by the layer on the [LAYER PANEL].
• [STEP 04] Unlock the [BACKGROUNDS] layer by unclicking the lock icon.
• [STEP 05] Select the image > change Opacity to 100%.
• [STEP 06] Click [EYEDROPPER TOOL] from Tool panels, shortcut [I].
• [STEP 07] Select a color that you want to add to the swatches.
• [STEP 08] Click the + icon from the [SWATCHES PANEL] to add.
• [STEP 09] Change the name if needed, check [ADD TO MY LIBRARY].

• [STEP 10] Repeat this process to save colors from a reference image.

52 | Chapter 3. Illustrator - Diagram

• [STEP 11] Adjust the image opacity to 30%.
• [STEP 12] Lock the [BACKGROUNDS] layer.
• [STEP 13] Unhide the [DIAGRAMS] layer.
• [STEP 14] Click the Folder icon to create a swatch folder > Name it > Select the swatches that you made > Drag and drop
off the swatches to the folder.
• [STEP 15] Select an object/ a group > make sure Fill color is activated > select a swatch to apply the color to the object/ a
group.

• [STEP 16] Make a group for the [DIAGRAM 2] and rename the group from the [LAYER PANEL].

Chapter 3. Illustrator - Diagram | 53

Create the third diagram

• [STEP 01] Copy the diagram 2 group to the diagram 3 location by holding [ALT] key and dragging and dropping the
object/the group. If you want to copy to a straight line, hold the [SHIFT] key while dragging and dropping the object/the
group.
• [STEP 02] If the background image is off from the copied diagram, you can change the image location.
• [STEP 03] Repeat [Ready to make the second diagram] to [Changing color with using Swatches and Library] to create the
third diagram.
• [STEP 04] Consider the drawing orders, the thickness of lines, and the color of the object.

Create Diagram 4

• [STEP 01] For Diagram 4, you only need to add the Yellow square and tree in the middle of the site. You don’t need to
ungroup and draw new all. You will keep the elements and only add the yellow square and three.
• [STEP 02] To see the background image, you can change the opacity value of the copied diagram or adjust the
transparency style to [MULTIPLY].

54 | Chapter 3. Illustrator - Diagram

• [STEP 03] Draw the YELLOW AREA and update the color and thickness of the stroke.
• [STEP 04] Ungroup the copied diagram.
• [STEP 05] Update drawing order.
• [STEP 06] Group the copied diagram including the yellow area with the trees.
• [STEP 07] Rename of the group.

Chapter 3. Illustrator - Diagram | 55

Align the four diagrams

• [STEP 01] Select the four diagrams.

• [STEP 02] Open [ALIGN PANEL] or find the align icons on the [CONTROL PANEL].
• [STEP 03] Click [VERTICAL ALIGN BOTTOM] icon.
• [STEP 04] Click [HORIZENTAL DISTRIBUTE CENTER] icon.

Create Diagram 5 and 6

• [STEP 01] Copy from diagram 4 to Diagram 5, 6, 7, and 8.

• [STEP 02] Align with Diagram 1 for diagram 5 and Diagram 3 for diagram 5.
• [STEP 03] Move the image if necessary.
• [STEP 04] Ungroup the copied diagram.
• [STEP 05] Remove objects that are not needed.
• [STEP 06] Group the object and rename it.

56 | Chapter 3. Illustrator - Diagram

Create Diagram 7 and 8

• [STEP 01] Diagram 7 will be updated from diagram 4.

• [STEP 02] Update the color and stroke.
• [STEP 03] For the dashed line, you will need to open the [STROKE PANEL] and check the Dashed Line box and value
dash.
• [STEP 04] Add objects to the ground by using [PEN TOOL].
Tip. Lock the diagram while you draw the ground line to prevent merging objects.
• [STEP 05] Adjust drawing order.

Chapter 3. Illustrator - Diagram | 57

Create Diagram 9 and 10

• [STEP 01] Copy diagram 9 and 10 from diagram 8.

• [STEP 02] Scale change with keeping the ratio of the group by holding the [SHIFT] key.
• [STEP 03] Update fill colors and strokes.
• [STEP 04] Add detailed elements (Sun and water tanks) with [GEOMATICS] and [PEN TOOL].

58 | Chapter 3. Illustrator - Diagram

Add/edit Gradients on the roofs

• [STEP 01] Click an object to that you want to add a gradient.

• [STEP 02] Click [GRADIENT PANEL].
• [STEP 03] Make sure you selected [FILL].
• [STEP 04] Click [GRADIENT] to activate.
• [STEP 05] Click the [GRADIENT] icon on the tool panel to control gradient direction.
• [STEP 06] Double-click the black color on the [GRADIENT PANEL] to select a color.
• [STEP 07] Double-click the white color on the [GRADIENT PANEL] to select a color.
• [STEP 08] If you want to add color to the gradient that you made, click in the middle of the gradient and change the
color. You can also adjust the percentages of the gradient.
• [STEP 09] Update transparency style to Multiple to show the behind the objects.

Add hatch using Make Clipping Mask

• [STEP 01] Create a pattern as a group with an object/objects.

• [STEP 02] Draw a line and copy the line multiple times and align [HORIZENTAL DISTRIBUTE CENTER] and make the
lines to a group.

Chapter 3. Illustrator - Diagram | 59

 • [STEP 03] Move the pattern group to where you want to apply.
• [STEP 04] Draw the boundary line (must be closed a loaf).
• [STEP 05] Select the pattern group (below) and the boundary line (above).
• [STEP 06] Mouse right-click > click [MAKE CLIPPING MASK].

60 | Chapter 3. Illustrator - Diagram

Add arrows

• [STEP 01] Illustrator has lots of brushes in the library.

• [STEP 02] Click [BRUSH PANEL] > click the panel extension > Click [OPEN BRUSH LIBRAY] > Click [ARROWS] > Click
[ARROWS_STANDARD].

• [STEP 03] Draw a line.

• [STEP 04] Select an arrow from the brush library to apply.
• [STEP 05] Adjust stroke color and thickness to change the appearance.

Chapter 3. Illustrator - Diagram | 61

Add icons from images using image tracing

• [STEP 01] In this tutorial, you will learn how to convert a raster (bitmap) image to a vector image.
• [STEP 02] Download a silhouette icon (the black and white image will have the best results) from the image searching
website.
• [STEP 03] Place the image on the artboard [SHIFT+CTRL+P].
• [STEP 04] Click [EMBED] from the [CONTROL PANEL].
• [STEP 05] Click the small arrow by the [IMAGE TRACE] to select [BLACK AND WHITE LOGO].
Image credit: Black and
white human figures
designed by freepik.

[STEP 06] Open [IMAGE TRACE PANEL] to adjust the detail.

• [STEP 07] Once you think the image is ready to convert to a vector image, click [EXPAND] from the control panel.

62 | Chapter 3. Illustrator - Diagram

 • [STEP 08] Ungroup the expanded image to control the individual object.
• [STEP 09] Remove the unnecessary objects.
• [STEP 10] Adjust scale and position.

Add texts

• [STEP 01] Click [TYPE TOOL] from [TOOL PANEL], or press [T].

Chapter 3. Illustrator - Diagram | 63

 • [STEP 02] Create a text box and add texts.
• [STEP 03] Modify fonts and size.

Export to PDF and JPG

• [STEP 01] Before you create PDF and JPG, you must save the file.
• [STEP 02] To create a PDF file, you should use [SAVE A COPY] from the file menu > select [PDF] for the file type > select
Adobe PDF Preset [PRESS QUALITY].
• [STEP 03] To create a JPG file, you should use [EXPORT] from file menu > select [EXPORT AS] > select [JPG] for the file
type > click [EXPORT] > select the quality, resolution (150 ppi for low quality print).

References

Curt, I. (2019, September 30). Quick tip: How to create an isometric grid in less than 2 minutes! Design & Illustration Envato
Tuts+. Retrieved December 22, 2021, from https://design.tutsplus.com/tutorials/quick-tip-how-to-create-an-isometric-grid-in-
less-than-2-minutes–vector-3831

Pyo, M., & Kim, S. (2012). Architectural and program diagrams: 1 Construction and design manual/editor [s], Miyoung Pyo,
Seonwook Kim. (1., neue Ausg.. ed., Construction and design manual).

64 | Chapter 3. Illustrator - Diagram

Chapter 4. Depthmap X - Data visualization

Session Objectives

Upon completing this session, students will be able to:

• (CO 1) Understand the concepts of Space Syntax and the examples

• (CO 2) Ready for Space Syntax images
• (CO 3) Generate isovist, connectivity, and gate count graphics

Session Highlights

At the end of the session, students will be able to create the graphics below.

Chapter 4. Depthmap X - Data visualization | 65

 Lecture Contents

(CO1) Understand the concepts of Space Syntax and the examples

What is Space Syntax

The term space syntax encompasses a set of theories and techniques for the analysis of spatial configurations. It was
conceived by Bill Hillier, Julienne Hanson, and colleagues at The Bartlett, University College London in the late 1970s to early
1980s to develop insights into the mutually constructive relationship between society and space. As space syntax has evolved,
certain measures have been found to correlate with human spatial behavior, and space syntax has thus come to be used to
forecast the likely effects of architectural and urban space on users (Wikimedia Foundation, 2021, March 26).

The image on the left shows

the movement traces of
visitors in the first 10
minutes of their visit to
Tate Britain by Hillier et al
in 1996. The image on the
right shows the visibility
analysis of Tate Britain by
Space Syntax Ltd. image
credit: Hillier et al,& Space
Syntax Ltd. Retrieved from
Sailer, K

Three assumptions

1. Spaces can be broken down into components.

2. Spaces can be analyzed as networks of choices.
3. Spaces can be represented as maps and graphs to describe the connectivity and integration of spaces.

66 | Chapter 4. Depthmap X - Data visualization

 image credit: Example of
space syntax representation
of housing floor (n.d)

Three basic concepts in Space Syntax analysis

Convex space

(popularized by John Peponis, and his collaborators at Georgia Tech), an occupiable void where, if imagined as a wireframe
diagram, no line between two of its points goes outside its perimeter: all points within the polygon are visible to all other
points within the polygon.
An example of convex
spaces and the depth map.
image credit: Dawes, M., &
Ostwald, M. J.

Chapter 4. Depthmap X - Data visualization | 67

Axial space

(idea popularized by Bill Hillier at UCL), a straight sight-line and a possible path
An example of an axial map
and the depth map. image
credit: Dawes, M., &
Ostwald, M. J.

Isovist space

(popularised by Michael Benedikt at University of Texas), or viewshed or visibility polygon, the field of view from any particular
point
An example of an Isovist
map. image credit: Ostwald
M.J., Dawes M.J.

Visibility Graph Analysis (VGA)

In architecture, visibility graph analysis (VGA) is a method of analyzing the inter-visibility connections within buildings or
urban networks. Visibility graph analysis was developed from the architectural theory of space syntax by Turner et al. (2001)
and is applied through the construction of a visibility graph within the open space of a plan.

Visibility graph analysis was firstly implemented in Turner’s Depthmap software and is now widely used by both academics
and practitioners through the open-source and multi-platform depthmapX developed by Tasos Varoudis (Sailer, K, 2016,
February 3).

68 | Chapter 4. Depthmap X - Data visualization

 An example of Visibility
Graph Analysis with using
depthmapX. image credit:
Sailer, K

Why does it matter?

The main proposition of Space Syntax research: the character of social life within a space depends on its position within the
fabric of a city or a building.

Integrated spaces: livelier and frequented by more people.

Segregated spaces: lesser frequentation.

Affects the patterns of copresence and encounters in space and thus the patterns of interaction between people (Sailer, K, 2016,
February 3).

Software – Depthmap X

depthmapX is a multi-platform software platform to perform a set of spatial network analyses designed to understand social
processes within the built environment. It works at a variety of scales from building through small urban to whole cities or
states. At each scale, the aim of the software is to produce a map of open space elements, connect them via some relationship
(for example, intervisibility or overlap), and then perform a graph analysis of the resulting network (UCL Space Syntax, n.d).

• Download the software from the Archtech website.

depthmapX-0.50-64bit-Windows.zip.

Unzip the file and open the [depthmapX 0.50-64bit.exe] file.

No installation is required for the application.

Chapter 4. Depthmap X - Data visualization | 69

(CO2) Ready for Space Syntax images

In order to simulate in Depthmap X, your drawing needs to be ready for the application.

• [STEP 01A] If you use Revit for your project,

◦ Open a plan view(s).

◦ Show Walls, Windows, Doors, Furniture, Built-In Furniture.
◦ Export the view(s) in DWG file format to use in AutoCAD.
• [STEP 01B] If you use AutoCAD, Eames House_SS_Base_01.dwg.

◦ Hide all except Walls, Windows, Doors, Furniture, Built-In Furniture layers.
◦ Copy the elements that show in a separate CAD file.

• [STEP 02] If the drawing is simple, you can use the files in depthmap X, but it is recommended to redraw the elements in
separated layers (e.g., 101_SS_A, 101_SS_V,
101_SS_A layer is for accessibility diagram, 101_SS_V layer is for visibility diagram, you can set a different color for the
layers).

◦ Building envelop(s) should be closed – 101_SS_V layer.

◦ Interior walls should be no thickness (just a single line) – 101_SS_V layer.
◦ Doors should be open (no line required).
◦ Interior windows(glassing) should be no thickness – 101_SS_A layer.
◦ Furniture (movable) should not be drawn.
◦ Furniture (stationary) should be drawn in simple lines – 101_SS_A layer.
◦ Built-In Furniture should be drawn in simple lines – 101_SS_A layer.

70 | Chapter 4. Depthmap X - Data visualization

 • [STEP 03] Create two files by copying the drawn elements.

One is for a visibility diagram.

• Including 101_SS_V layer only.

• Merge all elements into the [0] layer.
• Use the [Purge] command to clean up layers.
• Export the file in DXF file format.

• Duplicate the DXF file and change the names by level.

st nd
• Open the files and delete unnecessary parts (For example, the file is for the 1 level, delete the 2 level elements).

Chapter 4. Depthmap X - Data visualization | 71

The other is for an accessibility diagram

• Including both 101_SS_A and 101_SS_V layers.

• Merge all elements into the [0] layer.
• Use the [Purge] command to clean up layers.
• Export the file in DXF file format.

• Duplicate the DXF file and change the names by level.

st nd
• Open the files and delete unnecessary parts (For example, the file is for 1 level, delete the 2 level elements).

(CO3) Generate isovist, connectivity, and gate count graphics

Open depthmapX by double-clicking [depthmapX 0.50-64bit.exe].

You must click [OK] for the License.

Create a Visibility diagram

• [STEP 01] Click the [New] icon from the [MAIN] panel to create a new file.
• [STEP 02] Click the [Import] icon from the [MAIN] panel to import [Eames House_SS_V-1st.dxf].
• [STEP 03] Select [Eames House_SS_V-1st.dxf] file and click [Open].

72 | Chapter 4. Depthmap X - Data visualization

• [STEP 04] Click the [Set Grid] icon from the [Main] panel to create grids. The software will analyze your drawing within/
by the grids that you created.
The spacing can be smaller, can be larger. If you set the grid smaller, you will get better graphics, but it will take more
time; sometimes, you may get an error. If you set the grid larger, you will get low-quality graphics, but it will speed up
your work.
Tips, If the project size is considered in a big-size project, double up the number you get from the default. If the project size is
considered in a small-size project, use the number that the software provides.

• [STEP 05] Once the grid is set, click the [Fill] icon (looks like paint bucket) from the [Main] panel to designate the area
you want to analyze > Click one of the grids that you want to analyze.

Chapter 4. Depthmap X - Data visualization | 73

 • [STEP 06] Click [TOOL] from the menu > Click [Visibility] > Click [Make Visibility Graph…] > Uncheck all from the
options > Click [OK] > You will get [Connectivity] result.

• [STEP 07] In order to get the visibility diagram, Click [Tool] from the menu > Click [Visibility] > Click [Run Visibility
Graph analysis] > Check [Calculate visibility relationships], Check [Include global measure], enter [n] for [Select radius]
the Analysis options > Click [OK] > You will get [Visual integration] result.

74 | Chapter 4. Depthmap X - Data visualization

• [STEP 08] If you want to change the background color and line color, click the [View] menu > Click one of the menus>
Change the setting. You also turn on/off the grids.

• [STEP 09] As far as I know, there is no export function on this software. So, it would be best if you screened capture to
use the image. I recommend overlaying with the floor plan in Photoshop.

Chapter 4. Depthmap X - Data visualization | 75

Create an Accessibility diagram

• [STEP 01] Click the [New] icon from the [MAIN] panel to create a new file.
• [STEP 02] Click the [Import] icon from the [MAIN] panel to import [Eames House_SS_A-1st.dxf].
• [STEP 03] Select [Eames House_SS_A-1st.dxf] file and click [Open].
• [STEP 04] Click the [Set Grid] icon from the [Main] panel to create grids.
• [STEP 05] Once the grid is set, click the [Fill] icon (looks like a paint bucket) from the [Main] panel to designate the area
you want to analyze > Click one of the grids that you want to analyze.
• [STEP 06] Click [TOOL] from the menu > Click [Visibility] > Click [Make Visibility Graph…] > Uncheck all from the
options > Click [OK] > You will get [Connectivity] result.

76 | Chapter 4. Depthmap X - Data visualization

• [STEP 07] In order to get the accessibility diagram, Click [Tool] from the menu > Click [Agent tools] > Click [Run Agent
analysis] > Default setting is okay, no change needed. But if you want to try different settings – Movement rule, Analysis
length, and checking [Record trails] > Click [OK] > You will get [Gate Counts] result.

• [STEP 08] This is the final result after photoshop.

Chapter 4. Depthmap X - Data visualization | 77

 References

Dawes, M., & Ostwald, M. J. (2013). Precise locations in space: an alternative approach to space syntax analysis using intersection points.
Architecture Research, 3(1), 1-11.

Example of space syntax representation of housing floor – diagram transparent PNG – 850X475 – free download on nicepng.
NicePNG.com. (n.d.). Retrieved December 22, 2021, from https://www.nicepng.com/ourpic/u2w7u2i1w7w7y3q8_example-of-
space-syntax-representation-of-housing-floor/

Ostwald M.J., Dawes M.J. (2018) Isovists: Spatio-Visual Mathematics in Architecture. In: Sriraman B. (eds) Handbook of the Mathematics
of the Arts and Sciences. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-70658-0_5-1

Sailer, K. (2016, February 3). Understanding complex buildings. SlideShare. Retrieved December 22, 2021, from
https://www.slideshare.net/kerstinsailer/understanding-complex-buildings

Turner, A; Doxa, M.; O’Sullivan, D.; Penn, A. (2001). From isovists to visibility graphs: a methodology for the analysis of
architectural space. Environment and Planning B. 28 (1): 103–121. doi:10.1068/b2684.

UCL Space Syntax. (n.d.). DepthMapX. Space Syntax. Retrieved December 22, 2021, from https://www.spacesyntax.online/
software-and-manuals/depthmap/

78 | Chapter 4. Depthmap X - Data visualization

Wikimedia Foundation. (2021, March 26). Space syntax. Wikipedia. Retrieved December 22, 2021, from https://en.wikipedia.org/
wiki/Space_syntax

Chapter 4. Depthmap X - Data visualization | 79

PART TWO. HYBRID DIGITAL DRAWING

Chapter 5. Wacom tablet & Painter – User interface

• Be aware of various types of perspectives using hybrid techniques

• Be introduced Wacom tablet technology
• Be introduced “Painter Essentials” and similar applications in the industry
• Understand the basic interface of “Painter Essentials”

Chapter 6. Painter – Tools and brushes

• Four types of working in Painter

• Use basic tools and panels in Painter
• Understand brushes in painter – Choosing and acquiring brushes

Chapter 7. Painter – Auto painting & Clone painting

• Various brushes and categories

• AI auto-painting
• Clone painting

Chapter 8. iPad & Procreate

• Be introduced a drawing app – Procreate

• Understand the basic interface and gestures of “Procreate”
• Understand various brushes, layers, and colors
• Understand various tools in the app
• Be introduced various working processes for perspective views

80 | Part Two. Hybrid Digital Drawing

Chapter 5. Wacom tablet & Painter - User
interface

Session Objectives

Upon completing this session, students will be able to:

• (CO 1) Be aware of various types of perspectives using hybrid techniques

• (CO 2) Be introduced Wacom tablet technology
• (CO 3) Be introduced “Painter Essentials” and similar applications in the industry
• (CO 4) Understand the basic interface of “Painter Essentials”

Lecture Contents

(CO1) Be aware of various types of perspectives using hybrid techniques

Architectural illustration styles

There is no doubt that digital culture has changed the way that projects have been designed and represented, according to
Perry Kulper, author of “The Labor of Architectural Drawing,” the result is a “shift from what architecture looks like to how it
behaves—a movement from the configuration and image dominance to parametric and performance logics.”

However, despite their waning appearance in the business-as-usual side of architecture, drawing and illustration are still
inescapable components of the practice that filter into multiple stages of the process (Garkavenko, A, 2021, December 9).

Chapter 5. Wacom tablet & Painter - User interface | 81

ASAI (American Society of Architectural Illustrators)

Image credit: ASAI.

Founded in 1986 in the United States, the ASAI is comprised of professional illustrators, architects, designers, teachers,
students, corporations, and anyone engaged in the serious pursuit of architectural illustration. The central purpose of ASAI
remains the improvement of architectural drawing worldwide.

DCA (Design Communication Association)

Image credit: DCA.

