Introduction

3-dimensional drawing provides a means to represent buildings in a more realistic manner than 2-dimensional displays. Google's SketchUp software is not only easy to learn and use, it is also free.

The Task

You will be drawing one of your three floor plans as a 3-dimensional house. Select the floor plan that has the more interesting layout, that is, the more surfaces on the exterior walls rather than a house that is simply a rectangle.

The Process

We will complete this project in two phases:

• learning SketchUp

• completing the drawing

Learning SketchUp

Completing Your Drawing

Now you can start a new drawing in SketchUp. Draw your floor plan as a 3-dimensional house.

Here are some guidelines:

• walls are 8-feet high and 6-inches thick. Leave off the roof for now.

• use the 3D Warehouse to get "clip art" of doors, windows, and other object for your house

• add colors and textures to the walls and floors

• you do not need to include a roof

Saving Your Drawing

Open My Documents on your computer's desktop. In that folder create a new folder and give it your first and last names. Save all your SketchUp work in that folder.

The Evaluation

You will be evaluated on the completeness of your presentation. Be sure to include the information required as shown in "The Task" section above

The Conclusion

As a result of participating in this assignment you should have a better understanding of rendering 2-dimesional plans in 3-dimensions.

Go to the main Drafting Assignment page