OK, broken the problem down, it is apparent that quite randomly, sketchup is breaking an arc (curve, whatever you want to call it) into its constituent lines. I know of the weld tool but frankly this is getting too much. Is there a way to stop this from happening or is it an inherrent sketchup problem? This occurs BEFORE I do anything else with the geometry.

Really nice work there, are you going the full monty with hydraulic and electircal services? A very daunting project, going nicely.

Just about the most frustrating thing about sketchup (IME) is the way curves seem to degenerate at will. I know, no intent, it's just a program. I would like to maintain the integrity of arcs or curves when I am drawing. The constant faffing about with degenerating elements like this is driving me up the wall. Just as I am getting somewhere the whole damn thing falls over and it seems totally absurd.

And breath?

No, not going totally off my head, just a really frustrating day and I know it is not going to get any better..........

Perhaps sketchup v 250 will be better in this respect...........

Do we not all LOVE file corruption, something from childhood springs to mind about being sent to try us. It was VERY succesful in this case. Tried again, something with cleaner and sharper lines but to my mind it comes across as a mustang coupe want to be. Oh well, car designer I am not.

When I am putting arcs in place, the arcs often degenerate into lines so I cannot select the arc, but must select each individual line. Driving me up the wall. Not even the nearest wall.

Wow, just wow.

OK, I can get curviloft to create many of the shapes I want but the arcs I use keep degenerating into lines, how can I prevent this degeneration?

Just a joke, or snow joke if you are far enough north.

Nice work Marcus, very cool piece of kit, I reckon you could sell those with an led light. I'd have one if the price was right.

My word a stalker, I have ARRIVED.

Looking at methodology for the different surfaces which tbh I use a bit more tightly than I have seen elsewhere. Being my bit of autism, it is difficult to let go of.

Thanks for the comments guys, my big problem right now is interiors which I am hopeless at.

Can I have mine in black please? Lovely model/render.

Experimenting with everything basically.

![12' x 66" x 42" (L/W/H)](/uploads/imported_attachments/AsVW_SportsCoupe9.jpg "12' x 66" x 42" (L/W/H)")

The ceiling height is 8' and the width is a bit more than 26' but that is not important. The two characters are different heights.

The area behind the television is the kitchen which will have a small breakfast bar the dining area is on the right by the brick wall. The space where the camera is located is access through patio doors to the garden and beyond my mother in law's tongue is a lift and stairs. The building is intended to be 100% less abled friendly so the lift is not one of those afterthoughts stuck in the space of a closet.

PS. my mother in law's tongue has been scaled down so as not to be too intrusive (unlike my mother in law) and is decidedly less prickly too.

I am very geartful for the comments and suggestions. I reckon it is a hard thing to criticise someone else's work in case they go 'off on one', cannot take it etc. The comments and suggestions here are being taken to heart and I will carefully analyse what I am doing with my approach to hopefully improve. I have seen other folk here, almost step over a line and there is a palpable shift in results which I hope to emulate. Something which is only going to be possible thanks to other folk taking time and thought to put their experience into words. Thanks guys, very much.

Just a thought, this is turning into a proper wip so if someone wants to move this thread it may be more appropriate elsewhere.

I have added some 2d people. Not happy but the choice is somewhat limited as far as I can see.

No. This is quite normal, what you need to do is set some markers before you use groups/components etc. That way you can still create the groups or components of the design.

Use the ruler or measuring tool to set the markers in place.

Thanks Scott, not used ambient oclusion and no clue how to tbh. SOmething to look up.

A last pop at this render before I call it a day. The shadow is caused, I reckon, by the use of a ceiling as a light unit - even if it is only low powered at 14watts. Only thing I can think of. Clutter is something I am looking at coffee cups and a magazine or two and something plant like for the near wall on the right side (foreground). I would have got a picture of my sisters but not sure the monitor can take that kind of punishment.

I am most gratefull for folk taking the time to make suggestions, makes this process a little more like rendering and less like a deadline.

No rug yet but looking to make one soon.

Thanks Tony, I appreciate your comments, seriously appreciate folk taking the time to consider the render. Looking into the points you mentioned and will get back when I have addressed them.

Rendering seems to me to be more of an art than a science but I reckon the science bit needs to be addressed too. I just wish the whole thing was more scientific and less hit and miss. Or perhaps I need to read a few more tuts.

The coffee table is probably way too tall but it was meant to be a stop gap until I could make something better.

Fair enough as it goes, the ceiling has been improved by toning down the light element. Essentailly giving the ceiling less luminance. Another attempt. The wall behind the tv IS a flat plane, the best guess I have for the shadow is the effect of giving the ceiling luminance as well as the recessed lights. Guesswork though. Apart from adding a few 2d people all I can think to add is the finished kitchen area and some clutter like a book or magazines, coffee cups etc.