The Design Communication Association (DCA) is an international professional society composed of graphics/design teachers
from schools of architecture, landscape architecture, interior design, graphic design, and product design.

For more resources for architectural illustrations, check out the illustration tag on the Archdaily website.

82 | Chapter 5. Wacom tablet & Painter - User interface

Working Processes

Use a photo as a base for the drawing

Example 1
This architectural
perspective image is the
final illustration based on a
photo that the author took.
This image depicts the
Korean traditional
architecture
(Gwanghwamun-a front
gate of the Joseon Dynasty’s
palace) without distorting
the vanishing point.

Example 1 Process

Chapter 5. Wacom tablet & Painter - User interface | 83

 These four images in a row
show the working process of
the Gwanghwamun. The
first image shows the photo
base with the lines that I
traced. The second image
shows turning off the photo
layer and adding more
details and some colors.
The third image show some
graphic experimental to
show the details. I added a
paper texture layer as a
background and change the
darkness of the paper
texture only on the
architecture part. The last
image shows turning off the
paper texture image and
adding more details with
thin lines and dots.

Example 2
This illustration is also an
example of a photo-based
digital drawing. This image
shows two truck graffiti on
the outside of a wall that I
took a picture of from
Brooklyn, New York.

Example 2 Process

84 | Chapter 5. Wacom tablet & Painter - User interface

 These process images show
how I draw this digital
illustration. The first image
shows the original photo
that I took. The second
photo shows the outlines of
the photo that I traced. It
shows the original image in
the back layer. The third
image shows how I add
colors and the truck graffiti
on the outside wall. The last
image is the final result of
this work.

Use a 3D (rough) rendered image as a base for the drawing

Example 1
This interior perspective
view presents the courtyard
of the future of the Stahl
house project that I worked
on in 2015. The site locates
in Los Angles. This image
was based on a
computer-generated 3D
rendering. Because this is a
hypothetical project, I
needed a based image to
visualize the project. With
3D rendering, the
illustration looks more
realistic, but the line
drawing expresses a more
fantasy feeling.

Example 1 Process

Chapter 5. Wacom tablet & Painter - User interface | 85

 These three images show the
process of the work above.
The first image is the
computer-generated 3D
rendering. I used 3Ds Max
and Vray for the rendering.
The second image shows the
outlines of the illustration
based on the rendering. The
last image is the final result
of the work. I added all of
the detail lines and remove
some unnecessary objects
and added some that I
missed in the modeling
process.

Example 2
This digital rendering was a
commissioned work. A
client asked me to draw the
three buildings in a
perspective rendering. The
client provided the
three-building separately.
Then I photoshopped the
three buildings into one
view and changed the
buildings vanishing points
to look more harmonized,
and added the sky. With the
client’s approval, I draw the
image and connect the
image more naturally. And
also I matched the color.

Example 2 Process

86 | Chapter 5. Wacom tablet & Painter - User interface

 These six images explain the
process of the perspective
rendering image above. The
first image on the left top
shows the three-building
images that the client
provided. The second image
shows the location where
the client wants to add the
three buildings. The third
image shows the
photoshopped image that
the client approved. The
fourth image shows the
outline of the three
buildings and surroundings.
The fifth image shows the
background cloud added.
The last image is the final
rendering with the buildings
and surrounding color.

Use a sketch or a hand-drawn image as a base for the drawing

Example 1

Chapter 5. Wacom tablet & Painter - User interface | 87

 This last image is an
example of a hybrid
perspective. I draw the Iowa
State University building as
a course project. With the
professor’s
recommendation, I added
some images on Adobe
Photoshop like human
figures and plants and
daylighting which are
usually difficult to express
on watercolor drawings.

(CO2) Be introduced Wacom tablet technology

Wacom Co. Ltd is a Japanese company that specialized in Graphic Tablets and related products since 1983.

Wacom provides 5 product lines:

1. Pen computers
2. Pen displays
3. Pen tablets
4. Smartpads
5. Stylus

88 | Chapter 5. Wacom tablet & Painter - User interface

 image credit: Wacom

Wacom Intuos Tablet Features

• Customizable ExpressKeys: Four keys on the upper corners of the Intuos allow you to set frequently used functions or
keystrokes, or simulate button clicks or modifier keys.
• Touch toggle switch: This allows you to enable or disable touch.
• USB connector: Connects your Intuos to your computer. See the Quick Start Guide that came with your Intuos for
instructions on connecting it to your computer.
• Power LED: Lights when the Intuos is connected to an active USB port.
• Status LED: Lights when you touch the active area, or use the pen or ExpressKeys™.
• Active area: The portion of the Intuos surface that detects pen and touch input. The boundaries of the active area are
shown by four small dots on the corners of the tablet.

image credit: Wacom.

Wacom Intuos Pan Features

• Natural feel with 4096 Pen pressure sensitivity.

• +/- 0.25mm digital tolerance in accuracy.
• No battery required pen.
• 7mm reading height.
image credit: Wacom

Chapter 5. Wacom tablet & Painter - User interface | 89

Wacom Tablet Properties

Open your Control Panel

Select Wacom Tablet Properties

90 | Chapter 5. Wacom tablet & Painter - User interface

Test pressure and settings

Chapter 5. Wacom tablet & Painter - User interface | 91

ExpressKeys setting

8 Productivity Tips for your Wacom tablet

Optional read and watch this blog post for Productivity Tips for your Wacom tablet.

92 | Chapter 5. Wacom tablet & Painter - User interface

(CO3) Be introduced “Painter Essentials” and similar applications in the
industry

Corel Painter is a raster-based digital art application created to simulate as accurately as possible the appearance and behavior
of traditional media associated with drawing, painting, and printmaking. It is intended to be used in real-time by professional
digital artists as a functional creative tool.

The application offers a wide range of traditional artists’ materials and tools. With the aid of a graphics tablet or computer
mouse, the user is able to reproduce the effect of physical painting and drawing media such as watercolor, oil, chalk, charcoal,
and color pencil. There are also a few non-traditional items, such as the Image Hose, pattern pens, F/X, Distortion, and Artist
tools for allowing artists to apply less conventional elements to an image.

Painter Essentials 7

Painter Essentials product website link

image credit: Corel Painter
Essentials 7

Painter 2021

Painter 2021 product website link

image credit: Corel Painter
2021

Similar applications

Autodesk Sketchbook website – Sketch

Chapter 5. Wacom tablet & Painter - User interface | 93

 image credit: Sketchbook

Adobe Photoshop – Sketch, photo edit, rendering retouch

image credit: Adobe
Photoshop

Affinity Photo – Sketch, photo edit, rendering retouch

image credit: Affinity photo

94 | Chapter 5. Wacom tablet & Painter - User interface

(CO4) Understand the basic interface of “Painter Essentials.”

Welcome page

• Documents – New, Open, Recent Documents

• Layout – User Interface
• Tutorials
• Instagram
• Tech supports

Create a new document

• [STEP 1] Click [File] > Click [New] or, Press [CTRL + N]

• [STEP 2] Select [New Document]
• [STEP 3] Add Filename, adjust Resolution, and add with size with the right unit, change the color of the background, and
paper texture.

Save the file

Press [CTRL + S]

Chapter 5. Wacom tablet & Painter - User interface | 95

Workspace

Preferences

96 | Chapter 5. Wacom tablet & Painter - User interface

 References

Adobe Photoshop. (n.d.). Official Adobe Photoshop. Retrieved December 22, 2021, from https://www.adobe.com/products/
photoshop.html

Affinity photo. (n.d.). Affinity photo – professional image editing software. Retrieved December 22, 2021, from
https://affinity.serif.com/en-us/photo/

ASAI. (n.d.). Architecture in perspective 34. Retrieved December 22, 2021, from https://www.asai.org/architecture-in-
perspective-34/

Corel Painter Essentials 7. (n.d.). Painter Essentials 8: Get your free trial, Retrieved December 22, 2021, from
https://www.painterartist.com/en/product/painter-essentials/

Corel Painter 2021. (n.d.). Painter 2022: Download your free trial. Retrieved December 22, 2021, from
https://www.painterartist.com/en/product/painter/?topNav=en#features

DCA. (2019, May 31). 2018_DCA_Exhibition. Issuu. Retrieved December 22, 2021, from https://issuu.com/sorensson/docs/
2018_dca_drawing_exhibition_catalog_210de63b4a1198

Garkavenko, A. (2021, December 9). 9 architectural illustration styles that prove drawing isn’t dead – architizer journal. Journal.
Retrieved December 22, 2021, from https://architizer.com/blog/inspiration/collections/architectural-illustration/

Park, P. (2019, February 9). 8 productivity tips for your Wacom Tablet. Wacom Americas’ Blog. Retrieved December 22, 2021, from
https://community.wacom.com/us/8-productivity-tips-for-your-wacom-tablet/

Sketchbook. (n.d.). For everyone who loves to draw. Retrieved December 22, 2021, from https://www.sketchbook.com/

Wacom. (n.d.). Wacom Global. Retrieved December 22, 2021, from https://www.wacom.com/en-us

Wacom. (n.d.). Wacom Intuos Features. Retrieved December 22, 2021, from https://101.wacom.com/UserHelp/en/
Features_Intuos.htm

Wacom. (n.d.). Wacom Intuos. Retrieved December 22, 2021, from https://www.wacom.com/en-us/products/pen-tablets/wacom-
intuos

Chapter 5. Wacom tablet & Painter - User interface | 97

Chapter 6. Painter - Tools and brushes

Session Objectives

Upon completing this session, students will be able to:

• (CO 1) Four types of working in Painter

• (CO 2) Use basic tools and panels in Painter
• (CO 3) Understand brushes in Painter – Choosing and acquiring brushes

Session Highlights

At the end of the session, students will be able to create the graphics below.
Image credit: The base
photo is a modified image
from Ricardo Dearatanha /
Los Angeles Times.

98 | Chapter 6. Painter - Tools and brushes

 Lecture Contents

(CO1) Four types of working in Painter

Drawing and painting from scratch

Many digital artists start to draw on the Painter artboard directly without any guidance. But this needs many practices, so
beginners are not recommended to use this type of work in Painter.

However, I think this “drawing and painting from scratch” might be a suitable method for concept sketches of your design
work.

The painter supports a variety of sizes of the artboard, paper for texture, brushes, and colors from the color wheel and
swatches.

Painter brushes can paint or draw with any media – not just oils and watercolor, but also pencils, pens, pastels, markers, and
other media.
Image credit: Stacy, R.

Tracing an image

You can use tracing paper to outline an image or other renderings. You can then use the outline as a starting point for a
painting.

This is a helpful method for designers/artists who want to draw perspective drawings with the right vanishing point and
viewpoint lines.

After you trace the outline, you will use various brushes to express drawing in the artistic matter.

Chapter 6. Painter - Tools and brushes | 99

 Image credit: The base
photo is a modified image
from edbridge.

Painting by hand using Photo painting brushes

Painter has a unique technology to copy images with different brush styles. It calls Photo Painting Brushes.

You can express the color and details with different media, like oil paint, pastel, chalk, spray, watercolor, pencil, and more.

One tip from the Painter Essentials quick start guide: “Don’t attempt to paint every square inch of the canvas. Allowing some
of the canvas to show through adds to the loose, fluid quality of the image. Don’t be concerned about slight overlaps with
adjacent areas. The basic idea is to work quickly and with spontaneity.”

100 | Chapter 6. Painter - Tools and brushes

AI Auto-painting

“A great way to become acquainted with Corel Painter is to create photo art by painting on an image (photo or rendered image).

Based on the analysis of a large number of paintings by different artists, the AI presents the use of advanced machine-learning
techniques to create auto-paintings that match more realistically the aesthetics and painting styles of professional artists.
Image credit: Corel
Discovery Center

Chapter 6. Painter - Tools and brushes | 101

(CO2) Use basic tools and panels in Painter

Tools

• Brush tool lets you paint and draw on the canvas or a layer.
• Dropper tool lets you pick up a color from an existing image.
• Paint Bucket tool lets you fill an area with color.
• Text tool creates text shapes.
• Eraser tool lets you remove unwanted areas from an image by using brushstrokes.
• Crop tool lets you remove an unwanted area from an image by cutting them out.
• Rectangular selection tool.
• Oval selection tool.
• Lasso selection tool.
• Magic Wand tool lets select an area of similar color by clicking or dragging in an image.
• Selection Adjuster tool lets you select, move, and manipulate selections created with all selection tools.
• Transform tool lets you modify the selected area of an image by using different transformation modes.
• Layer Adjuster tool is used to select, move, and manipulate layers.
• Rubber Stamp tool gives you quick access to the Straight Cloner brush variants.
• Dodge tool lets you lighten.
• Burn tool lets you darken.
• Mirror paint mode lets you create a perfectly symmetrical painting.
• Kaleidoscope mode lets you transform basic brushstrokes into colorful and symmetric kaleidoscope images.
• Grabber tool lets you pan through an image quickly.
• Magnifier tool lets you magnify areas of an image.
• Rotate page tool lets you rotate an image window to accommodate the way you naturally draw.
• Color selector lets you choose main and additional colors.
• Paper selector opens the papers flyout.
• Color tools.
• Text, Eraser, and Crop tools.
• Selection tools.
• Photo tools.
• Symmetry tools.
• Navigation tools.
• Selectors.

Panels

• Photo Painting: Provides all the tools you need for creating photo art.
• Mixer: Lets you mix and blend colors as you would on the artist’s palette.
• Color Set: Displays the colors in the current color set so you can organize groups of colors.
• Navigator panel: This Lets you navigate the document window without zooming out.
• Layers: This lets you preview and arranges all layers in the document. You can set the composite method, adjust the
opacity, and lock and unlock layers.

102 | Chapter 6. Painter - Tools and brushes

(CO3) Understand brushes in Painter – Choosing and acquiring brushes

Choosing brushes

The Brush Library panel lets you choose brushes from different brush categories.

Brush categories are groups of similar brushes and media.

Brush variants are specific brushes within a brush category.

To select a brush variant

• [STEP 1] Click Brush tool

• [STEP 2] Click Brush selector
• [STEP 3] Click a brush category in the brush library
• [STEP 4] Click a brush variant

Adjusting brush settings

• [STEP 1] Adjust the size of the brush

• [STEP 2] Adjust the opacity of the brush
• [STEP 3] Adjust the grain of the brush

Chapter 6. Painter - Tools and brushes | 103

Practice Wacom tablet with [Pen] or [Pencil] brush.

References

Corel Discovery Center. (2019, October 7). Webinar: Introducing painter essentials 6. Retrieved December 23, 2021, from
https://learn.corel.com/tutorials/webinar-intro-painter-essentials-6/

Stacy, R. (2018, September 24). Painter Mech Design. Corel Discovery Center. Retrieved December 23, 2021, from
https://learn.corel.com/tutorials/webinar-painter-mech-design/

104 | Chapter 6. Painter - Tools and brushes

Chapter 7. Painter - Auto painting & Clone
painting

Session Objectives

Upon completing this session, students will be able to:

• (CO 1) Various brushes and categories

• (CO 2) AI auto-painting
• (CO 3) Clone painting

Session Highlights

At the end of the session, students will be able to create the graphics below.

Chapter 7. Painter - Auto painting & Clone painting | 105

106 | Chapter 7. Painter - Auto painting & Clone painting
 Lecture Contents

(CO1) Various brushes and categories

Acrylic and oils

The Acrylic brush variants are versatile brushes that let you apply quick-drying paints to the canvas.

The Oils brush variants let you create effects you’d expect from oil paints. Some variants are semi-transparent and can be
used to produce a glazed effect.

Airbrushes

Airbrushes apply fine sprays of color, which mirror the feel of a real airbrush in action. Most airbrushes support color buildup
on a single brushstroke.

Chapter 7. Painter - Auto painting & Clone painting | 107

Artist

The Artist brush variants help you paint in the styles of master artists (Van Gogh, Impressionist Blender, and Sargent
Brush).

Photo Painting Brushes

Although you can use any brushes when auto-painting a photo, the Photo Painting brush variants are specifically optimized
for auto-painting.

Blenders

Blender brushes affect underlying pixels by moving and mixing colors. The brushes can reproduce the effect of blending paint

108 | Chapter 7. Painter - Auto painting & Clone painting

by applying water, oil, or knife.

Chalk, Pastel, & Crayons

Chalk brush variants produce the thick, rich texture of natural chalk sticks with the paper grain.

Pastels range from hard pastel styles that reveal the paper grain to extra soft pastels that glide on to completely cover existing
strokes.

Crayons offer a range of styles from soft and dull to waxy and grainy.

Chapter 7. Painter - Auto painting & Clone painting | 109

Dab Stencils

The Dab Stencil brush variants knock out the area of the brush dab by making them more transparent. They use stencil
media, such as papers and flow maps.

Digital Watercolor

Digital watercolor brush variants produce watercolor effects that react with a canvas texture and allow colors to flow, mix,
and absorb more realistically.

110 | Chapter 7. Painter - Auto painting & Clone painting

Dynamic Speckles

Dynamic Speckles brush variants generate a continuous brushstroke from discrete spots of the color of speckles.

F-X

F-X brush variants can give you an array of creative results. Some add color. Others affect underlying pixels.

Glazing Brushes

Glazing brushes can help you fill an area with long continuous strokes that have a very soft gradation from the beginning of

Chapter 7. Painter - Auto painting & Clone painting | 111

the mark to the end.

Particles

Particle brushes are physics-inspired brushes that give a unique look and feel to your artwork.

Pattern Pens

Pattern Pens brush variants let you use a brush to apply a pattern to an image.

Sponges

Sponges let you create a variety of textures by applying the current paint color or blending existing colors.

112 | Chapter 7. Painter - Auto painting & Clone painting

(CO2) AI auto-painting

A unique way to create a custom drawing with Corel Painter Essentials 7 is to use AI auto-painting.

Based on the analysis of a large number of paintings by different artists, the AI presets use advanced machine-learning
techniques to create auto-paining.

AI auto-paint

• [STEP 1] Open an image that you want to turn into a painting by clicking [BROWSE] on the [PHOTO PAINTING] panel.
Note. Before you open the image, please confirm your canvas size and the image size are the same. Confirm the sizes of the images
by pixels.

• [STEP 2] Choose a preset style from the pop-up menu.

• [STEP 3] Add a new layer.
• [STEP 4] Click the [START] button.
Note. It takes time to start, about 1~3minutes depending on your computer hardware spec.
Note. The auto-paint stops automatically when the painting is finished. Or it stops when you choose a different application. To stop
the auto-painting earlier, click the Stop button.

Chapter 7. Painter - Auto painting & Clone painting | 113

You can apply any finishing touches by hand.

You also can add other auto-paining on the top of the layer, but use a separate layer to add other auto-paint and adjust layer
styles and transparency.

Please experiment with different brushes, paper textures, other settings.

114 | Chapter 7. Painter - Auto painting & Clone painting

To apply surface texture

• [STEP 1] Duplicate the layers.

• [STEP 2] Merge the copied layers into one layer.
• [STEP 3] Click [Effects] > Click [Surface Control] > Click [Apply Surface Texture].
• [STEP 4] Adjust paper, amount, and other values.
• [STEP 5] Click [OK] to apply.

(CO3) Clone painting

This clone painting allows you to paint some selected areas by using quick, loose strokes. Please don’t attempt to paint every
square inch of the canvas.

You can experiment with different brushes from the [PHOTO PAINTING BRUSHES] category to achieve different styles.

To make a clone painting

• [STEP 1] load a base image that you want to paint by clicking [BROWSE] from the photo painting panel.
• [STEP 2] Press [CTRL + T] to turn on and off the base image, you can adjust the trace paper opacity.
• [STEP 3] Select a variant from the Photo Painting Brushes.
• [STEP 4] Draw on a new layer.

Chapter 7. Painter - Auto painting & Clone painting | 115

 References

Corel Corporation. (n.d.). Quick start guide – corel. Retrieved December 23, 2021, from http://product.corel.com/help/Painter-
Essentials/540111149/Main/EN/Quick-Start-Guide/Painter-Essentials-Quick-Start-Guide.pdf

116 | Chapter 7. Painter - Auto painting & Clone painting

Chapter 8. iPad & Procreate

Session Objectives

Upon completing this session, students will be able to:

• (CO 1) Be introduced a drawing app – Procreate

• (CO 2) Understand the basic interface and gestures of “Procreate”
• (CO 3) Understand various Brushes and color
• (CO 4) Understand various tools in the app
• (CO 5) Be introduced various working processes for a perspective view

Lecture Contents

(CO1) Be introduced a drawing app – Procreate

Procreate – App

“Procreate is a raster graphics editor app for digital painting developed and published by Savage Interactive for iOS and
iPadOS. Designed in response to the artistic possibilities of the iPad, it was launched on the App Store (iOS) in 2011.

The aim of Procreate is to recreate the natural feel of physical drawing while utilizing the practical advantages of a digital
platform. It offers over 130 customizable brush presets, multiple layers, blend modes, masks, 4K resolution export of process
videos, autosave, and many other digital art tools. In addition to raster graphics, this software has limited abilities to edit and
render text and vector graphics. Procreate is designed for multi-touch and the Apple Pencil. It also supports a number of third-
party styluses, and import/export to Adobe Photoshop. PSD format.

Procreate does not require in-app purchases or any form of subscription (Wikipedia, 2021).

