Thanks for the plug, Mike!

Swing by the link and take a look at the plugin we are developing, especially if you have any interest in BIM, using SketchUp for BIM, or the possibility of a BIM alternative (as in a BIM software that does not cost thousands of dollars a seat).

I believe that the concept of BIM is a solid one, and that the industry will have to move that direction. I believe that one of the issues and reasons that it has not taken hold is due to the limitations of the tools (i.e. software) that is currently available. I think that it is entirely possible that SketchUp can be empowered to be the perfect platform to enable BIM moving forward. We are working on making that possibility a reality!

Thanks,
Aaron

@edson said:

I am curious to see how far the wall tool goes. will it be possible to "clean" the corners where two walls meet?

In the video, the prototype version of software did a very "quick and dirty" gap filling on the walls at the corners. The final deliverable will create much more elegant corners, without all the extra lines.

@tig said:

Very interesting ideas...

By the way your roof surface looks the have its faces incorrectly oriented downwards [it's an easy fix to reverse the faces] - unless of course that's the roof's underside and you are planning to add a proper thickness 'upwards' in the 'full' version ?

Yes, the roof was intentionally modeled with "backwards" faces. This was simply for display purposes (to differentiate the roof surface from the walls).

I KNEW I should have changed that before posting here!

And, yes, the final deliverable will allow the modeler to specify the actual thickness of the roof at the overhang, and allow you to actually display the fascia and soffit closure at the end of the roof.

@unknownuser said:

Tricky plug!
PS Seems you must answer to phone!

Yeah.. I did not notice the phone ringing... I had no idea my microphone was on!

Thanks for the feedback, all, and again, if anyone is interested in giving us feedback and working with us to develop this product, please drop me a PM.

Thanks,
Aaron

I should point out that the user interface shown in the video is limited, and prototype, only. The wall finish, dialogs, and roof presentations will be greatly improved int he final deliverable.

We are working on a plugin that will allow a SketchUp user to draw walls and roof geometry.
Once created, the entities are connected, allowing you to move walls and have the roof regenerate automatically.
Roof and wall properties are editable after being input, meaning you can modify the building you create.

All of this within SketchUp!

Check out the short video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SqVGIwNpxY to see a prototype.

IM me or respond in this post if you would be willing to help us out by participating in a focus group for this product!

Thanks!
Aaron

Basically, I am thinking of a plugin that would allow a SketchUp user to model a complete 3D structure. What I am thinking is something that combines the power of parametric modeling in a software like Revit, with the usability of SketchUp. I love that I can create a 3D model of a shell of a house in SketchUp in literally minutes, but when it comes time to make it architecturally correct, or if I want to make subtle changes, it can be painful. I want to create a product that is as quick and easy as native SketchUp, but as powerful as the complete 3D cad packages out there.

So the ability to quickly draw walls as components, and from there adjust the wall geometry (width, height, etc...) as well as move the component and any other pieces connected to it.

Thanks for the feedback, guys. I have seen a few "wall drawing" plugins out there, but all they seem to do is draw a rectangle around a line, then pull it to a specified height. I am thinking that the ability to draw walls, keep them as individual groups or components, and establish a parametric connection would be something new that would make this plugin something that could be used to actually pursue a "BIM" solution via SketchUp (well... it's a start, anyway!).

I agree with making the feet bigger... Maybe I will work on that. I was going for a top-heavy looking model, but you are right, I need to balance the bottom half with some bigger feet. Thanks!

Wow! I am surprised about the tablet users. I have a tablet, as well, but only use it for drawing.painting (illustrator, photoshop, etc...). I tried to use it with SketchUp, but found that for line drawing, the mouse was easier. I do like the idea of programmable shortcut keys that a tablet provides. To the 3D mouse users, do you program buttons on your 3D mouse for different commands in SketchUp?

I look forward to solo's answer, but what I have seen as an advantage is the ability to orbit, zoom, pan, etc, all while using drawing/modifying commands. I believe that many of these commands could also be done via the mouse wheel, but using the 3d mouse seems to make it quicker and prevent a break in workflow... of course, I am still learning, but that is my $.02

I think that is in the same product line as the one I have. I just got from a company we are working with, and am really enjoying it, thus far. I can believe that it will make working faster, but I also believe that it will take time to get used to it... it feels pretty awkward using it right now.

Thanks!

Hi all,

I work for a company that specializes in creating add-on software for cad packages. Right now, I am making a case for moving into SketchUp. What we are considering is a plugin for parametric modeling of buildings. Something that would allow a SketchUp user to model 3d walls as "objects" with parametric connections to each other (meaning you could move a single wall, and it would stretch walls connected).

Does this sound like something of interest to you? We are also working on a plugin that would automate the creation of pitched roofs in Sketchup, making ti quick and easy to draw standard residential type roofs on models.

Please let me know if you have any thoughts about a product like this.

Thanks!

I did this last year in 7. Just a fun side project.

I just received a 3d mouse (3DConnexion Space Pilot Pro). I was wondering if anyone else out there had experience with using one of these in SketchUp. Just playing with it, I like it, but it does seem a little clunky. I was wondering if anyone out there who had experience with it had any tips for use or setup.

Thanks!