2D representation of complex 3D form

[Scott Bulmer]

For the nuts & bolts people:

The attached image shows a conceptual test for a real custom home in Malibu California (also known as Mel-ibu). The roof was produced using Maxon Form. The curving footprint of the building is basically one quarter of a doughnut. The roof is a sloping clamshell shape with varied undulations.

I have my own ideas on how to communicate the design in the 2D construction documents (orthogonal projections), but am hoping to hear from the more creative production staffers to get their input.

A curving section tool would be helpful to project an unfolded elevation. But lacking that, what other method could be used?

[Anonymous]

Scott,
There are only three things that I can think of off hand.

One, set section lines at close intervals and normal to
the curved surface, unlink the section/elevation windows,
crop each view then paste the views into one section/elevation.
This will give you an approximate unwrapped view.

Two, If there is a way to make a straight version of the building
you could make a building who's straight length equals
the circumference of the curved building and a roof
that is undulating but not compressed front to back.
You then could have an elevation that could be dimensioned
for the construction documents. Or, for the CDs, you could have
a straight version of one cycle of the roof undulation
and state that the shape is radially repeated so many times.

Three, for the CDs, draft in 2D a straight version of the building.

An interesting problem. I would use the third approach since
it is a documentation issue and not a modeling issue.

I hope others will comment so we can get some more ideas.

Peter Devlin

[Rakela Raul]

i would document the residence mostly in 3D, as you are doing