Procreate for architects

10 Immediate Reasons for Architects & Designers to Use Procreate (James Akers, 2020).

• Your iPad is your sketchbook for the digital age

• Layers act like tracing paper
• The select and move tool

Chapter 8. iPad & Procreate | 117

 • Quick lines and quick shapes
• Perspective and 2-D grid drawing assist
• Coloring with the select and fill method
• Artistic brushes
• Hue, Saturation, and Brightness
• Blending Modes
• How Procreate pulls everything together in one place

(CO2) Understand the basic interface and gestures of “Procreate”

User Interface

There are two types of interface in Procreate. One is a gallery, the other is a project.

Gallery

In the gallery, you can create a new project, organize your projects, share the projects in different formats, and import photos
from iCloud and your photo to start your project.

Organize your projects – Select, delete, duplicate, rename, and stack.

118 | Chapter 8. iPad & Procreate

Create a new project.

Chapter 8. iPad & Procreate | 119

120 | Chapter 8. iPad & Procreate
Chapter 8. iPad & Procreate | 121
122 | Chapter 8. iPad & Procreate
Select and share a project in different formats.

Chapter 8. iPad & Procreate | 123

124 | Chapter 8. iPad & Procreate
Import photos/images from iCloud.

Project (called artwork or canvas)

Project is a working area of your artwork. There are three main parts to the interface. Painting Tools on the top right, Sidebar
on the left side, and Editing Tools on the top left.

Chapter 8. iPad & Procreate | 125

Painting tools

• Paint
• Smudge
• Erase
• Layers
• Colors

Sidebar

• Brush size
• Modify button
• Brush opacity
• Undo/Redo arrows

Editing tools

• Gallery
• Actions
• Adjustments
• Selections

126 | Chapter 8. iPad & Procreate

 • Transform

Gestures and Apple pencil

Gestures

Based on the instructor’s experience, using an Apple pencil will get the best result in paint/smudge/erase because of the
pressure and tilt sensitivity. But except for these three, using your figures will get the best controllability on the application.

• Pinch to Zoom
• Pinch-twist to Rotate
• Quick pinch to Fit to screen
• Two-finger tap to Undo
• Three-finger tap to Redo
• Three-finger scrub to Clear
• Three-finger swipe to Cut/Copy/Paste
• Draw and hold for QuickShape
• Hold a layer to Move the layer or Group the layer with another layer
• Two-figure tap on a layer for Layer Opacity

(CO3) Understand various brushes, layers, and colors

Brush Library for Paint, Smudge, and Erase

• Paint – Sketch, ink, paint, color, shade, and texture in a variety of mediums.
• Smudge – Blend your artwork, smooth out strokes, and mix color.
• Erase – Paint away mistakes, remove pigment, carve out areas of transparency, and soften your artwork.

• [STEP 01] Confirm the current layer.

Chapter 8. iPad & Procreate | 127

 • [STEP 02] Tap the brush tool > Select a brush set from the Brush library > Select a Brush.

128 | Chapter 8. iPad & Procreate

• [STEP 03] Select color from the Colors tool.

Chapter 8. iPad & Procreate | 129

 • [STEP 04] Check the size and the transparency of your brushstrokes

130 | Chapter 8. iPad & Procreate

Brush Sets

The left panel of the Brush library lists the Brush Sets sorted by medium style.

Custom Brush Sets

You can create your own Brush sets by tapping [+] on the top of the Brush sets and dragging and dropping on the settings you
made.

Chapter 8. iPad & Procreate | 131

Import Brush Sets

You can also import Brush Sets that you purchased and downloaded. There are many great brush sets for Procreate users.
After you download the brush set file (filename.brushset) on your iPad, you can import the set by opening the file. The set will
automatically import to your Procreate.

Please refer to Creative Market’s tutorial on installing Procreate brushes for more information.

Layers

Background color

The default setting of the background color is white [#ffffff]. You can change the background color by tapping the Background
color layer. If you want to make a transparent image, you can turn off the visibility.

Tip. Typically, the instructor adds a textured background image (e.g. watercolor paper, canvas, or craft paper) on a vary bottom layer and
locks the layer to prevent any accidents.

132 | Chapter 8. iPad & Procreate

Layers

Layers let you stack image elements on top of each other and adjust the element much easily. You can create a new layer by
tapping the [+] on the top right corner of the Layers panel.

Chapter 8. iPad & Procreate | 133

If needed you can move by holding the layer

If needed you can lock, duplicate, and delete the layer by sliding the layer to the left side.

134 | Chapter 8. iPad & Procreate

Once you tap the layer thumbnail, you have more options for the layer.

Chapter 8. iPad & Procreate | 135

If you adjust the transparency of the layer or change the layer blend mode, tap the current blend mode. By default, Normal
mode is active, shown by the letter ‘N’

136 | Chapter 8. iPad & Procreate

Colors

Select, adjust, and harmonize the color in your art.

Once you tap the active color on your screen, the Color Panel will open. There are four modes of the panels – Disc, Classic,
Harmony, and Value.

You can select color one of the modes that you are most familiar/comfortable with.

Chapter 8. iPad & Procreate | 137

Additionally, you can use Palettes. Procreate also save the previously selected color on the History. You also can create a color
palette in your own selection and from an image.

138 | Chapter 8. iPad & Procreate

If needed, you can fill color in a closed object by dragging and dropping off the color to the closed object.

Chapter 8. iPad & Procreate | 139

(CO4) Understand various tools in the app

Actions

Actions menu has all the practical features you need to insert, share, adjust your canvas and any of the elements within it.

Add tab

140 | Chapter 8. iPad & Procreate

Add/edit text

Chapter 8. iPad & Procreate | 141

Edit text layer

142 | Chapter 8. iPad & Procreate

Edit text as an image

Chapter 8. iPad & Procreate | 143

Canvas tab

In the canvas tab, you can adjust the size of the canvas, add a drawing guide (3D, ISO, 1 point perspective, 2 points perspective,
and 3-points perspective), add a reference image on a separate window, and more.

Drawing Guide

144 | Chapter 8. iPad & Procreate

Edit Drawing Guide

Chapter 8. iPad & Procreate | 145

Activate Drawing Assist from the layers

146 | Chapter 8. iPad & Procreate

Draw lines with the Drawing Assist function

Chapter 8. iPad & Procreate | 147

Reference

148 | Chapter 8. iPad & Procreate

Share tab

Share your work in a variety of image formats.

Chapter 8. iPad & Procreate | 149

Video tab

Record your work process to a Time-lapse video and share it.

150 | Chapter 8. iPad & Procreate

Preferences tab

Customize the workspace to suit your workflow.

Chapter 8. iPad & Procreate | 151

Adjustments

Adjust your image with Sharpen, Noise, Blur, Color changes, apply effects like Liquify, Bloom, Glitch Halftone, and Chromatic.

You can apply these adjustments to a layer or with a pencil tool.

152 | Chapter 8. iPad & Procreate

Selections

If you need any part of your image to control, use this selection tool.

Chapter 8. iPad & Procreate | 153

Transform

Stretch, move, and manipulate any part of your image for fast and easy edits.

154 | Chapter 8. iPad & Procreate

Tip. You also can use the transform tool for the selected area only.

Chapter 8. iPad & Procreate | 155

(CO5) Be introduced various working processes for perspective views

Below five videos present the working process of the digital drawings. The author tried to use different mediums for each
drawing.

One or more interactive elements has been excluded from this version of the text. You can view them online here:
https://iastate.pressbooks.pub/visualgraphiccomm2/?p=617#oembed-1

One or more interactive elements has been excluded from this version of the text. You can view them online here:
https://iastate.pressbooks.pub/visualgraphiccomm2/?p=617#oembed-2

One or more interactive elements has been excluded from this version of the text. You can view them online here:
https://iastate.pressbooks.pub/visualgraphiccomm2/?p=617#oembed-3

One or more interactive elements has been excluded from this version of the text. You can view them online here:
https://iastate.pressbooks.pub/visualgraphiccomm2/?p=617#oembed-4

156 | Chapter 8. iPad & Procreate

One or more interactive elements has been excluded from this version of the text. You can view them online here:
https://iastate.pressbooks.pub/visualgraphiccomm2/?p=617#oembed-5

References

Wikipedia 2021. Procreate (software) – Wikipedia. [online], Accessed 7 September 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
Procreate_(software).

James Akers. (2020, May 22). Why Procreate For Architects?: 10 Immediate Reasons for Architects & Designers to Use
Procreate [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnydyjjHU7I

Chapter 8. iPad & Procreate | 157

PART THREE. ADVANCED MODELING

Chapter 9. Revit – Family parameter

• Understand parameters in Revit family modeling

• Create a simple chair with parameters
• Create a simple table with parameters

Chapter 10. Revit – Nested family

• Understand a nested Revit family and how it works

• Create a chair and table set with nested Revit families
• Modify a door family

Chapter 11. Revit – Organic shaped walls

• Create a slanted wall without Massing tools

• Understand various 3D models using Massing
• Create an organic shape wall
• Create an organic shape curtainwall

Chapter 12. Revit – Organic shaped ceiling and column

• Create an organic wooden pattern ceiling/wall/bench

• Create a geometric pattern ceiling
• Create organic column vs. geometric pattern column

Chapter 13. Revit – Sketchup models

• Create an advanced Revit Site model (Surroundings)

• Import Sketchup models in Revit project with material changes
• Import Sketchup models in Revit project without the complex lines using 3Ds Max

Chapter 14. Sketchup advanced modeling

• Understand the process of a Revit model to a Sketchup model for rendering

158 | Part Three. Advanced Modeling

• Understand the Sketchup modeling process and strategies
• Understand Sketchup advanced modeling with plug-ins

Part Three. Advanced Modeling | 159

Chapter 9. Revit - Family parameter

Session Objectives

Upon completing this session, students will be able to:

• (CO 1) Understand parameters in Revit family modeling

• (CO 2) Create a simple chair with parameters
• (CO 3) Create a simple table with parameters

Session Highlights

At the end of the session, students will be able to create the graphics below.

Lecture Contents

(CO1) Understand parameters in Revit family modeling

About Parameters

You can create parameters for a project and any element or component category in the project.

160 | Chapter 9. Revit - Family parameter

Parameters that you create display in the Properties palette or Type Properties dialog under the group you define and with the
values you define.

For more information about Revit Parameters, please read this guide on Revit Parameters from Autodesk.

Family Parameters

Family parameters control variable values of the family, such as dimensions (Width, Height, and Depth) or materials. They are
specific to the family.

A family parameter can also be used to control a parameter in a nested family by associating the parameter in the host family
to the parameter in the nested family.

By adding new parameters, you have more control over the information contained in each family instance or type. You can
create dynamic family types for increased flexibility within the model.

For more information about Revit Family Parameters, please read this guide on Revit Family Parameters from Autodesk.

Chapter 9. Revit - Family parameter | 161

(CO2) Create a simple chair with parameters

In this tutorial, students will practice creating a simple chair family with parameters that can change the dimensions and
materials.

To create a simple chair family

• [STEP 1] Open [Revit] Application, In this tutorial, the instructor use Revit 2021.
• [STEP 2] Click [New … ] under [Families] category on the [Welcome] page.

162 | Chapter 9. Revit - Family parameter

• [STEP 3] Open [English-Imperial] folder, select [Furniture.rft], and click [Open], then you will see the four views. Make a
tile window view [WT] to see all
[Save] the file before you start. [First_Lastname_EX3_Chair].

• [STEP 4] Select [Reference Plane] from [Create] tab, under [Datum].

• [STEP 5] Draw four lines near the center lines on the [Ref. Level] plan view. The center lines are locked—these four lines
for the overall width and length of the chair. You do not need to draw the reference plans precisely.

Chapter 9. Revit - Family parameter | 163

 • [STEP 6] Click [Aligned Dimension] from [Annotate] tab, under [Dimension].
or, type [DI] and create dimension for overall all dimensions and the center dimensions with Equal.

• [STEP 7] Click the overall width dimension,click [Parameter Properties] from [Modify/Dimensions], under [Label
Dimension].
Then add Name [Chair-Overall-W] and click [OK] to finish.
Repeat this step for [Chair-Overall-L].

164 | Chapter 9. Revit - Family parameter

• [STEP 8] Add reference planes for heights.

◦ Select [Reference Plane] from [Create] tab, under [Datum] panel

or, [RP].
◦ draw two lines on the [Front] view.
◦ add dimensions for [Chair seat height] and [Chair overall height].
◦ define the parameter name on [Parameter Properties].
◦ Chair-Seat-H.
◦ Chair-Overall-H.

• [STEP 9] Add reference planes for the seat depth = 2″ and the seat back depth = 1″.
make dimensions for the depths with lock, but do not define the name.

Chapter 9. Revit - Family parameter | 165

 • [STEP 10] Add reference planes for chair leg thickness.

◦ Make dimensions for the leg thickness.

◦ Select the four dimensions together.
◦ Click [Parameter Properties.
◦ Add Name [Chair-leg-T].

Now you are ready for modeling. If needed, please update the scale of the view.

• [STEP 11] Click [Extrusion] from the [Create] tab, under the [Forms] panel, and draw lines to fit the overall dimension of
the chair and lock all.

166 | Chapter 9. Revit - Family parameter

• [STEP 12] See the front view and update the seating height by adjusting the arrows. Please make it locked for both the
bottom of the seat and the top of the seat. It is an essential step to accommodate parameter changes.

• [STEP 13] Repeat [STEP 11] to [STEP 12] for the chair back and chair legs.

Chapter 9. Revit - Family parameter | 167

 • [STEP 14] To define the material parameter.

◦ Select objects that you want to define a material.

◦ Click [associate family parameter].
◦ Click [New].
◦ Add [000_WD_01] on Name, make sure the Group parameter under [Materials and Finishes].
Note, the Name can be defined with elements (e.g., chair-legs, chair-seat).

• [STEP 15] To add new material,

◦ click [Materials] from [Manage] tab, under [Settings] panel

◦ add new material, rename, apply a new appearance

168 | Chapter 9. Revit - Family parameter

• [STEP 16] Adjust Family Types.

◦ Click [Family Types] from [Modify] tab, under [Properties] panel.

◦ Update the properties
◦ 000_WD_01 = 000_WD_01
◦ Chair-Overall-L = 1.6”
◦ Chair-Overall-W = 1’5″
◦ Chair-Overall-H = 2’8”
◦ Chair-Seat-H=1’6”
◦ Chair-leg-T=1 ½”
◦ Click [OK] to finish

• [STEP 17] To save a new type.

◦ Open [Family type]

◦ Click [New Type]
◦ Name change [Default] to save the current settings
• [STEP 18] To add a new family type.

Chapter 9. Revit - Family parameter | 169

 ◦ Open [Family type]
◦ Change parameter values
◦ Click [New Type]
◦ Name change
◦ Click [OK]

(CO3) Create a simple table with parameters

In this tutorial, students will understand the basic knowledge of family parameters by creating a simple table family that can
change the dimensions and materials.

To create a simple table family with round, two materials

• [STEP 1] Click [File] > click [New] > click [Family] > Open [English-Imperial] folder > select [Furniture.rft] > click [Open].
• [STEP 2] Make [Window Tile] view to see all four views once.
• [STEP 3] Create [Reference Planes] [RP] with [Dimensions] [DI] for overall table width, length, and height.
• [STEP 4] Define parameter.

◦ Table-overall-W
◦ Table-overall-L
◦ Table-overall-H
• [STEP 5] Open [Family type] window > Click [New] > Name [L4’xW2’6”xH2’6”] >Edit the value accordingly.

• [STEP 6] Add detailed reference planes and define parameters.

◦ If the dimension(s) need a fixed dimension like table thickness, create a reference plane and create dimension and
click the lock icon to make it unchangeable. You do not need to define a parameter.
◦ If the dimension(s) need an adjustable dimension like table-length and width, create a reference plane and create

170 | Chapter 9. Revit - Family parameter

 dimension and define a parameter by adding Name.
◦ Once you click [Instance Parameter], the parameter can be adjusted by dragging and dropping off an arrow.
◦ Adjust view scale if needed.
• [STEP 7] Click [Extrusion] > Draw the tabletop by using [Rectangle] align with the guidelines > And make all side locked
> Adjust the tabletop and tabletop thickness on the Front view. Do not forget to make it locked.
• [STEP 8] Click [Edit Extrusion] > Draw an [Arc] for table round > make [trim] to clean the lines > check [Toggle Joint
Tangency] to lock the point.
Repeat this process to all four corners > Click [Green checkmark] to finish.

• [STEP 9] Select the tabletop > Click [Associate Family Parameter] by [Material] > Add [New] > Name [Table-Top] > Click
[OK] and [OK] to finish.
• [STEP 10] Create a void corner edge by clicking [Sweep] – Click [Create] tab > Click [Void Forms] > Select [Void Sweep] >
Draw or Pick Path (the path should be enclosed) > Click Green checkmark to finish drawing path > Click [Modify Sweep]
tab > Click [Edit Profile] > Draw an enclosed profile to subtract the form on the reference plan > Click Green checkmark
to finish drawing profile > Click Green checkmark again to finish the Sweep tool.
• [STEP 11] Create four cylinders for legs by clicking [Extrusion] > Click [Circle] > Click the center point of a leg > click a
point by 2” > click the circle > check [Center Mark visible] > Use align tool to lock the position > Create dimension >
Define the parameter [Leg-Radius] > Copy the circle to others and align with the guides > make the dimension for the
circle > define the parameter to [Leg-Radius] > Click [Green checkmark] to finish.

• [STEP 12] Adjust the leg height to attach to the bottom of the tabletop > lock the position.

Chapter 9. Revit - Family parameter | 171

 • [STEP 13] Select the table legs > Click [Associate Family Parameter] by [Material] > Add [New] > Name [Table-Legs] >
Click [OK] and [OK] to finish.
• [STEP 14] Use [SWEEP] for adding leg details. You must create the details individually with [Pick 3D Edges]. The copy
command will not work.
• [STEP 15] Add two materials and apply to the tabletop and the table legs.

172 | Chapter 9. Revit - Family parameter

 References

Autodesk Help. (May 17, 2015). Create family parameters. Retrieved December 23, 2021, from https://knowledge.autodesk.com/
support/revit/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2015/ENU/Revit-Customize/files/
GUID-921F7A15-D191-4F75-8243-4989C482E253-htm.html

Autodesk Help. (July 22, 2021). About parameters. Retrieved December 23, 2021, from https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/
revit/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2020/ENU/Revit-Model/files/GUID-AEBA08ED-BDF1-4E59-825A-
BF9E4A871CF5-htm.html

Chapter 9. Revit - Family parameter | 173

Chapter 10. Revit - Nested family

Session Objectives

Upon completing this session, students will be able to:

• (CO 1) Understand a nested Revit family and how it works

• (CO 2) Create a chair and table set with nested Revit families
• (CO 3) Modify a door family

Session Highlights

At the end of the session, students can create the graphics below.

174 | Chapter 10. Revit - Nested family

 Lecture Contents

(CO1) Understand a nested Revit family and how it works

For more information about a Family with Nested components, please read this guide on Family and Nested components from
Autodesk.

You can nest(insert) families within other families to create new families that contain the combined family geometry.

Rather than creating a furniture family from scratch, you can create the combination-furniture family by loading legs, arms,
back supports, and more into a furniture family.

To nest families in another family, create or open a host family, and then load and insert instances of one or more family types
into it. The host family can be a new family of an existing family.

Below example from Teknion Planning Tool.com.

(CO2) Create a chair and table set with nested Revit families

In this tutorial, students will practice creating a simple furniture set family nested with two types of chairs and a table with
modifiable materials parameters.

Chapter 10. Revit - Nested family | 175

Add components in a family file

• [STEP 1] Open Revit application, Click [NEW] from [FILE] menu > Click [FAMILY] > Open [ENGLISH-IMPERIAL] >
Click [Furniture System.rft] > Click [OPEN].
• [STEP 2] Make the view to a tile view by pressing [WT].
• [STEP 3] Save the file in your project folder by [CTRL+S].
• [STEP 4] Click [LOAD FAMILY] from [INSERT] tab, under [LOAD FROM LIBRARY] panel. Load a table and a chair
that you created from the last session
• [STEP 5] Place the table and the chair that you created by clicking [COMPONENT] from the [CREATE] tab, under the
[MODEL] panel. Please place it slightly off the center reference lines because we need to align and lock the component.

• [STEP 6] Align and lock the components on the center reference lines.
• [STEP 7] Draw four Reference Planes on the [REF. LEVEL] plan view.

176 | Chapter 10. Revit - Nested family

• [STEP 8] Align the back of all chairs to the near reference lines and make them lock.

• [STEP 9] Click only Horizontal dimensions and add parameter by clicking [PARAMETER PROPERTIES] > Name [DI-
HORIZONTAL] and click [INSTANCE] > click [OK].
• [STEP 10] Click only Vertical dimensions and add parameter by clicking [PARAMETER PROPERTIES] > Name [DI-
VERTICAL] and click [INSTANCE] > click [OK].

• [STEP 11] Load this family to a project to confirm the family works okay.

◦ Click [FILE] on the menu

◦ Click [NEW]
◦ Click [PROJECT]
◦ Select [IMPERIAL-ARCHITECTURAL TEMPLATE]
◦ Click [OK]

Chapter 10. Revit - Nested family | 177

 ◦ Click [COMPONENT] from [ARCHITECTURE] tab, under [BUILD] panel
◦ Click [LOAD FAMILY] from [MODIFY/PLACE COMPONENT], under [MODE] panel
◦ Click the chair and table set family
◦ Place the family on [LEVEL 1] Floor plan.

You can confirm whether the chairs are movable or not by adjusting the arrows.

