Rendering in SketchUp: From Modeling to Presentation for Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Interior Design

Add Initial Values

The first step prepares the model for rendering by applying values defining texture appearance, lighting, resolution, and quality (Fig. 20.1). Each of these values must be set prior to rendering. Applying all these values leads to step 2. During step 2, these values will be adjusted based on the render evaluation.

Fig. 20.1: Step 1 flowchart

Texture Values

The IRP’s Material menu is used to assign a rendering value to all visible textures (Fig. 20.2). The applied values set how dull, glossy, shiny, reflective, smooth, or coarse the materials will render. Chapter 21 reviews texture values in detail.

Lighting Settings

Lighting can be set in multiple fashions. The most common method is to use the SketchUp Shadow menu to set exterior light as outlined in Part 4 (Fig. 20.3). IRPs can substitute SketchUp light using image-based lighting, which is discussed in Chapter 23. Simulated lights, such as point, spot, or IES profile lighting, are common for interiors and some exteriors and are reviewed in Chapter 24.

Resolution

Resolution determines the output size of the graphic, quality of detail, and render times. The initial resolution setting is low to accommodate the first-draft renders (Fig. 20.4, Fig. 20.5). Resolution is examined in Chapter 22.

Fig. 20.2: Texture values are added to all of the model textures (Shaderlight Material menu).

Fig. 20.3: The SketchUp ...