Week 2

The Software, the Exploration

I began by downloading and exploring different 2D and 2.5D programmes, like Gimp and Inkscape.

On the 3D front I have downloaded and experimented with Rhino, SketchupMake and Blender.

Rhino was available in a beta version for macs and is still in development. As I have used this tool before I will try out other programmes and compare the advantages and disadvantages of using those. I did a brief modeling excercise in Rhino to re-examine the enviroment:

I also experimented on material and texture mapping, as well as playing with transparency, reflectivity etc. I found Rhino accessible and nice to use, with possibilities to do exact modelling, by adjusting units and entering exact figures for measurements. It also has a variety of modelling commands, that fit many situations.

In SketchupMake I made made some experiements with volumes and surfaces. The program was relatively easy to handle, but not as extensive as Rhino.

I then downloaded Blender for mac and checked on the latest features. Blender has a manual, which is quite useful. There is also a wiki for 3D Noobs. I attempted to create a partmeterized object, from a tutorial by Micel Anders. This was to implement a spokes-object that with a configurable number of arms that I thought might be usefult for my project. The number of spokes should be modifiable:

It involved employing employing a script, that is pasted into the text editor to run (clicking the script button on the header). This however, was not successful at my first attempt.

In my search I also came across Blooms: Strobe-Animated Sculptures designed by John Edmark. Edmark had put the .3dm and .stl files in Dropbox with a Creative Commons Licence, for all to use, except for commercial application:

I have downloaded the models. These I am looking forward to explore, perhaps they can be a vehicle for development in my project, that I can modify, print and add to. Thanks John Edmark for sharing!