Open [EDIT TYPE] from [PROPERTIES] palette to see what properties we can edit to create other types. However, the only
property we can adjust is [DEFAULT ELEVATION]. In the next tutorial, students can edit material parameters and visible
parameters.

Add material and finish parameters

• [STEP 1] Open [FAMILY TYPES] from [MODIFY] tab, under [PROPERTIES] panel.
• [STEP 2] Click [NEW] > Add name [TABLE-TOP], update Type of parameter to [MATERIAL].
Repeat this step for [TABLE-LEG] and [CHAIR] > Then click [OK] to finish.

178 | Chapter 10. Revit - Nested family

• [STEP 3] Select the table > Click [EDIT TYPE] from [PROPERTIES] > Click a small box by the Table-Top > Click
[TABLE-TOP] on [ASSOCIATE FAMILY PARAMETER] > then [TABLE-TOP] will gray out.
Repeat this step for [TABLE-LEG] and [CHAIR].

• [STEP 4] Open [FAMILY TYPES] and apply materials on the parameters. You can use the existing materials or create
new materials.

Chapter 10. Revit - Nested family | 179

 • [STEP 5] Load this updated family to the project by clicking [LOAD INTO PROJECT] and click [OVERRIDE THE
EXISTING VERSION].
• [STEP 6] Select the chair and table set > click [EDIT TYPE], and you can see what parameters are available to modify.
You can create a new type by clicking [DUPLICATE].

Add visible parameters

• [STEP 1] Select [TABLE] > Click the small box next to visible on [PROPERTIES] to open [ASSOCIATE FAMILY
PARAMETER] > Click [NEW] > Add name [Table-H2’6″] confirm the Type of parameter is [YES/NO], group parameter
under [VISIBILITY].
• [STEP 2] Select all [CHAIRS] > Click the small box next to visible on [PROPERTIES] to open [ASSOCIATE FAMILY
PARAMETER] > Click [NEW] > Add name [Chairs-Def] confirm the Type of parameter is [YES/NO], group parameter
under [VISIBILITY].

• [STEP 3] Open [FAMILY TYPES] > click [NEW] type to add a new type > add name [Chair and table set 1] > Click [OK] to
finish > Click [APPLY].
• [STEP 4] Click [NEW] type again > add name [Chair and table set 2 – kids] > Click [OK] > uncheck both [Chair-Def] and
[Table-H2’6”].
• [STEP 5] Click [COMPONENT] > Select the table family from [PROPERTIES] > Click [EDIT TYPE] > click

180 | Chapter 10. Revit - Nested family

 [DUPLICATE] > add name [L3’xW3’6″xH2′] > adjust dimension accordingly.
• [STEP 6] Place the table and align it with the center reference planes.
• [STEP 7] Click [COMPONENT] > Select the chair family from [PROPERTIES] > Click [EDIT TYPE] click [DUPLICATE]
> add name [KIDS] > adjust dimension accordingly.
• [STEP 8] Place the chairs and align them with the four reference planes.

• [STEP 9] Define the visible parameters for both the small table and the small chairs.
• [STEP 10] Confirm Family types for both set 1 and set 2-kids.

• [STEP 11] Load this family into the project and override.
• [STEP 12] Add the new type to confirm the two types are different.

Chapter 10. Revit - Nested family | 181

(CO3) Modify a door family

In this tutorial, students will practice creating a simple furniture set family nested two types of chairs and a table with
modifiable materials parameters.

Edit a door family

• [STEP 1] Open the basic door file.

◦ Click [FILE].
◦ Click [OPEN].
◦ Click [FAMILY].
◦ Find [LIBRARIES\US IMPERIAL\DOORS] folder.
◦ Click [Door-Single-Panel.rfa].
◦ Open.
• [STEP 2] Save the family file in your project folder.

◦ Click [FILE].
◦ Click [SAVE AS].
◦ Click [FAMILY].
◦ Find [your project folder].
◦ File name [Firstname Lastname_EX3_Door-Single-Panel.rfa].
◦ Click [SAVE].
• [STEP 3] Open [Ref.Level], [FRONT], and [3D] views. Make a tile view by pressing [WT].

182 | Chapter 10. Revit - Nested family

• [STEP 4] Edit the door trims.

◦ Click the front door trim on the front view.

◦ Click [EDIT EXTRUSION] from [MODIFY/TRIM] tab, under [MODE] panel.
◦ Edit the sketches with Draw tools and use the trim tool. Make sure the edges and lines are locked.
◦ Click [GREEN CHECKMARK] to finish the sketch.
◦ Click the backside door trim and edit with the draw tools.

• [STEP 5] Edit Opening cut.

◦ Click [OPENING CUT] on the 3D view.

◦ Click [EDIT SKETCH] from the [MODIFY/OPENING CUT] tab, under the [MODE] panel.
◦ use the draw tool and the trim tool to edit the lines to align with the inside of the trim. Make sure the edges and
lines are locked.
◦ Click [GREEN CHECKMARK] to finish the sketch.

Chapter 10. Revit - Nested family | 183

 • [STEP 6] Edit Door.

◦ Click the [DOOR] on the 3D view.

◦ Click [EDIT EXTRUSION] from [MODIFY/PANEL] tab, under [MODE] panel.
◦ use the draw tool and the trim tool to edit the lines to align with the inside of the trim. Make sure the edges and
lines are locked.
◦ Click [GREEN CHECKMARK] to finish the sketch.
• [STEP 7] Add door window on the door panel.

◦ Add a reference plane for the door window height.

◦ Add a dimension from the floor level and add a parameter.
◦ Create a void extrusion with the drawing tool, check [CENTER MARK VISIBLE], and align with the center line and
the Door Window H reference plane.

◦ Adjust a void extrusion height on the Ref. Level and lock the end and start points.
◦ Click [CUT] from the [MODIFY] tab, click the void and then click the door panel to cut the void.
◦ Add a window trim with [SWEEP] from [CREATE] tab, under [FORMS] panel.
◦ Add material for the window trim.
◦ Add a window with [EXTRUSION] from [CREATE] tab, under [FORMS] panel.
◦ Add material for the window.

184 | Chapter 10. Revit - Nested family

 • [STEP 8] Update [VISIBILITY/GRAPHICS OVERRIDE].

◦ Select the door window trim and the window.

◦ Click [EDIT] on [VISIBILITY/GRAPHICS OVERRIDE].
◦ Uncheck [PLAN/RCP] and [WHEN CUT IN PLAN/RCP].
◦ Click [OK].
• [STEP 9] Test the family in a Project and edit the parameters that you added.

References

Autodesk Help. (May 13, 2020). Create a Family with Nested Components. Retrieved December 23, 2021, from
https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/revit/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2018/ENU/Revit-Customize/files/
GUID-9C9DCF9D-8251-451C-8767-42A9557861FF-htm.html

Teknion. (n.d.). Revit Symbols Library – Teknion. Retrieved December 23, 2021, from https://www.teknion.com/tools/tools/revit-
symbols-library2

Chapter 10. Revit - Nested family | 185

Chapter 11. Revit - Organic shaped walls

Session Objectives

Upon completing this session, students will be able to:

• (CO 1) Create a slanted wall without Massing tools

• (CO 2) Understand various 3D models using Massing
• (CO 3) Create an organic shape wall
• (CO 4) Create an organic shape curtainwall

Session Highlights

At the end of the session, students will be able to create the graphics below.

Lecture Contents

(CO1) Create a slanted wall without Massing tools

A slanted wall is a new feature of Revit 2021.

Once you create a wall using [wall] from the [Architecture] tab, under the [Build] panel, you have an option to make the wall a
slanted wall.

• [STEP 1] Select a wall(s) that you want to make a slanted wall(s) on a floor plan or a 3D view.

186 | Chapter 11. Revit - Organic shaped walls

• [STEP 2] Update the setting [Cross Section] for the wall from [Properties] palette to [Slanted].
• [STEP 3] Update [Angle From Vertical] to the desired degree.
• [STEP 4] If you have dimensions or reference planes, you will receive an error message. Click [Remove reference] or/and
[Delete Dimensions].

• [STEP 5] To make all windows aligned with the slanted wall, select all window instances. Update the setting [Orientation]
for the windows from [Properties] palette to [Slanted].

Chapter 11. Revit - Organic shaped walls | 187

(CO2) Understand various 3D models using Massing

Massing/ Massing studies is a useful tool to explore design ideas by shapes to conceptualize a building model. When the
conceptual design is complete, you can add building elements directly to the shapes.

Create in-place or family-based mass instances that are specific to individual design options.

Generate floors, roofs, curtain systems, and walls from mass instances with control over element category, type, and parameter
values. Fully control the regeneration of these elements when the mass changes.

For more information regarding massing in Revit, please refer to this Massing Studies tutorial.

To create a simple mass with other masses

• [STEP 1] Open a new project or use the existing Revit project.

• [STEP 2] Click [Show Mass by View Setting] from [Massing & Site] tab, under [Conceptual Mass] panel, this command is
to see mass. If you want to hide mass, click again [Show Mass Form and Floors].
• [STEP 3] Click [In-Place Mass] from [Massing & Site], under [Conceptual Mass] panel > Name the mass.
• [STEP 4] Click [Set] from the [Create] tab, under the [Work Plane] panel to set a work plane, in this case, select [Level 1].
• [STEP 5] Click [Model] from [Create] tab, under [Draw] panel > Draw [Rectangle].
• [STEP 6] Select the rectangle > Click [Create Form] > Click [Solid Form].
• [STEP 7] Now you can control the mass by the face, edge, and point.
• [STEP 8] If needed, you and add mass with [Join] tool, subtract mass with [cut] or void form.

• [STEP 9] Once the mass seems in the right form, click [Finish Mass].

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To create mass Floors

• [STEP 1] Select the mass you want to make floors.

• [STEP 2] Click [Mass Floors] from [Modify/Mass] tab, under [Model] panel.
• [STEP 3] Check levels for the floors.

To create an architectural model (Curtain Wall, Wall, Floor, and Roof) by face

• [STEP 1] Use [Curtain System, Roof, Wall, Floor] from [Massing & Site] tab, under [Model by Face] panel.
• [STEP 2] Click a face to create architectural models.
• [STEP 3] Click [Create system, Create floor, Create roof] from [Modify/Place] under, [Multiple Selection] panel.

Chapter 11. Revit - Organic shaped walls | 189

To modify the mass and update architectural models

• [STEP 1] Click the mass > Click [Edit In-Place].

• [STEP 2] Modify the mass by controlling the point, edge, and face > Click [Finish Mass].
• [STEP 3] Click model(s) > Click [Update to Face] from [Modify] tab, under [Model by Face].

190 | Chapter 11. Revit - Organic shaped walls

(CO3) Create an organic shape wall

In this tutorial, you will create an organic shape of the wall using Massing in Revit. To create an organic-shaped wall, you will
need profiles (lines) on reference planes. By connecting the profiles, an organic-shaped wall will be created.

• [STEP 1] Draw more than two reference planes on a floor plan [Level 1]. I will create three reference planes. Click [Ref
Plane] from [Architecture] tab, under [Work Plane] > Add dimensions if needed > Define names for the reference planes
(Wall-1-L, Wall-1-C, Wall-1-R).

• [STEP 2] Click [Show Mass by View Setting] from [Massing & Site] tab, under [Conceptual Mass] panel, this command is
to see mass, if you want to hide mass, click again [Show Mass Form and Floors].
• [STEP 3] Click [In-Place Mass] from [Massing & Site], under [Conceptual Mass] panel > Name the mass [Organic Wall-1].
• [STEP 4] Open [East] view and [3D] view, and make a tile view [WT].
• [STEP 5] Click [Set] and click [Show] from [Create] tab, under [Work Plane] panel, Select [Reference Plane: Wall-1-R] from
the option bar.
• [STEP 6] Click [Model] from [Create] tab, under [Draw] panel > Draw a line with [Spline through point] > Draw a line on
the 3D and modify the line on the East view.
Repeat this step for the three reference planes.

Chapter 11. Revit - Organic shaped walls | 191

 • [STEP 7] Select all profiles on [3D view] > Click [Create Form > Solid Form] from [Modify] tab, under [Form] panel.
Change display mode to shaded on 3D view.
• [STEP 8] To modify the shape of the wall, click the wall > Click [X-Ray] > you can edit the point, edge, and face.

• [STEP 9] To change the profiles, click [Edit Profile] > edit profile > Click [Green checkmark] to complete this command.

192 | Chapter 11. Revit - Organic shaped walls

 • [STEP 10] To complete the mass, click [Finish Mass].

• [STEP 11] To add a wall, click [wall] from [Massing & Site], under [Model by Face] panel > Select a wall type > click the
face of the mass to create a wall.
Note. If your wall is too thick or the mass is too wavy, you will get an error message.

(CO4) Create an organic shape curtainwall

In this tutorial, you will practice an organic-shaped curtain wall.

Chapter 11. Revit - Organic shaped walls | 193

 • [STEP 1] Click [Component] > click [Model-in-place] > Select [Mass] from [Family Category and Parameters] > click [OK] >
Define name [Organic curtainwall-1].
Note. This method is the same as just creating a mass from [Massing & Site].
• [STEP 2] Click [Model] and draw a curve line with [Spline Through Point] on Level 1. Make sure [Placement Plane] is
[Level: Level 1].
• [STEP 3] Open Level 2 floor plan > Click [Model] and draw a curve line with [Spline Through Point] on Level 2. Make sure
[Placement Plane] is [Level: Level 1].
• [STEP 4] Select all profiles on [3D view] > Click [Create Form > Solid Form] from [Modify] tab, under [Form] panel.
Change display mode to shaded on 3D view.
• [STEP 5] Click [Finish Mass] to finish the model.

• [STEP 6] Click [Curtain System] from [Massing & Site] tab, under [Model by Face] panel > Click the mass you created >
Click [Create System] from [Modify] tab, under [Multiple Selection].

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• [STEP 7] Click the curtain system > change the size of the panels by adding a new type [2’x 2′].

• [STEP 8] You can add and remove the grids by clicking.

• [STEP 9] Add Mullion by clicking [Mullion] from [Architecture] tab, under [Modify] panel. You also may add a mullion
type to fit the size of the panels.

Chapter 11. Revit - Organic shaped walls | 195

 References

Autodesk Help. (May 16, 2018). Massing Studies. Retrieved December 23, 2021, from https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/
revit/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2016/ENU/Revit-Model/files/GUID-B8858693-F46D-4211-8CCC-
B5E88681C466-htm.html

196 | Chapter 11. Revit - Organic shaped walls

Chapter 12. Revit - Organic shaped ceiling and
column

Session Objectives

Upon completing this session, students will be able to:

• (CO 1) Create an organic wooden pattern ceiling/wall/bench

• (CO 2) Create a geometric pattern ceiling
• (CO 3) Create an organic column vs. a geometric pattern column

Session Highlights

At the end of the session, students can create the graphics below.

Chapter 12. Revit - Organic shaped ceiling and column | 197

 Lecture Contents

(CO1) Create an organic wooden pattern ceiling/wall/bench

In this tutorial, you will use massing to create an organic pattern form for the ceiling, wall, and bench. You will use create solid
form and void form to create wooden panels.

• [STEP 1] Create Floor, wall, and ceiling to define the boundary of the space > Open a floor plan, a side view, and 3D view
with section box to see the wall view > make a tile view > change visual style to [floor plan – hidden line], [side view –
wireframe], [3D view – shaded with edge].

• [STEP 2] Set reference planes with dimensions and names.

198 | Chapter 12. Revit - Organic shaped ceiling and column

• [STEP 3] Create a mass with [In-Place mass] by drawing 5 model lines (use spline and lines).
Tips. Create a closed-loop with splines and lines and create a form to confirm the loop can be created the mass. Copy the loop on
the same reference plane and change the host so others and edit the line shape.

• [STEP 4] Create solid forms. You must select only two and make a solid form. So, you need four forms if you have five
closed loops > Select forms and apply a material.

Chapter 12. Revit - Organic shaped ceiling and column | 199

 • [STEP 5] Create a rectangle void form and copy > Click [Finish Mass] to complete the modeling.

(CO2) Create a geometric pattern ceiling

In this tutorial, you will use massing to create a geomatic pattern form for the ceiling. You will use nodes and components to
create geometric surfaces.

200 | Chapter 12. Revit - Organic shaped ceiling and column

• [STEP 1] Create Floor, wall, and ceiling to define the boundary of the space > Open a ceiling plan, a side view, and 3D
view with section box to see wall view > make a tile view > change visual style to [ceiling plan – hidden line], [side view –
wireframe], [3D view – shaded with edges].
• [STEP 2] Set reference planes with dimensions and name them. I will create two reference planes for different
dimensions.

• [STEP 3] Add nodes on the different levels of reference planes.

• [STEP 4] Insert a family [Triangle (bent) Surface] from Revit library [Curtain Panel By Pattern].

Chapter 12. Revit - Organic shaped ceiling and column | 201

 • [STEP 5] Add the component by selecting nodes.

• [STEP 6] Add/Modify material if needed.

202 | Chapter 12. Revit - Organic shaped ceiling and column

• [STEP 7] Select [Finish mass] to complete creating the mass. To change shapes or material, you must click the mass
instead of the family, then you click [Edit In-Place].
Note, you can add lighting fixtures by selecting [Place on Face].

Chapter 12. Revit - Organic shaped ceiling and column | 203

(CO3) Create organic column vs. geometric pattern column

In this tutorial, you will use massing to create an organic pattern form for a column and a geometric form for a column. You
will use technics that you used in CO 1 and CO 2.

• [STEP 1] Set reference planes with dimensions and names.

• [STEP 2] Draw model lines on referent planes.

• [STEP 3] Select model lines that you draw and create a solid form.

204 | Chapter 12. Revit - Organic shaped ceiling and column

• [STEP 4] Click [Divide surface] > Adjust numbers of U grid and V grid > Select a pattern that you want to use, but this
function may not be useful to apply materials and be accurate modeling.

• [STEP 5] Copy the mass and click [Dissolve] from the [Modify] tab. Add components by clicking the points of the model
lines to create geometric faces.

Chapter 12. Revit - Organic shaped ceiling and column | 205

206 | Chapter 12. Revit - Organic shaped ceiling and column
Chapter 13. Revit - Sketchup models

Session Objectives

Upon completing this session, students will be able to:

• (CO 1) Create an advanced Revit Site model (Surroundings)

• (CO 2) Import Sketchup models into a Revit project with material changes
• (CO 3) Import Sketchup models into a Revit project without the complex lines using 3Ds Max

Session Highlights

At the end of the session, students will be able to create the graphics below.

Chapter 13. Revit - Sketchup models | 207

 Lecture Contents

(CO1) Create an advanced Revit Site model (Surroundings)

Examples of how I create architectural surroundings/backgrounds

[METHOD 1] For a rendered scene.

• [STEP 1] I usually create a site model in a smaller boundary like just the next buildings and a few trees.
• [STEP 2] Then set perspective views that have similar angles with site photographs.
• [STEP 3] After the final render of the perspective views, photoshop the views with the photographs.
image credit: Bee Breeders
(bottom-left)

208 | Chapter 13. Revit - Sketchup models

[METHOD 2] For an animation a VR, and a panorama view.

• [STEP 1] I build a detailed site model including topo, road, trees, other buildings in Revit.
• [STEP 2] After the final render of the perspective views, photoshop the views with the photographs.

Various site modeling techniques in Revit

In Revit

• [STEP 1] Create [toposurface] using CADMAPPER model (dxf). Please refer to the video link.
• [STEP 2] If you need detailed surrounding buildings, you must build the model by using massing (apply a material) or a
wall and roof. If you don’t need detailed surrounding buildings, you can use the model from CADMAPPER. You can add
material on [Object Styles] from the [Manage] tab. You can find the CAD layers from the [Imported Objects] tab in
[Object Styles].
• [STEP 3] Draw Building Pad for your building area to make the site flat. If your site needs, you need to add/adjust the
[toposurface].
• [STEP 4] Add [Property Line] if you know.
• [STEP 5] Use [Split Surface] to crop the [toposurface] and/or add different materials on the surfaces.
• [STEP 6] Use [Subregion] to divide the surface, usually, this tool is used for roads.
• [STEP 7] Use [Site Component] to add trees and other street elements. But I prefer to use [Component] from [Enscape
library].

Chapter 13. Revit - Sketchup models | 209

In Sketchup

(Based on the author’s practice experience, many firms are still using Sketchup for their design including site model, building
models)

[OPT 1] Geolocation (Accurate GIS information, but not detailed model).

• [STEP 1] Open Skechup application > Click [Add Location] > Add [Address] >Zoom in or out for a desire size of map.
• [STEP 2] Click [Region] > Change the four corners of the rectangle > Click [Import].
• [STEP 3] Open [Layer] panel > hide [Location snapshot] layer and show [Location Terrain].

[OPT 2] Use the 3D model from CADMAPPER (only a certain size of the map is free).

• Visit [Cadmapper] > Sign in > Enter [Address] and find the site > Download in [Sketchup] format > Open the model (Make
sure this model is in Metric system).

[OPT 3] Use the SANDBOX tool (Need GIS information for the modeling, but you can create a detailed model).

(CO2) Import Sketchup models in Revit project with material changes

Although many manufacturers provide Revit Family and Revit also provides numerous libraries, designers always seek new
models and objects for their design and renderings. Sketchup 3D Warehouse provides a great library for designers and
manufacturers. I added three Video tutorials to import the Sketchup model to Revit Family for your reference. You may try.

• Sketchup Model to Revit. Please, watch this tutorial video for importing SketchUp files into Revit.
• Sketchup Model to Revit – Material changes. Please, watch this tutorial video for converting SketchUp models into Revit
(with Materials).

