Summary

In this chapter, you have explored the standard approaches to modeling with NURBS, focusing on architectural modeling. You have also practiced the following techniques:

• Creating and editing NURBS primitives You learned to use cubes as a starting point for modeling, and then how to delete parts of primitives or take their endpoints and move them around.

• Engaging snapping when needed You can temporarily turn on grid snapping to make more precise model edits.

• Using the Channel Box for numeric entry You can use this tool to enter precise size and position settings.

• Creating curves You can draw lines that are later used for extrusion , lofting , or many other modeling creation methods .

• Merging surfaces You merge surfaces to get a temporary surface on which to project a line.

• Extruding curves You learned this skill for simple extrusions from any curve.

• Lofting to connect lines Any two lines can be lofted together to create a surface.

• Using Construction History to manipulate surfaces The history allows you to work with previous steps that have led to an object's current state (for example, moving a CV on a curve that created a loft will change the lofted surface).

• Basic trims Trimming allows you to "slice" off portions of surfaces.

• Using layers You can easily hide scene elements and organize your scene.

Now that you have built some basic and flat objects, you'll continue to explore NURBS modeling in Chapter 6, "More NURBS Modeling," with more complex methods and some curved surfaces. Looking at the house at this point, you can see that you'll need some new techniques to be able to cut precise holes in the walls to accommodate windows , doors, and other objects. You'll also finish the porch with rails and posts, and add other details to complete the house.