When I don’t have time to fully render sections in Kerkythea due to time constraints, I fall back on this method to get me out of jams. In fact, I used this method to create sections for my final thesis project and finished all three of them in an afternoon. This method provides not only interior spatial information by the section cut itself, but also the architects intent in lighting the interior spaces.

When using this technique, it’s important to remember which direction the light is coming from and how it will bounce off of different surfaces. I treat the light more like a cloudy day, so less harsh shadow lines and more diffused, soft shadows.

 

 

 

NOTES:

Scaling: This video doesn’t explain scaling, but typically, I would also export the SU section into CAD. From there, I would plot the file as a PDF to a predetermined scale then open the PDF file in Photoshop. I would then resize the rendered section to the size of the CAD PDF.

Line work: In the video, the section is poched in Photoshop. For cleaner line work, there are ways to poche in SU, and obviously in Illustrator. Personally, I don’t think this is necessary. If done correctly and at a high enough resolution in Photoshop, the line work will look more than sharp enough. On the other hand, in terms of editing, line work in Photoshop probably is not the way to go. More on this later.

 

 

sketchup_section_small

Oiginal exported Sketchup Model

 

 

section_architecture_photoshop_illustration_small

Final image after post processing

 

 

 

Model

Thesis Sections