If You Want to Experiment...

If You Want to Experiment

Architects traditionally use 3D models made from cardboard or chipboard to help others visualize their ideas. And if you've ever taken a class in architectural design, chances are you've had to make such a model yourself. 3D modeling on a computer is faster and a lot more fun than creating a physical chipboard model, and in some cases it can show you things that a physical model cannot.

The following exercise is really just for fun. It shows you how to do a limited form of animation, using View   3D Viewpoint, the Mslide command, and scripts.

1. Open the Unit plan.

2. Do a hidden-line removal; then use Mslide to create a slide called V1 .

3. Click and drag the Inquiry button on the Properties toolbar, and then select Locate Point on the flyout . Pick a point in the center of the floor plan. This marks the view center for the next step.

4. Enter Vpoint R at the command prompt.

5. At the Enter angle at XY plane: prompt, enter 235 ; at the next prompt, press .

6. Do another hidden-line removal, and use Mslide again to create a slide called V2 .

7. Repeat steps 4 through 6, but this time increase by 10 the angle value you entered in step 5 (to 245 ). In step 6, increase the slide name by 1 (to V3 ).

8. Keep repeating steps 4 through 6, increasing the angle value by 10 each time and increasing the slide filename by 1. Repeat these steps at least five more times.

9. Use a text editor to create a script file called Animate.scr , containing the following lines, and press at the end of each line:

   Vslide v1
   Vslide v2
   Vslide v3
   Vslide v4
   Vslide v5
   Vslide v6
   Vslide v7
   Vslide v8
   Rscript

10. Return to AutoCAD. At the command prompt, enter Script and click Animate in the File dialog box. Then click OK and watch the show.

11. Press the Esc key or Backspace to end the show.

You might also want to try creating an animation that moves you completely around the unit plan. Here's another suggestion for experimenting: To practice drawing in 3D, turn the kitchen of your 3D unit drawing into a 3D object. Make the cooking top 30 ² high and add some cabinet doors.

Have fun!