We’ve been working with SketchUp since 2005, honing skills at the coalface- Running architectural projects successfully proved how effective SketchUp works in practise. We wanted to share our enthusiasm and knowledge for this awesome platform, so that’s why we started SketchUp.Expert which became Ireland’s first ever Google Authorised SketchUp Training Centre in 2008. Since then, we have served hundreds of clients: From individual practitioners to multinational corporations.
We continually improve our service by tapping into the wisdom of the international SketchUp Community. This is a vibrant international network of people from diverse backgrounds. We’ve listened a lot to designers about how to provide the best possible training experience.
Whatever your SketchUp requirements, we’re your first port of call. Use the contact form below
What will you get from this book?
- Become competent at 3D modelling a building from a sketch image.
- Create live (updatable) 2D Plans Sections & Elevations straight from your model.
- Understand how to build 3D details from the building model.
- Present these drawings in LayOut as completed PDF documents.
Contents include:
- 120 Page Manual.
- Two model files.
- Embedded components.
You also get..
- Paul Lee’s 5 Killer Keystrokes which will seriously transform your modelling experience (embedded in the book)
- Insight into the latest updates in SketchUp and how to best utilise them in practise.
- Free lifetime access to Paul Lee’s Best SketchUp Tips and Tricks.
DOWNLOADS
SketchUp.Expert Components collection
Free Book Sample– 20 free pages to try it out.
SketchUp BIM
SketchUp versatility, simplicity and small file size make it excellent for virtual collaboration, file transfer and integration. Each part of the menus below contain a brief synopsis of SketchUp’s BIM capabilites.
SketchUp's unique blend of user friendliness, flexibility and extendability means that it has quite an unlimited potential as a BIM tool.
While certain tasks are handled better by other platforms, they are limited to a particular speciality. Not so with SketchUp, which can be used for a myriad of purposes. For example:
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- 3D virtual tours
- Construction sequencing
- Cost reports and analysis
- Energy analysis/ strategy appraisal
- Photographic Renders (using extensions)
- Clash Detection
- Online Collaboration
- Component Cataloguing
- Parametric Modelling
- IFC Classification
- Construction Documentation (CAD)
- Accessible Program Interface (Program Extendability)
- Shadow studies
This list is by no means exhaustive.
SketchUp is not hampered by large file sizes or complex automated ("Parametric") components.
If you need to model an object quickly you don't need to programme an object or look into a dialogue box. Sharing files is instantaneous.
SketchUp Pro is used by both small and large organisations ranging from one-man operations to multinationals. Here are some examples of SketchUp for BIM in action:
Mortenson Construction
SketchUp Pro in construction - video case study
https://blog.sketchup.com/article/sketchup-pro-construction-video-case-study
Barton Malow 3D for construction: delivering quality & efficiency
https://blog.sketchup.com/home/3d-for-construction-delivering-quality-efficiency-with-barton-malow
Case Study: McCarthy Building Company
https://blog.sketchup.com/article/case-study-mccarthy-building-company
Comparison of some of the more important features of both packages:
|
Revit |
SketchUp |
|
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Parametric modelling and control |
Model is parametric and controllable visually and via dialogue interfaces. Each object is programmed. |
Models are instantly produced and edited without recourse to parametric contols. In addition "Dynamic Components" add parametric capabilities. SketchUp supports IFC file types. Plugins are available to add automated processes. (Many of these are free) The freely available SketchUp API allows anyone to develop plugins.* |
|
Quantitative and numerical outputs from the model (i.e. spreadsheets for quantitative and cost analysis) |
Spreadsheet information can be formatted from within Revit itself. ** |
SketchUp exports spreadsheet data which can be used for quantities reports. There are also plugins that enhance this capability. These are detailed in "5D BIM" Section on SketchUp.Expert. |
|
Cross-linking information between drawings with dynamic updates (for example: Section A cross-references to Plan B here etc.) |
All drawing cross-references can be automatically titled and changes automatically updated. ** |
“Autotext” allows input such as page name and numbers to be automated. |
|
Drawing sheet naming and control |
Excellent in Revit. All sheets are compiled in a neat spreadsheet that is auto-generated. ** |
“Autotext” allows input such as page name and numbers to be automated. |
|
Section cuts and elevation setup |
Standard ** |
Standard functionality (As documented in “Construction Documents Using SketchUp Pro 2020” by Paul Lee |
