Development and Updates for the Medeek Wall Plugin

[Medeek]

Tutorial 10 - Posts (14:24 min.)



Round or Greek/Roman columns would also be a nice addition to this module but I'm not entirely sure on the construction or geometry of them.  They typically have a gradual taper and then the top (capital) always has some interesting geometry (Doric, Ionic, Corinthian):





If I can figure out the math and right proportions for these types of columns then I can probably add them to the module with minimal effort.

[Medeek]

I'm always up for a bit of a challenge so after digging around on the internet for awhile and reading some documents provided by some of my mentors here is what I have for classical columns:

1.)  The diminution ratio seems to be 5/6 for most columns that are 15ft of less.  I will label this ratio as "m".

2.)  There is a height to diameter ratio however I think I should leave it up to the user to specify whatever diameter they chose for any particular height however I could suggest the classical (recommended) diameter for a given height.

3.)  If we let the base diameter be "d" then the entasis radial difference "E" is given by:
E = d(1-m)/2.

4.)  Let h = height of the shaft.  The entasis (or diminution) begins at a height of 1/3h.  The entasis is not a linear reduction in diameter but rather follows a curved profile with the radius of curvature tangent to the lower cylindrical portion of the shaft.

5.)  The radius of the entasis curvature is given by r_e = 2h²/9E + E/2.

6.)  The angle of the sweep of the arc is given by theta = asin(2h/3r_e)

The above derivation and observations should then give me enough information to be able to properly draw the shaft of any classical column.  The base and capital however are a whole nother story.

[Medeek]

For the base and capital of a classical column I think it would be easiest just to pre-model some standard configurations and then have the plugin insert the components rather than try to draw them from scratch.  Since both of these elements are merely a function of the column diameter the plugin can easily scale them to the correct size upon insertion... problem solved.

Now I just need some decent (but low poly) ionic and corinthian capitals, if such a thing is possible. 

[Medeek]

I will provide an additional option called the "classical option".

This will allow for classical (round) columns, the parameters will initially be:

Classical Order: Tuscan, Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, Composite
Diameter: (12" default)
Capital: Yes/No
Base: Yes/No
Material:

At some point I should also provide the option for a fluted column and additional parameters for a pedestal. Yes, this is a bit of a rabbit hole, but really not as deep as initially thought it might be. I'll start simple first and then incrementally add more features as requested.

I'm making the assumption that all of these classical columns are non-structural (ie. FRP) so the standard wood or steel posts will still be drawn/installed inside of the classical column.

[Medeek]

First look at a classical column with the updated menu items:



The diminution/entasis is the correct 5/6 ratio and it follows an arc/curve tangent to the lower cylindrical section of the column.  I've created the arc with eight segments which seems to be more than adequate (could probably get away with six).  I have my own smoothing routine so the tangent edge at the 1/3 point on the column is not shown.

Now I just need to come up with some proper bases and capitals for the different orders and we will have some classical columns available.

I could hollow out the interior but I don't see a big need for that since each manufacturer is going to have their own wall thickness, and it just adds to the overall polycount.  Comments or thoughts?

I suppose I could make the diminution ratio also user driven but for now I'll just hardcode in the 5/6 ratio since this seems to be the most common.

[Medeek]

First look at a Doric Column with both the capital and base enabled:



To my knowledge this is the only SketchUp plugin that allows one to parametrically create classical columns, I'm pretty excited about this.

The components utilized for the capital and base are within the components sub-folder of the plugin and can easily be replaced with a users own file if so desired.

For my geometry I've been studying the references and drawings found on this site:

http://theclassicalorders.com/thedoricorder.html

This website has very detailed explanations and drawings of the various orders, which I have found to be extremely helpful.

The Ionic, Corinthian and Composite capitals are very intricate and complex 3D geometries.  I'm not even going to attempt to draw those myself, even though I can program plugins my modeling skills are just not up to par.  I think I can rely on the 3D warehouse and some of you power users to point me in the right direction as to what would be the most accurate and low poly model that I can incorporate into the plugin for each of these orders.

