Sketch up

Throughout the development of our work for the exhibition at the Lit and Phil, Jodie and I have been learning new skills and trying out new approaches to making work.

Our ability to learn the basics of video mapping encouraged us to pursue learning how to use other software, more specifically the 3D modelling software, Sketch Up. This provides the tools to create all kinds of 3D images and designs, from woodworking blueprints to urban planning designs.

We have been using Sketch Up to create a digital model of the Lit and Phil library so as to be able to visualise how our work will be installed in the space. 

We began by drawing lines to create the outline shape of the rooms we will be exhibiting in, and then added in the furniture such as tables, bookcases, chairs and tables. For some of these items we drew lines to create their shapes and then pulled the surfaces to turn them into 3D forms. For other objects we were able to import readymade forms from the Sketch Up image stock. 

It is possible to move around the model and look at it from different angles and perspectives which really helps when planning the position of our work.

We still feel the need to make a physical model to help us decide where to place things, but it has been incredibly useful to learn the basics of SketchUp.