|
2D construction information |
Construction detail is applied manually to the section cut in the model, or standard CAD details can be imported into Revit. Perspective details are easily achieved Colour/Greyscale/ Black and White output Configurable lineweights Vector/ Hybrid/ Raster graphic outputs |
Automated Section Cut Profiles. “Make Group from Section” creates a CAD drawing from any plan or section cut. Configurable lineweights Vector/ Hybrid/ Raster graphic outputs |
|
Paperspace/ LayOut views |
Model can be edited inside the "paperspace" "viewport". "Viewports" in Revit are actually drag-and-drop "views" (plans, sections, elevations, call-outs, perspectives...) |
Orthographic and perspective views are both possible in sectional and non-sectional views Fluid interface and interaction with model, though model must be opened, edited and re-saved before it is updated, Warm appearance Ability to make sketchy renderings Accurate Fast editing |
|
Cost |
$290/ month |
$75/ month or perpetual license $750 Free online version (Reduced functionality but great for testing.) |
|
Support |
Included in Subscription. |
Included in Pro purchase: 2 Years' email support.* Excellent forum resources. |
|
Ease of use |
Complex to learn. |
Relatively easy learning curve Very intuitive and pleasant drawing interface |
|
Energy Analysis |
Ecotect Analysis program available |
IESVE and Sefaira. |
|
Rendering |
Rendering engine built in |
Inexpensive add-ons ranging in resolution output required. e.g. Vray, Lumion |
|
Earliness of use in a project |
Revit has conceptual design tools |
Perfectly suited for the early stages of a project where time investment is minimal and flexibility is vital. |
|
Adaptability |
Records building designs parametrically, allows editing of them, and outputs construction documentation, specifications and quantities. Not built for sketch design |
SketchUp can be used in just about any design or creative industry. LayOut doubles as an excellent graphic tool for creating professional quality posters, presentations, tutorials etc., as well as outputting Construction Documentation. |
|
Interoperability with other platforms |
3D Studio Microstation (.dgn) SketchUp Google Earth All Autodesk products: .dwg., .dxf., dwf. Inventor through ASDK file format Excel Word Notepad Also IFC compatible |
Integrates with Google Earth, providing very fast real-world data for integration with a model. SketchUp 2D export: .png, .tif, .epx, .pdf, .eps, AutoCAD .dwg and .dxf R12 - 2007 SketchUp 3D export: Collada .dae, Google Earth .kmz, .3ds, .fbx, .obj, .vrml, .xsi, AutoCAD .dwg and .dxf R12 - 2007 SketchUp import .dwg, .dxf, .3ds, .dae, .kmz, .dem, .ddf, .bmp, .jpg, .png, .psd, .tif, .tga, .pdf, .epx. Not directly IFC compatible per se, but requires export and import of non-native filetypes |
|
Marketplace |
BIMstop is a very interesting BIM object resource website from Barrington Architecture in New Zealand. |
3D Warehouse provides excellent workflow benefits as well as marketing opportunities. |
**"Bi-directional associativity"
Thanks!
I have been interested for a long time to make a comparison of the two above-mentioned. I am an avid SketchUp Pro user and practising architect, and though I haven't experienced working with Revit, I have been given a detailed demo of how the software works by a professional demonstrator. I have extensive experience (10 years) of using and teaching CAD. In 2000 - 2002 I wrote a course to show architects and technicians how to use CAD professionally in a drawing office. I have had a certain limited level of experience with learning/ using parametric software (ArchiCAD, Architectural Desktop) which are early precursors to Revit (though I am assured, and believe it to be true that Revit is a lot better than the "flop" (not my words) that was Architectural Desktop). I have to say it is very impressive software as a parametric drawing and construction documentation/ output system.
Useful Links:
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Using BIM as a Project Management Tool: Masters Thesis by Marti Broquetas of CAD Addict
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Statement from AIA regarding lack of progress on BIM open integration (December 2009)
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Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) International open Standards BIM collaboration
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The Onuma Planning System: Open Architecture and BIM collaboration (Commercial)
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Project Butterfly from AutoDesk (Free online CAD editing and drawing markups)
Thanks to Haley Bueno, Revit Expert Consultant and Trainer for lots of help with this document.
Thanks to Mark Lee (my brother) for coming up with the idea of doing this comparison exercise.
*Thanks to Chris Cronin for SketchUp corrections.
Thanks also to:
Aidan Chopra- SketchUp Evangelist.