210 | Chapter 13. Revit - Sketchup models

Sketchup model to Revit with updating material changes

• [STEP 1] Sketchup Model to DXF file.

◦ Open the Sketchup model in Sketchup, or download a furniture model from a 3D warehouse. In this process, you
may need Sketchup Pro.
◦ Create layers by material. If you have 3 materials, create 3 layers with unique names (e.g. 000_Chair_sk_seat_01,
000_Chair_sk_leg_01, 000_Chair_sk_base_01).
◦ Explode all models until nothing is to be exploded.

◦ Select one material > Mouse right click and Select > All with the same material.

◦ Change layer in [Entity Info] Tray by selecting the layers that you made.

Chapter 13. Revit - Sketchup models | 211

 ◦ Do the same procedure (material selection and layer change) for other materials.
◦ Export > 3D model > Select DXF file > Click option > Select only Faces > Version 2007> OK > Export.

Modeling credit: Vojislav N. downloaded from 3D warehouse

• [STEP 2] DXF file Properties change.

◦ Open AutoCAD.
◦ Open the DXF file in AutoCAD. It will show in a 3D view.
◦ Select all lines by pressing [Ctrl+A].
◦ Change Object color from [Home] tab > Color [By Layer].
◦ Save the DXF file with Version 2007.

212 | Chapter 13. Revit - Sketchup models

• [STEP 3] Import DWF file (Furniture) to Revit.

◦ File > New > Family > Select Family Template file (Furniture).
◦ Insert tab > Import CAD > Change files of type to DXF > Select the file > Click [Open] > Save the family file > Load
into Project.

• [STEP 4] Change materials for an imported file in the Revit project file.

◦ Manage tab > Object Style.

◦ Click Imported objects.
◦ Change material by clicking the material slot.

Chapter 13. Revit - Sketchup models | 213

(CO3) Import Sketchup models in Revit project without the complex lines
using 3Ds Max

This lecture contents from this video tutorial on importing from 3DS max to Revit. Complex 3D max Model to Revit – Hide
the complex model lines in Revit (Super advanced level).

Sketchup model to Revit without the complex model lines

• [STEP 1] and [STEP 2] are the same as CO2.

• [STEP 3] Open [3Ds MAX] application.
• [STEP 4] Click [File] > Click [Import] > Click [Import] > Select the [DXF] file > Click [Open] > Click [OK] on [AutoCAD
DWG/DXF Import Options].

214 | Chapter 13. Revit - Sketchup models

• [STEP 5] Click [Default Shading] on the view > Select [Edged Faces].

• [STEP 6] Select all by pressing [Ctrl+A] > Click [Modify] tab > Select [ProOptimization] > Check [Merge vertices] > Click
[Calculate] > Adjust [Optimization Level].

Chapter 13. Revit - Sketchup models | 215

 • [STEP 7] Select [Edit Mesh] from [Modifier List] > Select [Edge] > Select [Invisible].

• [STEP 8] Save the DXF file.

• [STEP 9] Import DWF file (Furniture) to Revit.

◦ File > New > Family > Select Family Template file (Furniture).
◦ Insert tab > Import CAD > Change files of type to DXF > Select the file > Click [Open] > Save the family file > Load
into Project.

216 | Chapter 13. Revit - Sketchup models

• [STEP 10] Change materials for an imported file in the Revit project file.

◦ Manage tab > Object Style.

◦ Click Imported objects.
◦ Change material by clicking the material slot.

Chapter 13. Revit - Sketchup models | 217

Compare a family file without edges (left) and a family file with edges (right).

References

Balkan Architect. (2018). Importing SketchUp Files into Revit Tutorial. Retrieved December 24, 2021, from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VFK-KEOMZc.

Bee Breeders. (n.d.). Monte d’Oiro Wine tasting room architecture competition winners revealed! Retrieved December 24, 2021, from
https://architecturecompetitions.com/wineroom/

M.T.H Revit tutorials. (2018). Revit Architecture | Convert SketchUp Models Into Revit(With Materials). Retrieved December 24, 2021,
from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_1g3077jxI

Pedroeron. (2011). Amazing Revit 1 – from 3ds max to Revit without viewing triangles edges. Retrieved December 24, 2021, from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_1g3077jxI

Vojislav N. (2014, March 30). Chair. 3D Warehouse. Retrieved December 24, 2021, from https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/
model/151bf5bba187132266ce260f78a5fa20/Chair

218 | Chapter 13. Revit - Sketchup models

Chapter 14. Sketchup advanced modeling

Session Objectives

Upon completing this session, students will be able to:

• (CO 1) Understand the process of a Revit model to a Sketchup model for rendering
• (CO 2) Understand the Sketchup modeling process and strategies
• (CO 3) Understand Sketchup advanced modeling with plug-ins

Session Highlights

At the end of the session, students will be able to create the graphics below.

Chapter 14. Sketchup advanced modeling | 219

 Lecture Contents

(CO1) Understand the process of a Revit model to a Sketchup model for

rendering

Many firms use Revit and Sketchup together for various purposes. As you know, Revit is an excellent application for
Construction Document sets, but the application is complicated at the beginning of the design process, especially Schematic
Design(SD). Thus designers use SketchUp or Rhino for SD and Design Developments. Also, designers often use Sketchup for
renderings.

You have learned how to import a Sketchup model into a Revit model from the previous lecture. In this tutorial, you will learn
how to use a Revit model in a Sketchup. Furthermore, understand how we can apply materials in Sketchup.

Students can use your project, including this course project and your previous studio project. If you want to use the Eames
House model (Revit version 2021), which the instructor will demonstrate, feel free to download the model from the Canvas
Module under EX3.

Prepare Revit model for Sketchup model

• [STEP 1] Open a 3D view. I recommend opening an ISO view, using the [Section box] tool to crop unnecessary items.

220 | Chapter 14. Sketchup advanced modeling

• [STEP 2] Hide elements (levels, section box, trees, and Enscape models) that are not needed for the Sketchup model.
For the best results, I also recommend hiding furniture, special equipment, plumbing fixture, and millworks.
If you need to show only a category, ex) furniture category, use [Isolate category].

• [STEP 3] Confirm you open only the view that you want to export.
Click [File] > Click [Export] > Click [CAD formats] > Click [DWG].

Chapter 14. Sketchup advanced modeling | 221

 • [STEP 4] Click [Setup] icon to open Modify DWG/DXF Export Setup > Select [Solids] tab > Click [ACIS solids] > Click
[OK] > Click [Next].

• [STEP 5] Select [AutoCAD 2007 DWG files] for the files of type, and uncheck [Export views on sheets and links as
external references > Click [OK].

222 | Chapter 14. Sketchup advanced modeling

Import a DWG file in the Sketchup model

• [STEP 1] Open the [Sketchup] application.

• [STEP 2] Click [File] > Click [Import].
• [STEP 3] Once the [Import] window is open, find the folder that you saved the DWG file, and select the file > Click
[Options…] > Confirm the unit and [Preserve drawing origin] is checked > Click [OK] > Click [Import].
It will take some time to import the DWG model. The time depends on the complexity of the model. If you import a
model, including furniture, it will take more time. For best practice, you need to export the furniture separately or add
furniture from the 3D warehouse.

• [STEP 4] After the processing is done, the import results window will open > Click [Close] to complete the [Import]
command.

• [STEP 5] Open [Layers] or [Tags] tray to see the structure of the model.
You can clean up the model by checking the visible on Layers > Purge layer after cleaning up.

Chapter 14. Sketchup advanced modeling | 223

 • [STEP 6] Adjust [Soften Edges] value to hide the triangle edges.

Apply materials

You can apply materials by selecting objects. To select objects, you can turn on and off layers.

• [STEP 1] Remove all existing materials from Materials.

• [STEP 2] And select a material from the library.

224 | Chapter 14. Sketchup advanced modeling

 • [STEP 3] Apply the material to the elements.

• [STEP 4] Repeat this process for all materials.

(CO2) Understand the Sketchup modeling process and strategies

Many senior students know how to create Sketchup models. However, here are some tips to help speed up your modeling.

Chapter 14. Sketchup advanced modeling | 225

[TIP 1] Please use Keyboard Shortcuts.

• Spacebar – Select tool.

• R – Rectangle tool.
• L – Line tool.
• M – Move tool.
• P – Push/pull tool.
• S – Scale tool.
• Q – Rotate tool
• E – Eraser tool.
• G – Group tool.
• B – Paint tool.
• K – Back Edge.

[TIP 2] Define – Custom Keyboard Shortcuts.

If you need a shortcut, you can define keyboard shortcuts.

• Click [Window] > Click [Preferences] > Click [Shortcuts].

• If you want to save the shortcuts for your future use, click [Export]. And [Import] the shortcuts to load the shortcuts.
• Use [Shift] Key to hold axes.

[TIP 3] Move objects along Axes.

Moving an object is not easy for a beginner. Try to move objects along Axes.

• Use the direction keys (Up-Blue axes, Right–Red axes, Left-Green axes) to lock Axes while you move objects.

226 | Chapter 14. Sketchup advanced modeling

 • You can also define Axes by clicking [Tools] > click [Axes].

[TIP 4] Use inferencing to place objects.

• Use other objects to move and rotate objects.

[TIP 5] Model using groups and components (any objects that will be used multiple times in the model).

• If you do not make a group/ a component of an object, faces will merge and be difficult to control.

Chapter 14. Sketchup advanced modeling | 227

[TIP 6] Use layers/tags.

• Layers/tags are applied in an object/ a group/ a component.

• [Layer0] is a default and a base layer for an object.
• Once you create a group or a component, assign a layer/ a tag.

[TIP 7] Create multiple copies with the Move tool or the Rotate tool.

• Use [x] to multiple.

228 | Chapter 14. Sketchup advanced modeling

[TIP 8] Create Equally spaced copies.

• Use [/] to divide.

[TIP 9] Use [Solid Tool] to create a unique shape of an object.

• Use union, intersect, subtract, trim, split.

[TIP 10] Set Field of view – 72 deg ~ 50 deg by press [z].

Chapter 14. Sketchup advanced modeling | 229

(CO3) Understand Sketchup advanced modeling with plug-ins

Extension warehouse

The Extension Warehouse is an online resource full of plug-ins developed especially for SketchUp. These extensions enable
you to add special tools and features to SketchUp.
Refer to this linked page.

SketchUcation

SketchUcation is a growing community and resource center for SketchUp Users. There are more than 800 SketchUp
Extensions in this linked community.

230 | Chapter 14. Sketchup advanced modeling

Extension manager

You can install new extensions and manage installed extensions.

Free extensions – Recommended installing

• BZ_Tool – Draws a variety of Polylines, Bezier and Spline curves, all in 3D.
• JointPushandpull – Perform various extrusions of faces.
• Curviloft – Dedicated to Loft and Skinning, that is, generation of surfaces from contours.
• RoundCorner – Performs the rounding of the edges and corners of 3D shapes along a 2D profile, in 3 modes: Round
corners, Sharp corners and Bevel.
• Sketchy FFD –
Adds a control cage to an object that allows the mesh to be manipulated via control points.
• ThruPaint – FredoTools groups a number of my standalone plugins. By delivering them as a single package.
• SectionCutFace – Adds faces to a Section-Plane.

Paid extensions for subdivided and smooth model

• SubD – SUbD is a parametric subdivision extension for SketchUp optimised for quad-based workflows.
• QuadFace Tools – Suite of tools for working with non-planar quads in SketchUp. Enables logical quad-based topology to
be created – which in turn permits the use of ring and loop selections seen in other 3D modelling software.
• Vertex Tools – Take control over each vertex with this vertex editor for SketchUp. Soft selections are a must for organic
modelling and the manipulator gizmo gives you great control when modelling.
• Artisan – Artisan is a SketchUp extension filled with powerful organic modeling tools.

Chapter 14. Sketchup advanced modeling | 231

Additional paid extensions for Architects

• For more information regarding paid extensions, please watch this linked video.

References

SketchUcation. (n.d.). Sketchup plugins. Retrieved December 24, 2021, from https://sketchucation.com/
pluginstore?listtype=3&author=0&category=0

SketchUp School. (August 22, 2020). 10 SketchUp Extensions Every Architect Should Know. YouTube. Retrieved December 24, 2021,
from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtpEmbteWW8

Trimble. (n.d.). Extension warehouse. Extension Warehouse | SketchUp Help. Retrieved December 24, 2021, from
https://help.sketchup.com/en/extension-warehouse/extension-warehouse

232 | Chapter 14. Sketchup advanced modeling

PART FOUR. ADVANCED RENDERING

Chapter 15. Vray for Sketchup

• Be introduced to VRAY
• Understand Vray render and camera settings
• Understand Vray material settings
• Understand Vray lighting settings
• Understand the Final render and save the image

Chapter 16. Lumion – User interface & import 3D model

• Be introduced to Various Rendering software

• Install Lumion Pro Student
• Understand the interface
• Import a 3D model

Chapter 17. Lumion – surroundings, objects, & materials

• Add surroundings
• Add/edit materials
• Add objects

Chapter 18. Lumion – Lightings, scenes, & outputs

• Add/edit lighting
• Add/edit scenes
• Render outputs

Chapter 19. Photoshop – brushes and quick retouch

• Be aware of various tips and skills for better interior perspective renderings
• Be introduced to various sites for texture, cutouts, and more for references
• Be able to produce a rendering with a quick retouch

Part Four. Advanced Rendering | 233

Chapter 20. Photoshop – Advanced rendering post-production

• Understand photoshop brushes and Wacom tablet

• Understand post-production for exterior perspective rendering

234 | Part Four. Advanced Rendering

Chapter 15. Vray for Sketchup

Session Objectives

Upon completing this session, students will be able to:

• (CO 1) Be introduced to VRAY

• (CO 2) Understand Vray render and camera settings
• (CO 3) Understand Vray material settings
• (CO 4) Understand Vray lighting settings
• (CO 5) Understand the Final render and save the image

Session Highlights

At the end of the session, students will be able to create the graphics below.

Chapter 15. Vray for Sketchup | 235

 Lecture Contents

(CO1) Be introduced to VRAY

V-RAY is a computer-generated render plug-in for 3D computer graphics software (3Ds Max, Revit, Rhinoceros, SketchUp,
& more). This application is used for video game production, industrial design, product design, architecture, and the interior
design industry.

Chaos Group developed V-RAY in 1997. This rendering engine uses Global Illumination algorithms, including path tracing,
photon mapping, irradiance maps, and directly computed global illumination.

Watch these Quick Start Tutorials from ChaosTV.

For additional resources, please refer to the V-Ray for SketchUp Courseware site.
Image credit: Chaosdocs

236 | Chapter 15. Vray for Sketchup

Rendering Examples

V-RAY trial installation for one month

You may be able to download and use the trial version for one month after you purchase the trial version via the Chaosgroup
website.

• [STEP 01] Go to Chaosgroup website

• [STEP 02] Sign up Chaosgroup if you don’t have an account, then Log in to the website
• [STEP 03] Click TRY on the top right corner of the screen
• [STEP 04] Click Download V-Ray for SketchUp trial
• [STEP 05] Select and download V-Ray for your appropriate SketchUp version
• [STEP 06] Open Sketchup and Confirm Extensions

Watch this video guide: How to Download and Install V-Ray for Sketchup Pro – Easy, Quick, Free Trial Version by jbdtube.

(CO2) Understand Vray render and camera settings

Before you start to render using V-Ray, please watch this video to learn how to ready your SketchUp model.

To learn more about the key steps, please watch this video as well: The Key Steps to Rendering Interiors with V-Ray for
SketchUp

Chapter 15. Vray for Sketchup | 237

V-RAY interface in SketchUp

For more information about the interface – refer to this V-Ray Sketchup Interface guide

• Toolbar

This toolbar includes the most commonly used tool for users. There are three floating toolbars in version 3.

◦ V-Ray for SketchUp – Asset Editor, Render button, Realtime render button, Batch Render, Show Frame Buffers, lock
the scene for real-time render
◦ V-Ray Lights
◦ V-Ray objects
• Asset Editor

Asset Editor is the most frequently used interface that you will work with. You can create, save, open, and adjust the

settings in this window.

◦ You can deal with materials, lightings, objects, and render settings. Also, you can start to render and open frame
buffers to see the results.
To open the material library, click a small arrow on the left side of the material Asset Editor.
To open advance edit mode, click a small arrow on the right side of the Asset Editor.
• Frame buffer

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 Frame Buffer window allows you to see the render process and result and save the render results in different image
formats, such as JPG, PNG, TIFF, and more. Additionally, you can adjust the rendered image with various tools, like
exposure level, white balance, hue/saturation, levels, and curve.

Render setting for a REALTIME V-RAY RENDER – a preview mode

How do we prepare your SketchUp model for a V-RAY rendering? It depends on your process of work. For example, if you
directly build all of the models in the SketchUp file and apply the materials while modeling, you can use the V-RAY at any
time, even at the beginning of the modeling. Using a completed Revit model for better rendering results, you can use V-RAY
after building all of the models and then applying materials and lighting through V-RAY. This tutorial will demonstrate how
you create a rendering based on the Eames House 3D model from the Revit model. I only added SketchUp Glass on the model.
In the previous lecture, I showed how to import the Revit model to the SketchUp model and apply the SketchUp material.
Please refer to the previous lecture for the information.

Download this file for your practice: Vray Lecture-Eames house-01A-Lecture ready.skp

• [STEP 01] Be ready for your SketchUp model for a rendering. You need to complete the 3D model in detail. The model
can be completed from Revit or directly from SketchUp.
• [STEP 02] Set your camera view to render. It is always wise to set the camera view, a scene, first before rendering.

Chapter 15. Vray for Sketchup | 239

 ◦ To set the view, you can use [Position Camera], [Look around], and [walk] tools for the proper position of the view.
◦ Use the [Zoom] tool to set the right camera angle (typically, 50 degrees to 90 degrees, I prefer 72 degrees).
◦ You can use the [Two-point perspective] tool under the [Camera] menu to create the right camera angle. Most
professional renders use a 2-point perspective for the final render to make all vertical lines straight up.
◦ Use [Add scene] under [View] > [Animation] to save the view. You can rename the scene by opening [Scene manager].
◦ Make sure your sun/shadow setting is what you want for the rendering.

• [STEP 03] Realtime render for a preview.

◦ Open [Asset Editor] from the toolbar.

◦ Click [Settings] on the [Asset Editor].
◦ Click [Render with V-RAY interactive], the icon with hand to start a real-time render.

▪ Make sure [Interactive] under Render is on.

◦ Click [Lock Camera Orientation] on the toolbar.

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• Try to modify the render settings,

◦ Check [Safe Frame] is on.

◦ Exposure Value (EV) to be 14. It is for exterior or bright interior space. If it is a night view or dark interior space, use
9.
◦ Adjust White Balance – if you want the warm color of the image, add blue-ish color.
◦ Adjust Vignetting – 0.3 – not to make too much of this effect.
◦ Render Output to 600X338 to save the preview render time.
◦ Add/adjust [Aerial Perspective] for a more realistic image.
◦ Add [GI] and [Reflection] under Environment.
◦ Add [Ambient Occlusion] to darken the overlapped edges, which makes more volumetric rendering.

Chapter 15. Vray for Sketchup | 241

(CO3) Understand Vray material settings

V-Ray provides many advanced settings for realistic and artistic renderings. There are at least three ways to apply V-Ray
material.

Tip 1. Material name properly. For example, 001-GL-EX-01, 001-CPT-RED-01, or 002-WD-DARK-FUR-01

For more information, refer to this Materials in V-Ray tutorial.

[METHOD 1] Use a SketchUp material and update V-Ray material properties

This way is helpful if you know how to add/edit the material properties. Suppose your SketchUp model already has the
SketchUp materials that you want to use for your project. In that case, you can update the material in Asset Editor by editing
Reflection, Refraction, Bump, Displacement, and more.

• [STEP 01] Click the [Paint Bucket] tool, shortcut [b] on the keyboard, hold the [ALT] key on the keyboard, and select the
SketchUp material that you want to update.

• [STEP 02] Click [V-Ray Asset Editor] on V-Ray Toolbar, and confirm that the material that you selected is activated. Click
the small arrow button on the right side of the Asset Editor to open the advance editor. It is optional to activate the
interactive render how it changed.
• [STEP 03] Now you can edit the VrayBRDF for Diffuse (bitmap image), reflection (Black-0% reflection, White-100%
reflection), Reflection Glossiness (1-clear reflection, 0-diffused reflection), Reflection (Black-0% transparency,
White-100% transparency), and IOR (find more information in this Metal Shaders tutorial).
Additionally, you can edit the Map for Bump texture– add images (the same image, it would better result in a Black and
White image) or Displacement texture (more advance – longer render time).
• [STEP 04] If you want to change the image scale on the SketchUp materials panel. You also can change the preview mode

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 from generic to floor, wall, fabric, or Ground.

[METHOD 2] Select an object with a SketchUp material and replace it with a V-Ray material
from the library

This method is helpful if you don’t have any knowledge to edit the material properties. You can use this method if your
SketchUp model has a material already applied and you want to reply with V-Ray material from the library.

