Sketchup

For my Major Project this term,  I chose to use Sketchup as my main software, because it seems to be one of the best software for this kind of activities based on different rankings about best software for architects. I found it useful to start learning Sketchup because it will probably be beneficial for my further years at the university.

I used a free online version, which first familiarized me with toolbars and panels.

In "toolbars" I found a pen to "draw lines". That's how my outline was created. In the right bottom corner, I was able to control the length of every single line. When I started a new line where the other one ends the software also showed me if the second line is in the same dimension or at an angle of 90 degrees.

Then I had to create 3D views, it was quite boring to create all of these lines all over again, but the effect seems to be fine. I draw the lines and then "push/pulled" some of the created spaces so they became three-dimensional.

I also was able to measure distances.

It was easy to navigate. To create my floor plan I was using Birdseye perspective. Using a loop I can zoom in and out my design, and a loop with a square around it let me focus on a particular area of it and thanks to a "hand" I can move on the zoomed screen. I looked at professional floor plans and decided to change symbols for doors etc, which I used for my Major Project.

Later on, still using a pen I created doors (basic, 0,81m ones in most cases and double doors for the main entrance). Then I filled gaps between the outdoor and indoor edges of walls with a black colour I found in "Materials" catalogue(where I am also going to look for a perfect elevation while creating a 3D view), so now they are just one wider line.

I found this software not as hard to use as people say. No matter what tool I have pressed, there came up short information about what it is for. This time it was easier for me as I used Sketchup last term as well.