Lecture Notes: Creating Realistic Renders with D5 Render and SketchUp

Introduction

• Focus on creating realistic renders using D5 Render and SketchUp.
• Suitable for beginners; covers basic modeling, 2D to 3D conversion, composition, materials, lighting, and animations.
• Option to outsource rendering to Scale 3D for architecture firms.

SketchUp Setup

• Opening SketchUp: Choose architectural centimeters template.
• Tray Setup: Ensure default tray is visible for materials and objects.
• Tool Set: Open large tool set for additional modeling tools.

Navigation Tools

• Orbit Tool: Allows 3D navigation, shortcut: middle mouse button.
• Pan Tool: Moves view without changing angle, shortcut: Shift + middle mouse button.
• Zoom: Scroll wheel to zoom in/out, cursor location determines zoom target.

Basic Drawing in SketchUp

• Line Tool: Draw lines with specific origin and endpoints, use Shift to lock axis.
• Rectangle and Circle Tools: Draw shapes with precise dimensions; use R for rectangle and C for circle.
• Precision Drawing: Type dimensions directly for accuracy.
• Creating Faces/Surfaces: Connect lines on the same plane.

Editing Tools

• Eraser Tool: Deletes lines, shortcut: E.
• Offset Tool: Creates parallel lines from an edge.
• Push/Pull Tool: Converts 2D shapes to 3D by extruding surfaces.

Advanced Drawing Techniques

• Follow Me Tool: Creates 3D paths for objects like baseboards.
• Grouping: Individualize objects to prevent merging and distortion.

Importing and Scaling Floor Plans

• Import Process: Import 2D drawings and scale accurately using known dimensions.
• Drawing Walls: Use tags for organization (e.g., exterior walls, interior walls).

Detailed Modeling

• Exterior and Interior Walls: Draw outlines and use offset for thickness.
• Openings: Create for doors and windows using tape measure for precision.
• Roofs: Use protractor for angles and push/pull for 3D modeling.

Adding Doors and Windows

• 3D Warehouse: Source models for doors and windows.
• Window Builder: Use extension for custom window creation.

Finalizing Structure

• Baseboards and Ceilings: Add trims and recessed ceilings for realism.
• Furniture: Import and arrange using tags for easy organization.

Rendering Setup in D5 Render

• Navigation in D5: Similar controls to SketchUp; use right-click for orbit.
• Scene Creation: Set up scenes/cameras for rendering, adjust field of view.
• Lighting Setup: Use D5 presets or custom lighting for mood.
• Terrain and Surroundings: Sculpt terrain, add water, and vegetation for realism.

Material and Texture Application

• Import Custom Textures: Use external sources for specific materials.
• Material Templates: Use D5 templates for realism; configure reflections.

Final Touches

• AI Post-Processing: Enhances detail and realism in renders.
• Photoshop Editing: Adjust tonal ranges, sharpening, and contrast for final output.

Summary

• Comprehensive guide from basic modeling to advanced rendering techniques in SketchUp and D5 Render.
• Emphasis on practical application and efficiency in creating realistic architectural visualizations.