Matt Dillon- Vice President at D|C|CADD for his helpful comments.
Lonnie Cumpton- Revit Architecture Certified Professional
Daniel Gijsbers- Revit Training Professional
Please send corrections/ opinions to paul@viewsion.ie
Here are a few more points that I feel are important
-
Parametric software is mainly for recording and editing architectural designs. It has design capabilities for detailing and spatial parameters but isn't optimal for this purpose. There are also criticisms that such software constrains designs that can’t easily be expressed in parametric format.
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Economies of scale in a project (For example: the numerous repetitive cells of a large hotel building, hospital, or apartment block) justify the time invested in creating full-blown parametric building components. In smaller projects it is difficult to justify as information isn’t generally repeated from project to project.
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Filetypes for transfer between platforms should be open source.
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Free, open training videos are the best way to find out about and learn a software package before investing.
To sum up:
Revit is a technician's dream, SketchUp is an architect's dream. Both operating in harmony would be everybody's dream
also (in as far as this author can tell):
Overall, Revit beats SketchUp for documentation of large projects, while SketchUp gives excellent value for money in comparison to Revit for documentation of small to medium size projects.
Comments/ Suggestions/ Opposing viewpoints welcome!
email: paul@sketchup.expert
Video: Advanced SketchUp for Construction Drawings
Gallery: Construction Drawings (and associated projects) exclusively executed in SketchUp Pro/ LayOut
Download Sample course material at SketchUp.Expert Resources section.
Note: The author takes no responsibility for the information contained herein. Readers are advised to do their own research before making decisions about which software to use.
Trimble Connect
Construction Sequencing Visualisation
SketchUp is an ideal platform for the creation of construction sequencing output. The ease of creating components of small file size and speed of model creation/ navigation allow time and computer processing power to be devoted to where it's needed most: Getting on with the job.
There are simple manual ways within SketchUp itself to create time lapse visualisation. However, for more advanced purposes there are plugins which interface between model and spreadsheet as well as creating video timelapses. Models can be broken up into as many different time-linked components as desired, each with it's own name classification tags and time signature. Models can be controlled via the spreadsheet also, and so synchronisation is bi-directional.
4D Virtual Builder
This software plugin creates a 4D model directly within Sketchup. Synchronises tasks in real-time with 2D and 3D Sketchup entities. Generates Sketchup scenes per time-interval, and creates automatic PowerPoint and 4D animations.
Links with:
- MS Project
- MS Excel
10 day free trial is available.
For more information visit:
4D Virtual Builder
Synchro 4D Integration
This is a plugin that interfaces directly between .skp (SketchUp) Files and the following database platforms:
- Oracle Primavera
MS Project
MS Excel
ASTA
Safran
For more information visit:
Synchro 4D
SketchUp easily calculates Area, Volume, Length, Weight, which can then be extended into Costs.
Entity info contains several categories of information, including area, volume, and costs, using tags to identify groups and components, along with IFC Classification (The BIM open standard). SketchUp exports a report in the form of a spreasheet containing all elements which are then used to generate costs.
Plugins/ Extensions
BIMUp 5D
"BIM for everyone" This is software for Windows platform that produces cost reports from embedded components.
Quantifier Pro: Cost Analysis Extension (for more in-depth reports and analysis)
- Manages cost rules using Excel to easily share cost data across multiple models.
- Calculates instant quantity and cost reports from the model.
Developer: mind.sight.studios
Energy Analysis with SketchUp.
SketchUp's light model size and instant editability makes it an ideal tool for energy analysis modelling. There are a number of energy modelling plugins which work directly with SketchUp. Here we look at two.
Sefaira
Sefaira is part of the Trimble suite of interoperating tools. This program examines various aspects of the SketchUp model to build up an energy profile.
Factors examine include: Solid to glazing ratios, building aspect, volume, occupancy loading, building usage, seasonal usage, lighting and heating requirements, water and electricity usage, and passive heating. Longitude, latitude, and local weather conditions are fed into the software by using local weather datasets.
Reports are published using the data generated by the model. Different energy scenarios can be compared.
https://www.sketchup.com/products/sefaira
IESVE Plugin
According to their website "IES is a world leading provider of integrated performance analysis software and consulting services for sustainable building design."
The software has similar characteristics to Sefaira, producing comprehensive energy and resources reports.
Ask questions and connect with other users at our Forum http://forums.iesve.com/
http://www.iesve.com
https://sefaira.com/sefaira-architecture/
