And the SU front page misses the small "lines to faces to buildings" video that was the first thing to make me a convert in the early rel.3 days. Anssi

Another things http://www.stellaralchemy.com/lee/virtual_creatures.html

@unknownuser said: Lewis...go back to "Create and Update" ...look for "File Manager" This should allow you access to your directory tree if not you have a problem that needs to be solved before you proceed. Re php forum...Yahoo has an install wizard that will set it up for you on the Yahoo server and establish a db for your data. They also provide back-up services and restore and recovery services for that version but I believe you are on your own if you install manually a newer version and you will also have to understand linux file permission and configuration settings ....not sure I would venture there until you have run their stock board for a few months. I actually do understand Linux permissions fairly well. However, it is the interaction with php and the database that is a little unclear. I will probably, just for this item, stick with stock board as you suggest.

I'd like to add that it's very annoying that the manual resizes the browser windows when it opens. I always have my browser open and the SU help opens up in the existing window and moves it about.

@lewiswadsworth said: ...Weirdly minimal website, though. True but the software speaks for itself. There is the initial video and the forums with looots of amazing posts.

Thanks Lewis, Though I can't believe they've not fixed the "disappearing groups", "incorrect environment from SU shadow settings" and "VRay materials getting 'stuck' to SU geometry even though the material's been changed in SU" bugs. They're pretty damn serious- the disappearing groups and shadows ones are bad enough to put demo users off. Sure they all have workarounds, but they should have been picked up early in the beta stage IMO. Oh well, it's still one of the best and definitely the fastest renderer out there and a very stable prog (Vue d'Esprit users will know how novel the latter concept is!).

Hi Lewis Welcome back. cheers Alan PS and Hi to Modelhead as well.

He uses 3D Studio Max with VRay. Most of his work is done with fairly straightforward primitive modeling that he hits with various subdivision surface modifiers before he starts rendering...I've just always been amazed at how adroit he is with creating complex scenes with really simple objects. And it helps that he is a master of texturing and masking...did you see his "Duct tape scape" in the archives?

ha ha! LOL kris! my sentiments exactly! architects tend to be egoists.. atleast most of them.. its kinda becoz of the schools they get trained at i suppose.... anyways i tend to show my ego only at the site!!!

Both these links turned my day around (the yellow robot side shuffle cracked me up!) Thanks guys, Tom.

I've had a chance to play with it a little more since I originally posted the QCAD link. It is a decent little CAD program...I ended up buying a license for both my PC and my Linux machines. It seems like it bogs down faster than AutoCAD, though...not yet suitable for the kind of large project my firm does, but sufficient for ordinary domestic architecture or simpler work (in my opinion). The most annoying aspect of the program, for an AutoCAD user, is that you can't grab individual vertices...you just have to use the Stretch command very selectively. But there is a nice "auto" snap feature that is somewhat like SketchUp's inferences, except that it also wants to snap to the underlying grid...to make it not do so, you have to make the grid some insanely large size. I'll take a look at those links you posted, RegH. Thanks.

Thanks, Jackson. I've received a lot of kind comments on this, for both the project and the renderings, since it appeared in AIArchitect in late July. Some people have suggested that I could parlay this into an independent practice of my own, in fact. Haven't quite figured out how to do that yet, but it is a nice thought. --Lewis

Thanks, rhankc! It seems this is the site of a SketchUp reseller...I think. It seems to me that @Last/Google should have copyright on both images and text, if I don't. I never really understood how that happened...but Aidan Chopra told me at 3D Basecamp that they were using the English version of this on pamphlets sent out to architecture schools. Oh well, who cares?...it was a long time ago. I'll have to add this to my resume in some creative way..."projects profiled on Dutch, Portuguese, and English web sites" or something. Posted by Lewis Wadsworth

@kdjanz said: What is the CAD replacement Lewis? Kelly I've yet to try it on a real project of any size (certainly nothing like the giant projects my employers take on), but the Pro version of QCAD http://www.ribbonsoft.com/qcad.html seems quite adequate enough. (It cost me all of $30...well worth it, as the Open Source version is somewhat crippled.) There's now an autosnap feature that reminds me a little of SketchUp's approach, which is nice. If I need something more robust, there are a few IntelliCAD variants available on Linux for about $500 or so...bricsCAD at http://www.bricscad.nl/ seems most like AutoCAD. I haven't bought it yet, but I may. Of course, one of the issues is that I don't want to use AutoCAD, or anything much like it, even on Linux. I also have a Debian package for BRL-CAD, which is said to be a wonderful CAD program if you can get past the absolutely brutal interface (or rather, lack of interface, which is probably what you should expect of a program used originally to design tanks and military hardware): http://brlcad.org/. There is quite a set of tutorials available. Most of the other inexpensive or OS CAD programs seem too immature (alpha, beta, etc.) for real use, These people are testing them: http://international.cad4linux.nl/cms/page.php?2 There are some high end commercial packages available, like GraphiteOne-CAD http://www.graphiteone-cad.com/en/product_2ddrafting.htm , but I don't feel like spending that kind of money yet. Especially if SketchUp is not going to be available on Linux. (Are you reading this, Craig?) --Lewis poster-Lewis Wadsworth

@fbartels said: These left me feeling quite... how shall I put it... small, silly and put down. The ironic thing is I was in effect an innocent bystander. No one from AIA ever contacted me to ask if they could use the picture, and they certainly didn't mention that when publishing the criticisms. Fred Mr Bartels, Please don't let those comments bother you. We architects need to think out of the box, not to be always bogged down by build-ability, the finer details. Fantasy is one good starting point; the concepts, ideas will eventually crystallise, be refined down the road. Of course its bad that they didn't inform you about using your images. Anyway glad to see your name and work there. Guite

Old topic again...

That's incredible technology. The possibilities could be endless!! Warren