VectorWorks and Plans

Towards the end of term we were introduced to the industry standard software VectorWorks. It is similar to CAD in the way it allows you to produce technical drawings to scale. It also has 3D capabilities so that you can turn plans into 3D models and then render them with realistic textures and surfaces. I found a few examples before having a go at making a basic plan and seeing how it looks as a 3D model.

image available at http://www.land8.net/blog/2010/10/24/available-since-1985-vectorworks-for-mac/[sourced on 2/5/14]

two above images available at http://www.vectorworks.net/gallery/ [sourced on 2/05/14]

These pictures show what is possible for rooms and architecture. I want to use some of my plans of the Medical Research Centre and turn them into fully rendered images to practice using the software.

I had a go at doing a basic plan and model shape just to see how it worked, then a basic plan for part of my model below.

 

References:-

Visuals image available at http://www.land8.net/blog/2010/10/24/available-since-1985-vectorworks-for-mac/%5Bsourced on 2/5/14]

http://www.vectorworks.net/gallery/ [sourced on 2/05/14]

 

 

 

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The Tube Riders: Plans and thinking about space design (Medical Research Centre)

The next phase of design now that I am building a sketchbook/mood board collection of visuals is to think about the space in relation to the text. I am concentrating on the sound stage build this month so all my work and research is focused on the reception area, stairways, the arena, lift as well as details for the walls and camera angles. I have started working out the dimensions and planning the space to accommodate cameras and movement. In addition to this I am building a gallery of potential details and materials that I can use for the floors, walls, piping, lighting etc.

One thing to consider  is the height of the sound stage as I want to create a sense of being in the bowels of the building deep underground. The space is a little over 10 metres high so to do this it would involve CGI above the main build area.  I will design this to look like a continuation of the main space of the reception and create a concept.

Below is the beginnings of the main reception area and corridor to the scale of 1:50

 

Below is the arena area which will sit over and into the tank space. This is work in progress as I’m still working out how I want it to look.

I’m also considering the wall designs and plan to  have panels with pipe details.

I’ve added some colour and lighting to the wall panels. I thought that if the panels were lit from inside they would cast a soft light out onto the floor. This will allow lighting to show some of the piping within the walls and reveal the inner workings of the building. First image is the basic colour and textured semi opaque panels, the second is a visual showing the lighting.

 

 

 

Skills and Digital Design: Auto CAD

Above image is a screen shot jpeg of my computer screen.

The second practical session this week was Auto CAD. It provides a quick way to produce technical drawings for scenic design, but can also be used for architecture, product design and a number of practical applications. It’s a particularly important design tool for film and TV design as the role of the Production Designer involves a fair amount of technical drawing that has to be produced to a high standard for the construction team. The drawings have to be clear and to the appropriate scale, which is usually 1:50 for film and TV design.

I had a go at drawing some simple shapes, cross-hatching, adding a few measurements and then exporting the document as a jpeg just to get a feel for the basics. In my next session I plan to do a basic room layout with measurements and to have a go at importing an existing plan of a sound stage that I can add to.

Final stages of Carcass: Technical drawing and props

It’s been a long time since I’ve drawn anything to scale so when we were asked to do technical drawings as plans and elevations I was a little apprehensive. The drawings that I was expected to do for theatre were quite simple in comparison. There was no need to think about the backs of flats and how flats would be constructed to allow them to be removed for cameras and lighting. The scale was also different–1:25 for theatre, 1:50 for film and television. Also I was a bit rusty.

I attempted to use CAD but due to inexperience and the deadline was not able to master the app in time to do even a basic drawing (I will however aim to spend some time during December and January producing at least one drawing on CAD for practice).

I’d also never drawn props to scale with construction measurements as I generally made props myself, sourced them or was there  in person in the past to oversee anything being built.

These scans show my ‘work in progress’ as they were not completely finished. I’m hoping to find suitable computer applications that will allow these sorts of drawings to be produced quickly. However, I do also want to keep my hand in with drawing in the traditional sense as it’s good to be able to use a variety of approaches. It can make a designer more adaptable to any given situation.

Plan and extended elevation of Lucy’s flat.

The Medknife prop.

Basic dimensions of the box prop to scale 1:20

The drawings show a progression of ideas, however, I do need to add more detail about materials, measurements, finishes etc.