3D Modeling: Introduction

Module(s): 3D Modeling

The 3D Modeling module is a powerful tool that you can use to sculpt and visualize solids in three-dimensional space. Using a series of standard solids and special 3D tools (Boolean operations) you can model even the most complex solids.

The module is suitable for quickly visualizing simple building structures in the form of a volumetric model and, if you want, for modeling and displaying complicated details and interior furnishings at the level of detail you choose.

Function scope

The tools that are familiar to you from the Draft module like 3D Line or 3D Surface and the corresponding modification tools are provided. These have been adapted to meet the requirements imposed by three-dimensional design. In addition, you can design standard 3D solids like cubes, cylinders, pyramids and spheres with just a few mouse clicks. To do this, you can use the Box, Cylinder, Cone/Pyramid and Sphere tools.

Using the Solid of Revolution, Ruled Solid, Tessellated Solid and Polyline Sweep Solid tools, you can create complex 3D solids based on 2D and 3D entities. All solids can be merged or sliced and they can be made to intersect each other.

The Extrude tool facilitates the process of intuitive modeling: you can turn 3D surfaces into solids, shape the surfaces of a 3D solid as you need or enter freely positionable or parallel outlines, which you can also shape in three dimensions.

Additional options for modeling and modifying are provided by various tools using Boolean operations, such as Union and Create Volume from Intersection.

Working in multiple viewports – plan view, elevation and perspective view

Using the tools on the Window menu you can divide your workspace up into a number of viewports at the click of a button. A different, standard view is displayed in each viewport. You can work in all the views simultaneously. You can also change the view in any of the viewports at any time.

The 3D crosshairs provide additional support as you work simultaneously in multiple viewports – they adapt intelligently to the view and, with the different colors used for the positive X, Y and Z axes, help you navigate in 3D space.

Sophisticated preview functions provide additional support as you work in three-dimensional space: As soon as the crosshairs snap or align to a defined point, a preview of the 3D element is displayed.

Animation: surface and material

With the help of the presentation modules and of the Animation module in particular, you can give your 3D solids and surfaces a realistic look:

Every solid can be assigned material textures and surface properties; animated movies of urban planning models or high-resolution rendered images of modeled details including reflection, luster and shadows are possible at any time.

Architecture-specific properties of 3D solids

3D solids can have the main architecture-specific properties.

When you convert an architectural element to a 3D solid, its properties are retained. You can use Match parameters to adopt them from the 3D solid.

You can use Change Archit. Properties to display and modify the architecture-specific properties of 3D solids. You can also assign properties later.

They can be analyzed using Reports.

3D solids can have the following properties:

• All format properties
  • Pen thickness
  • Line type
  • line color
  • Layer
  • Pen, line, color from layer
  • Construction lines
  • Sequence
  • Custom animation surface
• All surface elements
  
  Note: The Show in plan option is not available; the surface elements are only displayed in sections.
  • Hatching, pattern (even with fill in the background)
  • Fill
  • Bitmap area
  • Style area
• The following general architectural properties:
  • Trade
  • Calculation mode
• All qualities:
  • Material
  • Quality
  • Architecture material
  • ...
• All classifications:
  • Structural, load-bearing
  • Building alteration category

Note: 3D solids that already have attributes are not converted to user-defined architectural elements. To delete a complete set of attributes, which may even be empty, use the Remove Attributes tool in the Object Manager module.