How to Build a 3D Model of the Monticello

3D models are computer generated virtual shapes and textures that are used in video games, movies and television. Many people like to create 3D models of famous monuments and structures that they can then use in their own images and animations. Some of these modelers also sell these 3D models to others for use on sites such as Renderosity and Daz3D (See Resources for links). At one time, this would have been an expensive and complex pastime, but there are now several programs on the market that can achieve remarkably realistic models at little or no cost. One example is Google SketchUp, which can be used to create virtually any structure you choose, such as Thomas Jefferson's Monticello.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Download the plans for Monticello. They are available at several sites, such the the historic buildings HABS/HAER site (See Resource 3 for link). Then go online to Renderosity and Daz3D and downland the furnishings you will later need for your house. Get them from the free area. Google has a 3D Warehouse of free furniture models you can use, but if you are planning on sharing or selling the Monticello model you build, you cannot use these. Save all these items to a folder named "Furnishings."

2. Open Google SketchUp. Delete the default figure that is standing in the scene. Now go to the menu at the top and click on "Camera," then on "Standard Views" and then choose "Top." Now select "File" from the menu and click on "Import." In the dialog box that opens, browse the Monticello plan images you saved. You want to open the one for the first floor and place it on the surface.

3. Go to the toolbar on the right and select the "Line" tool. Looking at the drawing on the surface as guide, use the "Line" tool to trace the outside edge of the plans (known as the "footprint"). To close the shape, click the first point again.

4. Change the view to "Perspective." Click on the "Push/Pull" tool in the toolbar and select the shape you have drawn. Use the tool to raise the shape to the height needed for the first floor. You can judge this height by referencing the numerical display in the lower right corner. Delete the top polygon of the shape. Now select the "Line" tool and draw in the inner lines representing the interior walls of Monticello. Then use the "Push/Pull" tool to raise these walls. They will automatically snap to the top of the exterior walls.

5. Repeat these steps to create in the same document the other floors of Monticello. Then use the "Move" tool to layer the floors on top of each other. Use the "Line" and "Push/Pull" tools to create the shape of the roof. Now select the "Paintbucket" tool. In the dialog that pops up, select a texture you would like to use on a surface, such as a wall or a floor. Click on that surface to apply the texture.

6. Select "File" and then "Import." Browse to the "Furnishings" folder and load the models one by one. Use the "Move" tool to place the furniture where you want it. You will probably have to use the "Scale" tool to resize them to fit your model of Monticello. Export your model as a "Wavefront OBJ" or as a 3DS file.

References

• SketchUp Help: Drawing Quickly

Resources

• Renderosity
• Daz3D
• HABS/HAER