• [STEP 01] Click the [Paint Bucket] tool, shortcut [b] on the keyboard, hold the [ALT] key on the keyboard, and select the
SketchUp material that you want to update.
• [STEP 02] Select V-Ray material

◦ Click [V-Ray Asset Editor] on V-Ray Toolbar

◦ Click the small arrow on the left side of the panel to open the V-Ray material library
◦ Click one of the categories to see the material. You can search for material from the library
◦ Select one material from the library, drag and drop the V-Ray material to the Material List on the Asset Editor
◦ Rename the V-Ray material by mouse-right click
◦ Adjust the material properties if you want – diffuse, reflection, bump, and more

Chapter 15. Vray for Sketchup | 243

 • [STEP 03] Replace the old SketchUp material with the new V-Ray material

◦ Mouse right-click on the old SketchUp material and select [Select Objects In Scene]

◦ Mouse right-click on the new V-Ray material and select [Apply Material To Selection]

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 ◦ Adjust the material properties (size of texture, color, reflection, bump, and more) with the interactive render if
needed.
◦ [Optional] You may remove the old SketchUp material to clean up your material selections.

[METHOD 3] Start from scratch

If your SketchUp model does not have SketchUp material to start, you can use this method.

• [STEP 01] Select V-Ray material

◦ Click [V-Ray Asset Editor] on V-Ray Toolbar

◦ Click the small arrow on the left side of the panel to open the V-Ray material library
◦ Click one of the categories to see the material. You can search for material from the library
◦ Select one material from the library, drag and drop the V-Ray material to the Material List on the Asset Editor
◦ Rename the V-Ray material by mouse-right click
◦ Adjust the material properties if you want – diffuse, reflection, bump, and more

Chapter 15. Vray for Sketchup | 245

 • [STEP 02] Close [V-Ray Asset Editor]
• [STEP 03] Apply the V-Ray material using the [Paint Bucket] tool. Even though you apply a material using Paint Bucket,
the material contains V-Ray material properties.
You may use layers/tags for selecting the material that you apply the selected materials

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(CO4) Understand Vray lighting settings

Set sun and sky

Before we work on artificial lightings, understanding sun orientation and adjusting the sky is necessary. V-Ray recognizes
SketchUp Sun orientation. To see the current building orientation and sun relation setting, open the [Shadow Setting] panel
and check [Show/hide Shadow] to see the direction of the sun is suitable for your rendering. If you want to change the sun’s
direction, you may change the building orientation, time zoon, time, and date.

In Asset Editor, you can control the Sun settings. For example, you can change the Sky model, change the color of the sky, the
intensity of the sun, the density of ozone, and more.

Chapter 15. Vray for Sketchup | 247

Self-illuminated materials – Lighting source

To express self-illuminated material like a lighting source or lighting shade, you can add [Emissive] on a V-Ray material.

• [STEP 01] Click [V-Ray Asset Editor], click [Add material] on the left bottom of the panel, click [Emissive] on the menu,
change the material name.

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• [STEP 02] Adjust the [Emissive] properties (Color, Intensity, Transparency, and more)

• [STEP 03] Apply the emissive material to the object using the [Paint Bucket] tool on SketchUp.

Chapter 15. Vray for Sketchup | 249

Add V-Ray lighting source – Rectangular for windows

This tip is a trick of V-Ray rendering. Adjusting the intensity of the Sun on V-Ray is not enough to illuminate the interior
space. V-Ray users add Rectangular lighting sources on windows to make the space brighter and better render results. This
may minimize the noise effects on the render results.

• [STEP 01] Click [Plane Light] on the V-Ray toolbar, draw the rectangular shape on a window. You may not perfectly fit
the plane to a window. A slightly smaller size of plane light works better.

• [STEP 02] Open [V-Ray Asset Editor], Click the [Lights] on the top menu, Rename the lighting more recognizable, open
the advanced property change, adjust the color, intensity, and check [Invisible] to hide the lighting source.
Then you can do a test render of how it results.

250 | Chapter 15. Vray for Sketchup

 • [STEP 03] Copy the plane lighting for other windows in the SketchUp model. You may adjust the size of the plane lights
with scale. The copied plane lights will have the same lighting properties as the original resource.
Confirm the result on the test interactive render.

Tip. You can use a [Plane light] for a rectangular shape lighting surface. You can use [Sphere light] for the round surface/
spherical shape of an object.

Chapter 15. Vray for Sketchup | 251

Add V-Ray lighting source – IES lighting

V-Ray lights support a .ies file which contains the lighting profile/footprint for a light. If you use IES lighting in V-Ray, your
rendering will look more realistic.

• [STEP 01] You must download/be ready for a .ies file first for adding an IES lighting.
You can download IES sources from the IES Library website or from lighting manufacturer websites.
• [STEP 02] Once you download a .ies file, click [IES Light] on the V-Ray toolbar. It will ask where the ies file is. Select the
file to add to the model.

• [STEP 03] Once you place the IES light in the model, you can position it as you wish. Then open [V-Ray Asset Editor],
rename the light more recognizable, and open the advanced setting to change the color and intensity. After you change
the setting, test it with interactive rendering to check it looks right.

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(CO5) Understand the Final render and save the image

Final render setting

Once your SketchUp model, materials, and lights are ready for a final render, you can turn off the [Interactive] render and turn
on [Progressive] and click [Render with V-Ray]. It may differ from the Interactive render, so may need some adjustments to get
things right. For example, often, you need to adjust the Exposure Value and Aerial Perspective. You will get a JPG, PNG, or
TIFF file from this final render for your post-production, known as photoshopping. The final render will take a few minutes to
a few hours depending on the size of the image and the complexity of the model (more points), material settings (reflectivity,
bump, displacements), and number of lighting sources.

• [STEP 01] Make sure all settings are suitable for your final render. I recommend testing the V-Ray render with a small
rendering with draft quality to confirm the settings.
For a preview of the final render, you can use [Regin Render] and [Track Mouse] to see the desired area of the rendering.

• [STEP 02] Render setting.

◦ Turn off [Interactive] under Render and turn on [Progressive].

◦ Adjust Exposure Value under Camera on the Asset Editor for the best result. You can confirm the [Force Color
Clamping] tool on the Frame buffer to check too bright area avoid the blue color area.

Chapter 15. Vray for Sketchup | 253

 ◦ Change Render size and ratio – Typically, you can render 2400 pixels x 1350 pixels for a digital presentation. For a
print version presentation like panel presentation, you can render 4800 pixels x 2700 pixels.
◦ Change render quality to Medium. Based on the instructor’s experience, Medium quality would be acceptable for a
final render. It can save much more time.
◦ You may turn on Caustics if you render any water-like elements.
◦ Change Antialiasing Filter under Raytace to [Catmull Rom] with value 4.

◦ Consider adding Render Elements, for example, Background, Material ID, Object ID, Shadow, Lighting, and ZDepth
for your post-production of the rendering. Once you add these elements, you will get the separated imaged files with
the original rendered image file.

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• [STEP 3] Click [Render with V-Ray] button.
• [STEP 4] After the render is finished, you can modify the final image with [Correction Control] and [Lens effect settings].
• [STEP 5] Click [Save current channel] to save the rendered image shown in the frame buffer. If you want to save all render
elements that you added, press the [Save current channel] and release the click on [Save all image channels to separate
files].

• [STEP 6] Save the image – if you want to save the rendered image with the background (sky) image, save it in JPG format.
If you want to save the rendered image without the background (sky) image, save it in PNG format. If you don’t want to
get the highest image quality, save in TIFF format.

Chapter 15. Vray for Sketchup | 255

 References

Chaosdocs. (n.d.). V-Ray 5 for Sketchup – User Interface. Chaos Help. Retrieved December 24, 2021, from https://docs.chaos.com/
display/VSKETCHUP/User+Interface

Chaosdocs. (n.d.). V-Ray 5 for Sketchup – Materials. Chaos Help. Retrieved December 24, 2021, from https://docs.chaos.com/
display/VSKETCHUP/Materials

Chaosdocs. (n.d.). V-Ray 5 for Sketchup – Metal Shaders IOR. Chaos Help. Retrieved December 24, 2021, from
https://docs.chaos.com/display/VMAYA/Metal+Shaders+IOR

Chaosdocs. (n.d.). V-ray for sketchup courseware. Chaos Help. Retrieved December 24, 2021, from https://docs.chaos.com/display/
CWVRAY3SU?_cldee=Y2hveW9uZ3llb24xOTgzQGdtYWlsLmNvbQ%3D%3D&recipientid=lead-9fe0a2503f2fe911a9a2000d3a
b31ad6-a6a05ee3862d45eb930031eebf34be26&utm_source=ClickDimensions&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=TrialNurt
ure_Sketchup&esid=50f67145-8ac7-43cb-b27f-292608675a26

ChaosTV. (n.d.). Chaos Group TV playlists. YouTube. Retrieved December 24, 2021, from https://www.youtube.com/c/
ChaosGroupTV/playlists

Furrer, J. (n.d.). IES Library: Browse. Retrieved December 24, 2021, from https://ieslibrary.com/en/
browse#ies-002bb0e37aa7e5f1d7851fb1db032628

jbdtube. (February 4, 2020). VideoGuide – How to Download and Install Vray for Sketchup Pro, Easy, Quick, Free Trial Version.
YouTube. Retrieved December 24, 2021, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_5g2ZLblZE

SketchUp School. (June 8, 2018). Vray for SketchUp — Getting Started (How to Create Your First Photorealistic Rendering). YouTube.
Retrieved December 24, 2021, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mUAUmqCvBk

256 | Chapter 15. Vray for Sketchup

SketchUp School. (December 4, 2019). The Key Steps to Rendering Interiors with Vray for SketchUp. YouTube. Retrieved December
24, 2021, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8B0Sen0ZRr8&list=RDCMUCdv_VnYKlu_gaZa7rpXifEg&index=5

Chapter 15. Vray for Sketchup | 257

Chapter 16. Lumion - User interface and
import 3D model

Session Objectives

Upon completing this session, students will be able to:

• (CO 1) Be introduced to Various Rendering software

• (CO 2) Install Lumion Pro Student
• (CO 3) Understand the interface
• (CO 4) Import a 3D model

Session Highlights

At the end of the session, students will be able to create the graphics below.

Lecture Contents

(CO1) Be introduced to Various Rendering software

Please read these articles for your information. My lecture contents come from these articles, please read these liked pages.

258 | Chapter 16. Lumion - User interface and import 3D model

1. Top 9 Best Rendering Software for Architects This Year.
2. Best 3D Rendering Software (Some are Free)
3. Young Architect Guide: 11 Top Rendering Software Apps and Plugins by Nathan Bahadursingh.

Junior designers might assume most 3D modeling software has a 3D rendering function. The short answer is Yes. However,
the render quality from 3D modeling software is not guaranteed. For example, SketchUp, Rhino, AutoCAD, and Revit
have rendering function, but it only supports essential quality, no raytracing lighting, no quality textures. There are many
standalone or plug-in 3D rendering software in the market. In this course, we will discuss the pros and cons of various
rendering software and learn one rendering software (Lumion).

Various Rendering Software for Interior Designers and Architects

Enscape

image credit: Andrew

Enscape is a real-time 3D rendering software where everything is prepared in the original program. This software is primarily
geared at architectural visualization.

Available for Revit, SketchUp, Rhino, ArchiCAD, and Vectorworks.

Pros

• User-friendly UI and easy to learn.

• Fast render time and reasonably high-quality render outputs.
• Support various outputs – VR presentation, EXE, Panorama view, and animation.
• Great collections of libraries.

Cons

• Lack of customization, the render outputs look similar.

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V-Ray by Chaos Group

image credit: andykerstens

V-Ray by Chaos Group offers state-of-the-art rendering technology, capable of powering the most advanced photorealistic
images. Renowned for its versatility, V-Ray can be integrated with a slew of rendering applications. V-Ray’s quality, power,
speed, along with the creative control it offers users can explain why this software is deemed as an industry standard amongst
artists and designers.

Available for 3ds Max, Sketchup, Rhino, Revit, and Unreal, and more.

Pros

• Users can specify a complex rendering environment. The user can control everything in the render.
• Not high hardware specifications are required.
• The exhaustive list of features and tools.
• An incredible array of models and textures to work with.
• Fairly competitive price.

Cons

• New learners might find this intimidating.

• Lower render time.

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Corona Renderer

image credit: Nguyen Ba

Dung

Corona Renderer is one of the newer rendering software on the market, but how it performs as a renderer makes it stand out.

Available for Autodesk 3Ds Max, Cinema 4D, and Standalone application.

Pros

• One of the fastest rendering software in the market.

• Clean animations and excellent light effects.
• Affordable price with a one-time purchase.

Cons

• Some features missing, like velocity render.

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Lumion

image credit: Gui

Giovanoni

Lumion is a 3D rendering software that has been developed to integrate with CAD software. Its ease of use makes it suitable
for designers and architects who want to render in-house. Lumion includes an extensive library of skies, water, landscape
modeling.

Available for Revit, SketchUp, and any 3D model that can be exported FBX file.

Pros

• Compatible with every other rendering software on the market.

• Easy to use UI and friendly learning curve.
• The student license is free.
• Best for architecture video animation.
• Real-time rendering.

Cons

• The required highest specification of hardware requirements.

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Twinmotion

image credit: Pasquale

Scionti

Twinmotion is a real-time 3D immersion software that produces high-quality images, panoramas, and standard or 360 VR
videos in seconds. It is designed to help architecture, construction, urban planning, and landscaping professionals better
communicate their designs by offering a simple and intuitive interface backed by the power of the Unreal Engine.

Available for a plug-in for Revit, SketchUp, Rhino, and ArchiCAD.

Pros

• Compatible with every other rendering software on the market.

• Easy to use UI and friendly learning curve.
• The student license is free.
• Good for architecture video animation.
• Real-time rendering.

Cons

• Required higher specification of hardware requirements.

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 Twinmotion VS. Lumion

If you know more about the two applications, please watch these linked videos.

1. Twinmotion 2019 vs Lumion 9 by Designer Hacks.

2. Lumion vs Twinmotion | Big Overview | 2019 by Niko G.

Blender

image credit: Michal

Franczak

Blender is an open-source 3D modeling and 3D rendering software. It is one of the most powerful rendering tools. This
software is not only for interior designers but also for animators or any 3D designer.

It is standalone 3D modeling with 3D rendering software.

Pros

• FREE.
• Extremely capable renderer.
• Resourceful and helpful community.

Cons

• It has got a learning curve that does take time to master this software.

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(CO2) Install Lumion Pro Student

Visit the Lumion Requirements website for the system requirements and see the recommended requirements before
downloading the software.

If your hardware can support running Lumion, please visit the Lumion for Students site to download Lumion Pro Student.

If your hardware cannot support running Lumion, please use the CoD lab computer by using VMware Horizontal Client.
Lumion 9.5 is currently installed in CoD remote computers.

Install Lumion LiveSync for Revit from the Lumion Support website.

(CO3) Understand the interface

Welcome page

Open Lumion application. If this is the first time to open the application, the software will run a benchmark test to know your
hardware can run this application or not.

Once Lumion is open, you can see the welcome page.

• On this page, you can create a new file by clicking one of the six presets.
• You can find a link for online tutorials that Lumion provided.
• You can see your computer speed.
• You can also change languages and adjust settings.

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Once you click the setting, you can adjust the unit, the working resolution, and the use of a tablet.

Once you create a new Lumion file by clicking [Plain], you can see this view below.

Anytime you need information for the interface, mouse over the question mark.

Please be familiar with navigating the view.

• WASD for directions and

• QE for moving up and down.
• [Shift] key for faster moving.
• [Space] key for slower-moving.
• [Mouse-right] click for rotating view.

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 • Hold the [O] key and use [Mouse-right] click to rotate the camera.
• Hold the [Ctrl] key to select an object by drag.
• Click the top-right camera icon to set your eye level at 5’3”.

To save, open, or create a new file, click the disk icon

You can save the file by clicking [Save as].

• To open an existing file, click the [Folder] icon.

• To open an example file, click the [Grid] icon.
• To create a new file, click the [Home] icon.

(CO4) Import a 3D model

This tutorial demonstrates how to export/import the Revit model for the Lumion file using the Eames House model. For
Exercise 4, you can use the Eames house model (Download from Canvas Modul), or you can use your own Revit model that you
used for a previous project at the Junior level to update your portfolio.

Prepare your Revit model for Lumion

• [STEP 01] Open the Eames house model, you can download the Revit file from this external Box folder.
• [STEP 02] Open a 3D view. Use section box to crop the 3D view.
• [STEP 03] Hide plants, imported 2D drawings, unnecessary elements for renderings.

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Export the Revit model using Lumion LiveSync Export

• [STEP 01] make sure you downloaded and installed [Lumion LiveSync for Revit] from the Lumion LiveSync for Revit
download page.

◦ Before the installation, you must turn in the application.

• [STEP 02] If you use Lumion on your computer, click [Setting] from [Lumion] tab, under [LiveSync] panel.

◦ Update the insertion point to [Survey Point(true north)].

◦ Update Surface smoothing to [High].

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 ◦ Check [Camera sync on start].
◦ Click [OK] to finish the setting.
◦ Click [Start LiveSync] to insert the model into the Lumion file.
• [STEP 03] If you use Lumion on the CoD lab computer remotely, click [Export].

◦ Update the insertion point to [Survey Point(true north)].

◦ Update Surface smoothing to [High].
◦ Check [Collect textures].
◦ Check [Export nodes].
◦ Click [Export].
◦ Save the file in [DAE] format.
• [STEP 04] Open [VMware Horizontal Clients] and log in to [Design Teaching Labs].
• [STEP 05] Copy the exported DAE file to the Desktop. You can download the DAE file from this shared Box folder.

Import the Revit model in the Lumion file

• [STEP 01] Click [Import] > find the exported Revit file > Click [Open] to place the model.

• [STEP 02] Click a position to place the imported model and press [ESC] to close the command > Click [Select] icon and
use the move tool to adjust the position.

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 • [STEP 03] Double-click the imported model to see the model as a whole.
Mouse right double-click to jump onto the surface.

Make sure the file is saved in your project folder. If you are working on this project using the CoD lab computer remotely, you
must copy the working file to YOUR project folder. When you disconnect, the file will be removed automatically.

Don’t forget to save a backup file.

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 References

andykerstens. (2020, March 3). GPU (RTX) rendering big quality problems vs. CPU rendering. Chaos Forums. Retrieved December
24, 2021, from https://forums.chaos.com/forum/v-ray-rt-forums/v-ray-rt-general/1063811-gpu-rtx-rendering-big-quality-
problems-vs-cpu-rendering

Bahadursingh, N. (2021, April 1). Young architect guide: 11 top rendering software apps and plugins. Journal. Retrieved December
24, 2021, from https://architizer.com/blog/practice/tools/young-architect-guide-top-rendering-software-apps-and-plugins/

Breton, P.-F. (2019, September 25). Real-time ray tracing in Unreal Engine – Part 2: Architectural visualization. Unreal Engine.
Retrieved December 24, 2021, from https://www.unrealengine.com/en-US/blog/real-time-ray-tracing-in-unreal-
engine—part-2-architectural-visualization

Designer Hacks. (2019). Twinmotion 2019 vs Lumion 9. YouTube. Retrieved December 24, 2021, from https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=3iyWOrIEOXg.

Dung, N. B. (2016, April 18). Corona Apartment. Corona apartment. Retrieved December 24, 2021, from https://forum.corona-
renderer.com/index.php?topic=11582.0

Franczak, M. (2018, March 12). Announcing blender interiors for architecture visualization. Evermotion.org. Retrieved December
24, 2021, from https://evermotion.org/articles/show/10996/announcing-blender-interiors-for-architecture-visualization

Giovanoni, G. (2017, November 10). Lumion 8: First interior test. Lumion 8 | First Interior Test | Gui Giovanoni. Retrieved
December 24, 2021, from https://forum.lumion.com/gallery-best-works/lumion-8-first-interior-test-gui-giovanoni-204661/

Kar, S. (2018, May 14). Top 9 best rendering software for architects this year. Architecture Lab. Retrieved December 24, 2021, from
https://www.architecturelab.net/best-rendering-software-for-architects/

Lumion. (2021, November 15). System requirements in Lumion: 3D rendering hardware. Retrieved December 24, 2021, from
https://lumion.com/requirements.html

Lumion. (n.d.). Lumion for students. Retrieved December 24, 2021, from https://lumion.com/students.html

Lumion. (n.d.). Download Lumion LiveSync for Revit. Retrieved December 24, 2021, from https://support.lumion.com/hc/en-us/
articles/360007538494-Download-Lumion-LiveSync-for-Revit

Niko G. (2019). Lumion vs Twinmotion | Big Overview | 2019. YouTube. Retrieved December 24, 2021, from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFhEPVDdqzs.

Übel, M. von. (2021, August 27). Best 3D rendering software of 2021 (some are free). All3DP. Retrieved December 24, 2021, from
https://all3dp.com/1/best-3d-rendering-software/

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Chapter 17. Lumion - surroundings, objects,
and materials

Session Objectives

Upon completing this session, students will be able to:

• (CO 1) Add surroundings

• (CO 2) Add/edit materials
• (CO 3) Add objects

Session Highlights

At the end of the session, students will be able to create the graphics below.

272 | Chapter 17. Lumion - surroundings, objects, and materials

 Lecture Contents

(CO1) Add surroundings

Change Weather

Lumion has several presets for Sky and can change the direction of the sun and time of date quickly. Lumion is a rendering
software, so it does not need precise data for the renderings.

• [STEP 01] Click [Weather] tab.

• [STEP 02] Adjust [Sun direction].
• [STEP 03] Adjust [Sun height].
• [STEP 04] Adjust [Amount of cloud].
• [STEP 05] Adjust [Amount of sunlight].
• [STEP 06] Change [Cloud type] by clicking the [Cloud] icon and selecting one of nine clouds.

