Initial stages
For this lab assignment I chose to model the dorm I am staying at: Myers Hall. I found this assignment to be very challenging because I am new to using the Fusion software. I experienced a lot of trial and error during this process but ended up with a foundational understanding of the program. I started out by doing a sketch of some basic components of the Myers dorm (as seen below). The real dorm has 12 sections, but I had to compromise and split it up into 4.
After that I extruded the sketch to add depth. This brought it to life and I was starting to see some resemblence to Myers Hall. Then I added details to the windows. A mistake I did was switching using a different sketch for the window, so I had to retrace all of the details all over again in order for the window details to be able to extrude properly. I found the mirror tool to be really helpful in this stage because I didn’t have to draw the window details over and over for 8 times.
Compromises were made
The lower window details were hard to extrude properly because the sketch wasn’t on the correct inner face. I tried again and again to extrude and push down the window frames backwards so it would line up, but I wasn’t able to make it work. As a compromise, the lower window frames very and aren’t perfectly in place. In the picture below, it can be seen that some are lined up correctly and some aren’t.
After that the last thing that was left was adding in the colors. I couldn’t find a brick texture in appearances so I settled for mahogony wood for the brown part, marble for the white parts, and glass for the windows.
Tips
A useful technique I would recommend to others who don’t have a mouse is the orbiting shortcut: shift + command + 2 finger touch. A tool I wish I knew about earlier was the escape tool. When I had figured out how to de-select objects, I had already progressed halfway through the project. The escape tool allowed me to make cleaner transitions between tools, which made the process go much smoother and more efficient.
3D modeling as an academic tool for the humanities
3D modeling is a fun and interactive way to display and research the humanities. It can be used to replicate ancient artifacts, run simulations, envision historical civilizations. 3D modeling can also be used to design virtual exhibits for museums. In conclusion, 3D modeling is a useful hands-on way for students to learn about the humanities and for academics to research it.
Angles
Front
3/4
Interactive Model
2 thoughts on “3D Modeling Lab”
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Hi Yoel! I think your work is marvelous! The model really resembles Myers Hall, and the appearance and texture you gave to different parts of the building really contribute to that. I can imagine there’s a lot of work needed to give the correct shape and extrude properly. The tips you gave are very useful cause I was struggling with how to deselect objects in the middle of an operation too.
Hi Yoel, I also modeled a house, but yours captures the real building with impressive accuracy. The structural and textural details you add on just replicate Myers Hall, and it is clear how much effort went into the model. I tried your tip about using the escape key to deselect objects, specifically exiting out of extrusion. This noticeably improved my workflow. I also agree about the value of 3D modeling for exhibiting and simulating artifacts. It preserves detail while enabling engaging, interactive exploration.