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/fef54607-e1d6-4f5d-a4a7-f590fbeb98cc/Doric-Column

[Medeek]

Version 1.3.3 - 04.05.2020
- Added a classical column option to the post module: Tuscan, Doric



Once I have capital/base geometry for the three other column types (ionic, corinthian, composite) I will add them to the module as well.

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/e6bc4c8f-b431-4d1e-97ea-411411ebc6c2/Doric-and-Tuscan-Columns

[Medeek]

The rest of the bases were fairly easy to generate (based on the previous website information given):

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/2df19f9d-cba0-47f4-ab32-5dbff83b70e4/The-Five-Orders

I'm only missing the capitals for the ionic, corinthian and composite columns.

[Medeek]

The corinthian capital is a little bit heavy for my liking but I guess that is the price you pay for that degree of intricacy.

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/0470ae9c-6ec1-45fe-b955-38959b1da959/Classic-Columns

I probably need to modify that capital component a bit further and see if I can shrink down the polygon count.

I also need to provide two additional variants of the Tuscan and Doric capitals which include the astragal  directly below the capital.

My model for the corinthian capital is based off of the model drawn by Karlfucious (found in the 3D warehouse).  However, I modified the model extensively as well as redrew the lower fillets and torus to bring it in line with the correct aspect ratio for this type of capital.

Reference model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/4fbc557986814e60e7526b618f37b43f/CORINTHIAN-COLUMN-FLUTED

[Medeek]

I've managed to squeeze a bit more polygons out of the corinthian capital however it is still quite large.  I've also generated my own ionic capital.  It is fairly basic but it will do for now:



The key elements of the ionic capital are dimensionally correct and that is what is most important to me.

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/0470ae9c-6ec1-45fe-b955-38959b1da959/Classic-Columns

[Medeek]

Version 1.3.3b - 04.07.2020
- Added the following classical column types: Tuscan /w Astragal, Doric /w Astragal, Ionic, Corinthian



Spent only a couple days on the classical columns but it was time well spent.  I now have a much better understanding of the various orders and some of the intricacies and theory on how they all go together.  That is why I love this job, I learn something new everyday.

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/fdd211c4-f821-44a2-bb2e-1f52fa951dbc/Classical-Columns-Part-II

[Medeek]

Version 1.3.3c - 04.08.2020
- Corrected the abacus of the Tuscan and Doric capitals



Updated model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/fdd211c4-f821-44a2-bb2e-1f52fa951dbc/Classical-Columns-Part-II

Not sure how I initially got this wrong but suffice it to say it is now right.

[Medeek]

Version 1.3.3d - 04.09.2020
- Added a fluting option for the following column types: Doric, Ionic, Corinthian



View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/b22772aa-6635-42e2-8e97-1c7b9e30fdde/Fluted-Columns

The fluting is represented using a texture/material.  The effect is not 100% when viewing the columns up close but I think the effect is adequate for most situations.  Note that the Doric column has 20 flutes whereas the ionic and corinthian have 24 flutes.

[Medeek]

In order to achieve the textured look I just make sure that the revolution of the column profile has either 20 or 24 sides, then the applied materials size is specifically set to equal the dimension of the column facets.  With a couple of carefully crafted texture images I am able to simulate the fluted appearance.

[Medeek]

The new post module is really a plugin within a plugin when you think about it.  The assemblies it creates (similar to the beam module and stair module) are standalone assemblies within the wall plugin. 

One could argue that I should split all of these modules out into separate plugins (ie. windows/doors, beams, posts, stairs, trimming tools).  I do think the trimming tools (currently found in the Truss plugin) should be split out into a stand alone plugin since it can find application with any SketchUp geometry and not just Medeek related groups/assemblies.

On the flip side one could argue that with so much functionality included within the wall plugin it is good value for the money. 

All in all, I'm very excited to not only get the post module completed (its been on the todo list for quite some time) but also to quite unexpectedly enable a classical column feature. 

Now that I've got the post module monkey off of my back I'm giving some more serious thought to extending the window and door modules to include non-Medeek walls or Generic Walls as I like to call them.  I've already had some experience (and code) doing this sort of thing with the electrical plugin so it isn't impossible, however there may be a few hurdles or technical challenges I haven't foreseen yet. 

I don't know, I'm still rolling it around in my head this morning.  If it feels right I may take the plunge.