Edit Landscape

Lumion landscape allows you to create terrain height change, add water, add ocean, change landscape types.

• [STEP 01] Adjusting terrain height.

◦ Click the [Landscape] tab.

◦ Click [Height] icon.
◦ Select the size of the circle and the speed of the creation.
◦ Select [Raise], [Lower], [Flatten], [Jitter], and [Smooth] to modify the shape of terrain.

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 • [STEP 02] To match the landscape texture with your Revit model.

◦ Click [Paint] tab.

◦ Hoover over the mouse to select the landscape surface that you want to change.
◦ Select the [Landscape] icon from [Material library].
◦ Click the [Check mark] to complete the command.

• [STEP 03] If you want to add water or ocean, click the icons and place them on your surface.
• [STEP 04] To change the landscape texture type.

◦ Click the [Paint] icon.

◦ Select the landscape image to change the landscape type. You have 20 options for your landscape type.
◦ Adjust the bar to change the texture size.

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 ◦ Select one of the textures and paint on the landscape surface.

• [STEP 05] You can turn on/off landscape (3D) grass option. This function should be activated when you render to save
your speed of work.

◦ Save the file frequently.

(CO2) Add/edit materials

When you import a Revit file, you need to convert the materials to Lumion material. This is a typical process for most
standalone rendering software. When you exported, the textures(images) would be created in a separate folder. You can use the
texture, you can use textures in your project folder, or you can rely on Lumion preset texture.

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In this tutorial, you will learn how to add Lumion texture from the material library and convert the existing material to Lumion
material.

Add materials

• [STEP 01] Click [Material Editor] tab.

• [STEP 02] Select a model (surface) you want to change (In this tutorial, I choose the curtain wall glass).
• [STEP 03] Select [Outdoor] tab from the [Material library] > Click [Glass] category > Click a type glass from the list. You
can find more by navigating the tabs.
• [STEP 04] Once you finished the change, click the [checkmark] on the right bottom corner to complete the command.

Edit materials

• [STEP 01] Click [Material Editor] tab.

• [STEP 02] Select a model (surface) you want to change (In this tutorial, I choose the wood panel wall).
• [STEP 03] Select [Indoor] tab from the [Material library] > Click [Wood] category > Click a type wood from the list. You
can find more by navigating the tabs.
• [STEP 04] Once the material is applied, see the direction of the texture, size of the map, and any changes needed. If you
need to edit the material that you apply, double-click to enter [Material Properties].
• [STEP 05] On the [Material Properties] panel, you can change the properties. By clicking the arrow to the bottom, you can
edit in advanced mode.
• [STEP 06] Once you finished the change, click the [checkmark] on the right bottom corner to complete the command.

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Convert a Revit material to a Lumion material

• [STEP 01] Click [Material Editor] tab.

• [STEP 02] Select a model (surface) you want to change (In this tutorial, I choose the Concert retaining wall).
• [STEP 03] Select [Standard] from [Custom] tab on the [Material library].

• [STEP 04] On the [Material Properties] panel, you can change the properties. By clicking the arrow to the bottom, you can
edit in advanced mode.
• [STEP 06] Once you finished the change, click the [checkmark] on the right bottom corner to complete the command.
Please use these three material mapping strategies to apply all material on the exterior and interior.

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(CO3) Add objects

Add objects

Lumion provides lots of objects for your rendering. Nature, Transports, People and animals, Outdoor objects, Indoor objects.
Please navigate the object library and use it for your rendering.

• [STEP 01] Click [Objects] tab.

• [STEP 02] Select a category then the library will open > Select a sub-category > Select a page > Select an object to place.
• [STEP 03] Place on the top of the model.
There are three methods of placement [Single placement] [Mass placement], and [Cluster placement]. Please practice
these placement methods in this exercise.

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 • [STEP 04] If you want to move or rotate the object that you placed, select the object by holding the [Ctrl] key and select
the object key > Click one of the options (Rotate, Move, or Delete) on the menu > Adjust the value or drag the position.

• [STEP 05] Once you select the object, you can adjust the properties, such as coloring, transparency, and more if the
object allows.

Once your object placements are done, please save the file.

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Chapter 18. Lumion - Lightings, scenes, and
outputs

Session Objectives

Upon completing this session, students will be able to:

• (CO 1) Add/edit lighting

• (CO 2) Add/edit scenes
• (CO 3) Render outputs

Session Highlights

At the end of the session, students will be able to create the graphics below.

Lecture Contents

(CO1) Add/edit lighting

In order to work on the lighting in a scene, it is the best practice to change the time of the date to night time like sunset time.

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Change a Revit material to Emissive material

This Emissive material option your material source glow. However, this option is not enough to show the lighting effect.

• [STEP 01] Click [Material Editor] tab.

• [STEP 02] Click a material that you want to change to Emissive material.
• [STEP 03] Click [Standard] from the [Material Editor] > [Costom] tab.
• [STEP 04] Click [Advanced option] and click [Setting] tab.
• [STEP 05] Change the bar value for [Emissive].
If needed, change the transparency value, and the color of the object.
• [STEP 06] Once the materials changed, click the [Checkmark] to complete these changes.

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Add lights

Lumion supports three types of lighting sources, Omni light, spotlight, and Area light. Please practice all different types of
lighting sources.

• [STEP 01] Click [Objects] tab.

• [STEP 02] Click [Lights and Utilities], then [Lights and Utilities Library] will open.
• [STEP 03] Select a type of light that you want to add.
• [STEP 04] Place the light on the view by hovering and clicking on a surface of an object.

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Edit lights

• [STEP 01] Select the lights that you want to edit the color and brightness of the light. You can select individually, or you
can also hold the [Ctrl] key to the window selection.
• [STEP 02] Adjust the setting on the right-top menu.

Repeat this add/edit light process for all other lights. To copy a light, hold the [Alt] key and move the light.

(CO2) Add/edit scenes

Before starting the rendering, you must set scenes (camera views) first.

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To add a scene

• [STEP 01] Stop at a position that you want to capture. Make sure the time of the date is what you want to render.
• [STEP 02] Click [Photo] from the main menu.

• [STEP 03] After the Photo view opens, adjust camera [Focal length], [Horizental eye level], and [Set eye level].
• [STEP 04] To save the scene, hover over the views on the bottom screen. And click [Store camera].

• [STEP 05] You can rename the scenes by clicking the photo below. And also, you can update the scene by clicking [Store
camera].

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Styles and effects

Lumion provides eight distinct rendering styles and sixth-three photo effects for the rendering.

To change a render style

• [STEP 01] Select a view.

• [STEP 02] Click [Custom Style] on the left top corner.
• [STEP 03] Select one of the nine styles to start setting your rendering.

• [STEP 04] Once you add a style, you can adjust the effect detail by clicking each of the effects and changing the values.

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To add a new effect

• [STEP 01] On a photo mode, click [FX] under the rendering style.
• [STEP 02] See what effect under the Seven categories, and select a photo effect that you want to add.

• [STEP 03] You can adjust the detailed value for your rendering. If you want to see the effect, you can turn it on and off by
clicking the eye icon. Moreover,, you can delete the effect anytime.

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Repeat step 1 to step 3 for all other scenes.

(CO3) Render outputs

Rendering scenes

• [STEP 01] Once all your scenes are ready for render, click the [Render Photo] icon to render.

• [STEP 02] For a single rendering, use the [Current Shot] tab. For multiple renderings, click the [Photo Set] tab.

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 • [STEP 03] Select any additional output that you want to get. I prefer, D-Depthmap, A-Sky alpha map, and M-Material ID
map for photoshop.

• [STEP 04] Select render size to start rendering.

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The final renderings.

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Chapter 19. Photoshop - brushes and quick
retouch

Session Objectives

Upon completing this session, students will be able to:

• (CO 1) Be aware of various tips and skills for better interior perspective renderings
• (CO 2) Be introduced to various sites for texture, cutouts, and more for references
• (CO 3) Be able to produce a rendering with a quick retouch

Session Highlights

At the end of the session, students can create the graphics below.

Lecture Contents

(CO1) Be aware of various tips and skills for better interior perspective
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renderings

8 Tips for better perspective renderings

• [STORY] Make a story in the view with a sketch and references.

• [MODELING] Build a detailed main model for your design.
• [SURROUNDINGS] Use additional surroundings, such as nature, buildings, landscaping, objects, figures, and details.
The surroundings can be photoshopped or used 3d models.
• [COMPOSITION] Consider appropriate composition such as asymmetry, two-point perspective, 3-ground rule: fore,
mid, and back, Field of View: not too wide, not too narrow.
• [LIGHTING] Develop realistic lightings in your view, use light profiles, use fake lightings.
• [MATERIAL] Use physically real materials and textures – Texture size, image quality, seamless pattern, bumpiness,
reflectiveness, and more.
• [MOOD] Avoid using too many colors on your image and too bright image, considering the mood of the view.
• [CREATIVITY] Avoid photorealistic rendering, unleash your imagination!! be creative!! & be bold!!

The information above is from 12 Tips for creating a perfect architectural rendering – From the exports by Paul Keskeys

Websites for Rendering awards

CGarchitect Architectural 3D awards – CGarchitecture is one of the leading online magazines in architectural design
visualization launched in 2001 by Jeff Mottle (CGarchitect, n.d.).
image credit: CGarchitect

American Society of Architectural illustrators (ASAI) award – ASAI is a professional organization to represent the
architectural illustrators in the world founded in 1986 by Steve Rich, Frank Costantino, and Steve Oles (ASAI, n.d.).

Chapter 19. Photoshop - brushes and quick retouch | 291

 image credit: ASAI

The one rendering challenge by Architizer – Architizer is the world’s largest online community of architects to empower and
connect architects with building products and inspire them (Architizer, n.d.).

The best architecture drawing of the year by Achidaily.

• The Best Architecture Drawings of 2019

• The Best Architecture Drawings of 2018
• The Best Architecture Drawings of 2017

Bee Breeders competition results.

image credit: Bee Breeders

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(CO2) Be introduced to various sites for texture, cutouts, and more for
references

Websites for texture

• Struffel Productions
• Joao Paulo
• Texture Haven
• Textures.com
• Poliigon

Websites for cutouts

• Skalgubbar
• Nonscandinavia
• Mr. Cutout
• Pimp my drawing
• Cutoutmix

Websites for 3D modeling

• Evermotion – This website is one of the best professional websites for 3D modeling, textures, backgrounds, and cutouts

Architectural visualization tutorials – photoshop

• OB Tutorial on YouTube
• Upstairs Tutorial on YouTube
• Show It Better Tutorial on YouTube

(CO3) Be able to produce a rendering with a quick retouch

In this tutorial, I will demonstrate how to make a quick retouch from Enscape render outputs.

• [STEP 01] Render setting with [Export Object-ID, Material-ID, and Depth Channel].

Chapter 19. Photoshop - brushes and quick retouch | 293

 • [STEP 02] Prepare two rendered images, one is with entourages, the other is without entourages.

• [STEP 03] Open the rendered image without an entourage in Photoshop.

• [STEP 04] Save as the file in PSD format.
• [SETP 05] Duplicate the background layer by mouse-right clicking and selecting [Duplicate Layer…] or Selecting all
[Ctrl+A] and [Ctrl+J].

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• [STEP 06] Click [Camera Raw] from the [Filter] menu. The [Camera Raw] setting is a combination version of image
adjustment settings.

• [STEP 07] Add the [Depth Channal] by dragging and dropping it on the file.
• [STEP 08] Click [Color Range] from the [Select] menu, and click the black part.
• [STEP 09] Select [Image with camera raw] layer and press [Shift+Ctrl+I] for invert selection > Press [Ctrl+J] to duplicate
the selected area > hide the [Image with camera raw] layer.
• [STEP 10] Search in google [Landscape HD background] and save an image that you want to use as a background of your
rendering > Add the downloaded image on the file under the image with camera raw + no back] layer > Adjust the image
size by pressing [Ctrl+T].

Chapter 19. Photoshop - brushes and quick retouch | 295

 image credit: The
background image was
modified by the author.
Adobe Stock, Standard
License.

• [STEP 11] Adjust the image color and brightness with the [Camera Raw] filter to match the rendered image. Consider the
background image for the interior view is normally brighter than the interior view.

• [STEP 12] Show the [Depth Channal] layer > Apply [Invert] by pressing [Ctrl+I] > Apply [Level] by pressing [Ctrl+L] and
adjust the value like the image below.

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• [STEP 13] Change the [Depth Channal] layer style to [Color Burn] the opacity change to [20%].

• [STEP 14] Add the rendered image with the entourage and the material ID image in the file > Select the people on the
material ID image using the [Magic Wand Tool] > hide the material ID image layer.

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 • [STEP 15] copy the people from the rendered image layer to a new layer by pressing [Ctrl+J] > Change the layer Opacity to
30%.

• [STEP 16] Copy the people layer by pressing [Ctrl+J] > Chang the layer Opacity to 70%.

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• [STEP 17] Show the material ID layer and the rendered image > Select light material that needs to be glow > copy the
selected area from the rendered image > Update the layer name to Lights > copy the Lights layer > hide the original
Lights layer > change the layer style of the copied Lights layer to [Hard light] > Add [Gaussian Blur] filter with 40 px >
copy the copied Lights layer > Add [Gaussian Blur] filter with 100 px.

• [STEP 18] Select the imported landscape image as the background, the rendered image without background, and the
depth channel > Duplicate the layer > Convert to Smart Object by mouse right-click.

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 • [STEP 19] Apply [Gaussian Blur] filter 5 px to the smart object layer.

• [STEP 20] Change the layer style to [Overlay] and change the layer Opacity to [20%] > Copy the layer and change the layer
style to [Screen].

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• [STEP 21] On the top of the layer, add [Color Lookup] and select a 3D LUT file that makes the best for your rendering.
This function creates a unified color for all layers.

Chapter 19. Photoshop - brushes and quick retouch | 301

Save the file and Save as to the JPG file.

References

Architizer. (n.d.). One rendering challenge 2022: Send us a rendering. tell us a story. win $2,500. A global rendering competition
brought to you by Architizer and the A+Awards. Retrieved December 24, 2021, from https://onerenderingchallenge.secure-
platform.com/a

ASAI. (n.d.). Award winner gallery. ASAI. Retrieved December 24, 2021, from https://www.asai.org/award-winner-gallery/

ASAI. (n.d.). History. ASAI. Retrieved December 24, 2021, from https://www.asai.org/about/

Bee Breeders. (n.d.). Architecture Competition Results Archive // Bee Breeders. Retrieved December 24, 2021, from
https://architecturecompetitions.com/results/

Castro, F. (2020, February 21). The best architecture drawings of 2019. ArchDaily. Retrieved December 24, 2021, from
https://www.archdaily.com/930787/the-best-architecture-drawings-of-2019?ad_source=search&ad_medium=search_result_all

Castro, F. (2019, January 06). The best architecture drawings of 2018. ArchDaily. Retrieved December 24, 2021, from
https://www.archdaily.com/908188/the-best-drawings-of-2018?ad_source=myarchdaily&ad_medium=bookmark-
show&ad_content=current-user

Castro, F. (2018, January 02). The best architecture drawings of 2017. ArchDaily. Retrieved December 24, 2021, from
https://www.archdaily.com/886326/the-best-architecture-drawings-of-2017?ad_source=search&ad_medium=search_result_all

CGarchitect. (n.d.). 3dawards CGarchitect. Cgarchitect.com. Retrieved December 24, 2021, from
https://3dawards.cgarchitect.com/

CGarchitect. (n.d.). About CGarchitect. Cgarchitect.com. Retrieved December 24, 2021, from https://www.cgarchitect.com/pages/
d26ce5bd-about

Keskeys, P. (2020, December 21). 12 tips for creating a perfect architectural rendering – from the experts – architizer journal. Journal.
Retrieved December 24, 2021, from https://architizer.com/blog/practice/tools/architectural-rendering-tips-fiverr/

302 | Chapter 19. Photoshop - brushes and quick retouch

Chapter 20. Photoshop - Advanced rendering
post-production

Session Objectives

Upon completing this session, students will be able to:

• (CO 1) Understand photoshop brushes and Wacom tablet

• (CO 2) Understand post-production for exterior perspective rendering

Session Highlights

At the end of the session, students will be able to create the graphics below.

Chapter 20. Photoshop - Advanced rendering post-production | 303

 Lecture Contents

(CO1) Understand photoshop brushes and Wacom tablet

Photoshop Brush

Designers use the [Brush] tool to draw any shapes and lines with their mouse and Wacom tablet. After selecting a brush, you
can draw simply by clicking the left mouse button a single time, or by holding it down and dragging your cursor around the
page to create multiple marks with a single stroke.

Despite the term “brush,” you can use brushes for much more than just replicating physical media like paints. In fact, brushes
can be used for everything from textures and patterns to lighting. The ease of use and versatility of this tool makes it a handy
resource for both the novice and the expert designer to add depth to your projects.

Photoshop supports basic brushes, but you can import/load brushes (ABR file).

Refer to Creative Market’s page on how to install Photoshop brushes for more information.

Useful photoshop brush sets (free resource)

• ARQUI9 – Architectural brush sets

• Show It Better – Architectural brush sets
• Clouds
• Light rays
• IES lights
• Lens flares

Import Brushes

• [STEP 01] Open [Brush] panel.

• [STEP 02] Click settings.
• [STEP 03] Select [Import Brushes] and check [Brush Tips] to see a single brush > Click an ABR file and click [LOAD].

304 | Chapter 20. Photoshop - Advanced rendering post-production

Use [Brush] tool

• [STEP 01] Click [Brush] tool, or press [B].

• [STEP 02] Select a brush.
• [STEP 03] Change the size, opacity, mode, hardness, and color.
• [STEP 04] Click or Drag to apply the selected brush.

Chapter 20. Photoshop - Advanced rendering post-production | 305

(CO2) Understand post-production for exterior perspective rendering

In this tutorial, I will demonstrate a post-production process of exterior perspective rendering. Some of the information is the
same as CO3 in session 19.

• [STEP 01] Render setting with [Export Object-ID, Material-ID, and Depth Channel], decide the best time of the day that
you would like to show the concept of the space, and think the (CO 1) 8 tips for better perspective renderings in Session
19.
• [STEP 02] Open the rendered image in Photoshop.
• [STEP 03] Save as the file in PSD format.
• [STPE 04] Duplicate the background layer by mouse-right clicking and selecting [Duplicate Layer…] or Select all [Ctrl+A]
and [Ctrl+J].
• [STEP 05] Click [Camera Raw] from the [Filter] menu. The [Camera Raw] setting is a combination version of image
adjustment settings.

• [STEP 06] Add the [Depth Channal] and the [Material ID] by dragging and dropping on the file.

306 | Chapter 20. Photoshop - Advanced rendering post-production

• [STEP 07] Use [Crop] tool, pressing [C] and change the region to show more the sky

• [STEP 08] Click [Color range] from [Select] menu > select the black > click [OK].

Chapter 20. Photoshop - Advanced rendering post-production | 307

 • [STEP 09] Hide [Materal ID] and [Depth Channel] > Select [Randered image] layer > Invert select by pressing [Ctrl+Shift+I]
> Duplicate the selected area to a new layer by pressing [Ctrl+J] > Layer name change [Rendered image+No sky] > Hide
[Render image] layer.

• [STEP 10] Image search website [Sky HD background] and click advance search with [Large] size image and [copyright] if
needed.
• [STEP 11] Add the downloaded Sky image to the file > the layer must be below the rendered image > change the size and
locations of the sky image.

308 | Chapter 20. Photoshop - Advanced rendering post-production

• [STEP 12] Adjust the color of the rendering or the sky to harmonize for both images by using [Color Balance] from
[Image] > [Adjustment] menu.

• [STEP 13] If needed, change the color or pattern of the materials by using the [Material ID] layer to select the materials >
Add high-quality seamless texture > convert to a layer > change the color to match the original color of the texture.

Chapter 20. Photoshop - Advanced rendering post-production | 309

 • [STEP 14] Copy/size change the image to make a pattern > If needed, use [clone stamp] tool to remove the pattern effects
> If needed, use [Burn] tool or [Dodge] tool to add shadows and highlights > use [Mask] to hide the not needed area.

• [STEP 15] The rendering already has grass on the ground. However, I will add plans on the grass and the concrete wall
using the [Brush] tool.

◦ Click [Brush] tool > Select [Herbe3] from [Argui9LearnSet] > Click [Brush Settings] panel > adjust [Shape Dynamics] –
Size Jitter, adjust [Color Dynamics] – Foreground/Background Jitter and Hue Jitter.
◦ Change the foreground/background color.
◦ Create a new layer.

310 | Chapter 20. Photoshop - Advanced rendering post-production

 ◦ Click or hold the mouse or use the Wacom tablet.

◦ Use a different brush for the plans on the concrete wall and apply [Drop Dhadow] on the layer effect.

• [STEP 16] Download trees from image searching sites and add the images on the scene. You may need to only the tree
image without a background. You can use the [Color Range] tool to select the background and invert the selection, then
copy the tree image only. It would help if you also had color changes and layer opacity changes for a better look.

Chapter 20. Photoshop - Advanced rendering post-production | 311

 • [STEP 17] For a dramatic effect, you can add [Ray of Light].

• [STEP 18] On the top of the layer, [add adjustment of layer]. I like to use 2 Color Lookup with different opacity, Photo
Filter, and Brightness/Contrast.

312 | Chapter 20. Photoshop - Advanced rendering post-production

Save the file before closing.

Chapter 20. Photoshop - Advanced rendering post-production | 313

 References

Arqui9 Learn. (n.d.). Arqui9 learn brush set. Architectural Visualisation Learning. Retrieved December 24, 2021, from
https://www.arqui9learn.com/productbrushes

Epstein, A. (2021, May 10). How to install & use photoshop brushes. Creative market blog. Retrieved December 24, 2021, from
https://creativemarket.com/blog/how-to-install-use-photoshop-brushes

Show it Better. (n.d.). Show it better brushes for Photoshop. Retrieved December 24, 2021, from https://showitbetter.gumroad.com/
l/QQhBJ

314 | Chapter 20. Photoshop - Advanced rendering post-production

PART FIVE. 3D VIDEO ANIMATION

Chapter 21. Enscape – walk-through video

• Be aware of various tips and skills for better interior 3D animation

• Create a walk-through video in Enscpae

Chapter 22. Lumion – walk-through video

• Create a walk-through video in Lumion

Chapter 23. Premiere – Video pro-production

• Understand Adobe Premiere pro the User Interface

• Add videos and titles
• Edit videos and add transitions
• Add/edit sounds

Part Five. 3D Video Animation | 315

Chapter 21. Enscape - walk-through video

Session Objectives

Upon completing this session, students will be able to:

• (CO 1) Be aware of various tips and skills for better interior 3D animation
• (CO 2) Create a walk-through video in Enscape

Session Highlights

At the end of the session, students will be able to create the graphics below.

One or more interactive elements has been excluded from this version of the text. You can view them online here:
https://iastate.pressbooks.pub/visualgraphiccomm2/?p=84#oembed-1

Lecture Contents

(CO1) Be aware of various tips and skills for better interior 3D animation

10 Tips for making a great movie

Camera work and movie structure

• [TIP 01] Use slow camera movements.

• [TIP 02] Use multiple clips.
• [TIP 03] Move the camera in one direction in each clip.

Artistic effects

• [TIP 04] Use animated effects carefully.

• [TIP 05] Use volume lighting and lens flare carefully.
• [TIP 06] Use the analog color lab or color correction.

Attention to detail

316 | Chapter 21. Enscape - walk-through video

 • [TIP 07] Use a little bit of motion blur.
• [TIP 08] Fade in and fade out of the main movie and between clips.
• [TIP 09] Pick the right music and sound effects.
• [TIP 10] Reflections.

Lumion has a tutorial on Tips for Making a Great Movie in Lumion.

Video examples

• 3d Animation for Apartment Interior by Guangzhou Frontop

• Architectural animation of family house – LOĎKA from VESPER HOMES company by ARCHEVIO
• University of Iowa Advancement Services Building Enscape Walkthrough by OPN architects

(CO2) Create a walk-through video in Enscape

To create a video path with scenes

• [STEP 1] Click “Video Editor” from the Enscape tab.

• [STEP 2] Click “Add keyframe” – Once you click “Add keyframe,” the setting will be saved.

• [STEP 3] Change the scene by moving the scene.

• [STEP 4] Once you think the next scene is in the right position (recommend foot walk to see the scene from the same
height), click “Add keyframe,” then you can see the second frame is added.
• [STEP 5] You may check the preview to see how this works.

Chapter 21. Enscape - walk-through video | 317

 • [STEP 6] Repeat steps 3 to 5 to create a complete path for a video.

• [STEP 7] Click a [frame] and change the settings (time of the day, duration of the movement, camera field of view, and
camera position) and click “Apply” to apply the changes.

318 | Chapter 21. Enscape - walk-through video

• [STEP 8] You can repeat other frames to change the settings.

• [STEP 9] You can be out of the keyframe editor by clicking Back, Click Preview to see the results.

Chapter 21. Enscape - walk-through video | 319

To save a video path

• [STEP 1] Click “Save Path” from the Enscape tab.

• [STEP 2] Make a unique name for the path.

To render the video

• [STEP 1] Load camera path by clicking “Camera Path” > “Load path” from the Enscape tab.
• [STEP 2] Change video size from Visual Setting – Resolution (HD is recommended), the quality can be [Web], FPS must
be [30].
• [STEP 3] Click “Render Video” to render the path.

320 | Chapter 21. Enscape - walk-through video

Note. To render the video, will take a while because of the pictures that the video renders. Typically, if you render a 1-second video,
Enscape renders 30 frames. If one frame takes 10 seconds to render, a total of 1-second Video takes 300 seconds to render. Enscape does
a great job because Revit rendering takes 5 minutes to render one frame.

References

Lumion. (2019, September 16). 10 tips for making a great movie in Lumion. Retrieved December 24, 2021, from https://lumion.com/
blog/10-tips-for-making-a-great-movie-in-lumion.html

Chapter 21. Enscape - walk-through video | 321

Chapter 22. Lumion - walk-through video

Session Objectives

Upon completing this session, students will be able to:

• (CO 1) Create a walk-through video in Lumion

Session Highlights

At the end of the session, students will be able to create the graphics below.

One or more interactive elements has been excluded from this version of the text. You can view them online here:
https://iastate.pressbooks.pub/visualgraphiccomm2/?p=86#oembed-1

Lecture Contents

(CO1) Create a walk-through video in Lumion

This lecture content is based on ‘Architecture Inspirations’ Lumion Animation Tips and Tricks.’

Animation basic

• [STEP 01] From the [Build] mode, click movie] mode on your right-bottom menu.

322 | Chapter 22. Lumion - walk-through video

• [STEP 02] In this [Movie] mode, you can create video clips, add rendered images, and add videos that you already made.

◦ Click a frame to add a clip. In this first clip, use the first frame.
◦ Click [Recode] to start making a video.

• [STEP 03] Create scenes.

◦ Position your camera to create your scene by using the [Focal Length], [Horizontal Eye Level], and [Set Eye Level].
◦ Focal Length – recommended setting is 28mm ~ 32mm.
◦ Horizontal Eye Level – Checked.
◦ Set Eye Level – Checked.
◦ You can capture the first scene by clicking the camera] icon.
◦ Move the scene by using [QWEASD] keys to move the camera.
◦ Click the [Camera] icon again to add another scene. It will make a camera path.
◦ Click the [Play] icon to confirm your clip looks good.

Chapter 22. Lumion - walk-through video | 323

 ◦ You can repeat this process complete a clip. I recommend having 2~4 scenes in a clip that makes the best result.
Simple is the best! Less is More!!
• [STEP 04] Adjust scenes.

◦ If the clip moves too fast, change the duration of the time.
◦ If you want to change a scene, move the camera, or change the setting of the camera. Then click the [refresh] icon to
replace the old scene with the new scene.
◦ You can also add scenes between two scenes.
◦ You can also delete scenes by clicking the [Trash Can] icon.
◦ To complete the clip, click [Checkmark].

• [STEP 05] Change the style and add effects.

You can use the presets or add effects to the best outcomes of your movie. Just like your rendering.

324 | Chapter 22. Lumion - walk-through video

• Recommended effects.

◦ Sun
◦ Volumetric Sunlight
◦ Motion Blur
◦ Depth of Field
◦ Exposure
◦ Color correction
◦ Lens Flare
• You can copy the effect to another clip by copying and pasting the effects.

• [STEP 06] Render the clip.

◦ If you want to render the clip, click the [Render Clip] icon on the clip.
◦ If you want to render the entire movie, click [Render Movie] (Green icon).

Chapter 22. Lumion - walk-through video | 325

 ◦ Check the output quality is [Production Quality].
◦ Check the Frames per second is [30].
◦ And click one of the Render sizes [HD or Full HD] to start the video render.

◦ Define the file location and the file name to save.

◦ Once it starts to render, you can see the process of the rendering. To make this 10-seconds clip, Lumion renders 100
frames. It took more than 5 minutes to complete the video render.

326 | Chapter 22. Lumion - walk-through video

Add keyframes with effects (Cloud, Sun, Precipitation, and more)

The time-lapse effect is a technique whereby the frequency at which film frames are captured is much more spread out than
the frequency used by viewing the sequence. When played at normal speed, time appears to be moving faster and thus lapsing.

• [STEP 01] If you do not have the [Sun] effect, add [Sun] and open the [Sun] effect setting by clicking the effect on the clip.
• [STEP 02] Play the clip to find a frame you want to add a keyframe to set the [Sun height].
• [STEP 03] Click [New Keyframe]. You can find the icon on the right side of the bar.

• [STEP 04] Move to a different position of the clip by selecting the play bar.
• [STEP 05] Add another Keyframe and change the slider bar to change the Sun height.

• [STEP 06] Click the play icon to see the preview.

Repeat this process for [Cloud] and [Precipitation].

Chapter 22. Lumion - walk-through video | 327

Animated objects and effect

Lumion allows you to move/rotate an object in your video.

• [STEP 01] Click a clip to add the animated object effect.

• [STEP 02] Click [FX] > Click [Scene and animation] tab > Select [Advanced Move].

• [STEP 03] Click [Edit] icon (look like a pen).

• [STEP 04] Select the start point on the timeline. The camera can be moved to see the object better.
• [STEP 05] Select an object (human) and move to the start point.
• [STEP 06] Select the endpoint on the timeline.
• [STEP 07] Select the object (human) and move to the endpoint.
• [STEP 09] Click [Checkmark] to go back to the mode.

Repeat [STEP 04] to [STEP 08] for other objects.

328 | Chapter 22. Lumion - walk-through video

TV screen effect

• [STEP 01] Select the [Material Editor] tab on the [Build] mode.
• [STEP 02] Select a TV screen surface on the model.
• [STEP 03] If the surface does not have a Lumion Material, select [Standard] material.
• [STEP 04] Click [Choose Color Map] > then a window browser will be open.
• [STEP 05] Select a video file > Click [Open].
• [STEP 06] Change the [Reflectivity] value and [Emissive] value.
• [STEP 07] Click [Checkmark] to finish.

Chapter 22. Lumion - walk-through video | 329

Chapter 23. Premiere - Video pro-production

Session Objectives

Upon completing this session, students will be able to:

• (CO 1) Understand Adobe Premiere pro the User Interface

• (CO 2) Add videos and titles
• (CO 3) Edit videos and add transitions
• (CO 4) Add/edit sounds

Session Highlights

At the end of the session, students will be able to create graphics like those below.

One or more interactive elements has been excluded from this version of the text. You can view them online here:
https://iastate.pressbooks.pub/visualgraphiccomm2/?p=88#oembed-1

Lecture Contents

(CO1) Understand Adobe Premiere pro the User Interface

This lecture content is for an entry-level student learning video editing.

“Premiere Pro is the industry-leading video editing software for film, TV, and the web. Creative tools, integration with other
apps and services, and the power of Adobe Sensei help you craft footage into polished films and videos” (Adobe, n.d.).

Please watch this Adobe tutorial video for information about using Premiere Pro panels and tools.

Once you open the application, you can see this Welcome page.

• [STEP 01] To create a new file, click [New Project].

330 | Chapter 23. Premiere - Video pro-production

• [STEP 02] Add the project name and define the file location where you will save the file and your other resources (video
sources and audio sources).

You may find this error message because of the system requirements, but you can ignore the issue.

Chapter 23. Premiere - Video pro-production | 331

User interface

Modes: Premiere Pro provides different modes for learning, editing, audio, graphics, and more. EDITING mode is
recommended for regular use.

Project Panel: This is where you place links (video clips, audio files, images, and sequences) to your project. You can create
bins (aka folders) to organize the assets you use.

332 | Chapter 23. Premiere - Video pro-production

 • Media Browser: Browse your hard drive to find files.
• Effects: all effects you will use in your sequences.

Timeline Panel and Tracks: This is where you will do most of your editing. You can cut, move, and edit scenes. Tracks are like
layers. There are video layers and audio layers within the timeline.

Tool Panel: to edit the video, use the tool panel. This includes various tools for adjusting the files in your timeline.

Source Monitor: This screen allows you to view and trim the original clips.

• Effect control: Once you apply an effect, you can control the effect on this panel.

Program monitor: This is for viewing your edited sequence.

For more about the user interface information, please refer to the Adobe Press website.

(CO2) Add videos and titles

Before you import your sources (video files, audio files, and images), gather all the sources together in a project folder.

Import sources

• [STEP 01] Double click [Import media to start] from the [Project Panel].
• [STEP 02] Select all sources that you want to add/edit to the project.
• [STEP 03] Click [Open] to import the sources.
• [STEP 04] You can switch the view to list view, Icon view, and freeform view.

Chapter 23. Premiere - Video pro-production | 333

Add the sources to the Timeline

• [STEP 01] Select a source from [Projec Panel].

• [STEP 02] Drag the source to the [Timeline] in the [V1] track.
• [STEP 03] Repeat steps 1 and 2 for other videos and images you want to add to the [Timeline]. You can add videos in the
[V1] Track, and add images in the [V2] track.
• [STEP 04] Change the sequence of the video and image with the [Selection tool].

334 | Chapter 23. Premiere - Video pro-production

Add a title

• [STEP 01] Click the [Type Tool] from the [Tool Panel].
• [STEP 02] Drag and drop to create a text box.
• [STEP 03] Add text.
• [STEP 04] Open [Effect Control panel] by clicking [Effect Control].
• [STEP 05] Click [Text] to change the font, size, and position of your placed text.

Edit the title

• [STEP 01] See more options from the effect control panel.
• [STEP 02] Click the Timeline or double-click the time and enter the numbers that the changes need to be made.
• [STEP 03] Add the [Stop watch] icon from the [Effect Controls] panel on the effect to add to the first keyframe.
• [STEP 04] Change the value for the keyframe if needed.
• [STEP 05] Change the Timeline.
• [STEP 06] Add the second keyframe.
• [STEP 07] Change the value for the second keyframe.
• [STEP 08] Confirm that the changes are all right by pressing [Space bar].

Chapter 23. Premiere - Video pro-production | 335

(CO3) Edit videos and add transitions

Edit a video clip

• [STOP 01] Hide layers that you do not need to edit by clicking the [Eye] icon on the track.
• [STEP 02] Find a time frame you want to cut from the Timeline.
• [STEP 03] Select the [Razor Tool] and click the time frame to cut the video clip.

336 | Chapter 23. Premiere - Video pro-production

 • [STEP 04] Move the time frame you want to cut from the Timeline.
• [STEP 05] Click the time frame to cut the video clip.
• [STEP 06] Select the edited clip and move or delete.
• [STEP 07] Repeat this process to make the right sequence for your video clips and images.

Edit a still image

• [STEP 01] Click the still image that you want to change on the [Timeline].
• [STEP 02] Double-click the still image from the [Program Panel].

Chapter 23. Premiere - Video pro-production | 337

 • [STEP 03] See the [Effect Controls] panel, and change the scale and position that you want to present.
• [STEP 04] If you want to make a moving image, use the keyframes.

Add descriptions using texts

• [STEP 01] Click the [Type Tool] from the [Tool Panel].
• [STEP 02] Drag and drop to create a text box.
• [STEP 03] Add texts.
• [STEP 04] Open [Effect Control panel] by clicking [Effect Control].
• [STEP 05] Click [Text] and change the font, size, and position.

Add transitions between clips

• [STEP 01] Click [Effect] from the [Project panel].

• [STEP 02] Open [Video Transitions] > [Dissolve].
• [STEP 03] Click [Cross Dissolve] or [Dip to black] (if you want a different transition, please try).
• [STEP 04] Drag the dissolve and drop on the between the video clips.
• [STEP 05] Adjust the length of the transition by dragging and dropping the effect on the Timeline.

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 • [STEP 06] Repeat this process for all other transitions.

(CO4) Add/edit sounds

If you want to add music, I recommend using a website that includes open-source instrumental music sources. For example,
see the Free Music Archive.
This source is free to share and adapt for non-commercial use with reference (CC-BY-NC).

I already downloaded Pictures_of_the_Floating_World_-_Waves.mp3 and imported it into the project.

Chapter 23. Premiere - Video pro-production | 339

Add and edit the audio source

• [STEP 01] If you did not import the sound source, import the source first.
• [STEP 02] Select the imported sound source.
• [STEP 03] Drag and drop the source on the Timeline under the Audio track.

• [STEP 04] If the sound source is longer than the total length of the video, you can cut the sound source using the [Razor
Tool] and delete the remaining part.
• [STEP 05] You also edit the volume level of the sound source by adding the keyframes and editing the values.

340 | Chapter 23. Premiere - Video pro-production

Export to a video file

• [STEP 01] Save the file before export to a video file.

• [STEP 02] Click [File] > Click [Export] > Click [Media].
• [STEP 03] Confirm the Format is H.264, Check both [Export Video] and [Export Audio], and Confirm the file name and
location.
• [STEP 04] Click [Export] and check the final result once the processing is done.

References

Adobe. (n.d.). Professional video editing software | adobe premiere pro. Retrieved December 24, 2021, from https://www.adobe.com/
products/premiere.html

Jago M. (2017). Premiere Pro user interface basics tutorial | Adobe Premiere Pro tutorials. Retrieved December 24, 2021, from
https://helpx.adobe.com/premiere-pro/how-to/overview-interface-premiere-cc.html.

Team, A. C. (2012). Adobe Premiere Pro CS6 Classroom in a Book: Adobe Prem Pro CS6 Classro_p1. Adobe Press.

Chapter 23. Premiere - Video pro-production | 341

Appendix: Ancillaries
• File package for a student – Download

◦ Source models
◦ Material images

• File package for an instructor – Request to the author via email

([email protected] or [email protected]) with documentation, they are a faculty member.

◦ Source models
◦ Material images
◦ Illustrator, Depthmap X, Painter, Revit-SketchUp, Vray, and Lumion models

Recommended lecture schedule and to-do list for each session:

342 | Appendix: Ancillaries

Week Session Contents

Image searching techniques & Diagramming

01
• The importance of visual communication and various current skills and techniques
• Various image searching tips
• Understand public domain media and Creative Commons media
• Understand what a diagram is, and the types of diagrammatic representations
01

Adobe Illustrator – Basic

02

• What a diagram is, and the types of diagrammatic representations.

• Use basic tools and commends for an illustrated work

03
Adobe Illustrator – Diagram

• Working process to create a spatial, sequential process diagram

02

Depthmap – Data visualization

04
• Concepts of Space Syntax and the examples
• Ready for Space Syntax images
• Generate isovist, connectivity, and gate count graphics

05 Finalize data visualization exercise.

03
Wacom tablet & Painter – User interface
06
• Various types of perspectives using hybrid techniques
• Wacom tablet technology
• “Painter Essentials” and similar applications in the industry
• The user interface of “Painter Essentials”

Painter – Tools and brushes

04 07
• Four types of working in Painter
• Basic tools and panels in Painter
• Brushes in painter – Choosing and acquiring brushes

Appendix: Ancillaries | 343

 Painter – Auto painting & Clone painting
08
• Various brushes and categories
• AI auto-painting
• Clone painting

iPad and Procreate

09 • Introduction to Procreate
• The user interface and gestures of “Procreate”
• Various Brushes can color
05 • Various tools in the app
• Various working processes for perspective views

10 Finalize the hybrid digital drawing exercise.

Revit – Family parameter

11
• Parameters in Revit family modeling
• Create a simple chair with parameters
• Create a simple table with parameters

06

Revit – Nested family

12
• Nested Revit family and how it works
• Create a chair and table set with nested Revit families
• Modify a door family

Revit – Organic shaped walls

07 13
• Create a slanted wall without Massing tools
• Understand various 3D models using Massing
• Create an organic shape wall
• Create an organic shape curtainwall

344 | Appendix: Ancillaries

 Revit – Organic shaped ceiling and column
14
• Create an organic wooden pattern ceiling/wall/bench
• Create a geometric pattern ceiling
• Create organic column vs. geometric pattern column

Revit – Sketchup models

15
• Create an advanced Revit Site model (Surroundings)
• Import Sketchup models in Revit project with material changes
• Import Sketchup models in Revit project without the complex lines using 3Ds Max

08

Sketchup advanced modeling

16
• The process of a Revit model to a Sketchup model for rendering
• The Sketchup modeling process and strategies
• Sketchup advanced modeling with plug-ins

17 Finalize the advanced modeling exercise.

09
V-Ray for SketchUp
18 • Be introduced to VRAY
• Vray render and camera settings
• Vray material settings
• Vray lighting settings
• The Final render and save the image

Lumion – User interface & import 3D model

10 19
• Be introduced to Various Rendering software
• Install Lumion Pro Student
• Understand the interface
• Import a 3D model

Appendix: Ancillaries | 345

 Lumion – surroundings, objects, & materials
20
• Add surroundings
• Add objects
• Add/edit materials

Lumion – Lightings, scenes, & outputs

21
• Add/edit lighting
• Add/edit scenes
• Render outputs

11

Photoshop – brushes and quick retouch

22
• Be aware of various tips and skills for better interior perspective renderings
• Be introduced to various sites for texture, cutouts, and more for references
• Be able to produce a rendering with a quick retouch

Photoshop – Advanced rendering post-production

23

• Understand post-production for exterior perspective rendering

• Understand post-production for interior perspective rendering
12

24 Finalize the advanced rendering exercise.

Enscape – walk-through video

13 25

• Be aware of various tips and skills for better interior 3D animation

• Create a walk-through video in Enscpae

346 | Appendix: Ancillaries

 26
Lumion – walk-through video

• Create a walk-through video in Lumion

Premiere – Video production

27
14 • Adobe Premiere pro the User Interface
• Add videos and titles
• Edit videos and add transitions
• Add/edit sounds

28 Finalize the 3D animation exercise.

Appendix: Ancillaries | 347