Nando Cabán–Méndez, SEGD Blog

Category Archives: 3D Modeling SketchUp

3D Modeling and illustration in SketchUp

Donor Recognition: Lance Armstrong Foundation

LiveStrong, the Lance Armstrong Foundation, contracted fd2s to create an Environmental Graphics package to recognize employees, volunteers, and donors throughout their new headquarters in Austin, TX. One of my assignments consisted in creating the donor recognition signage for both the interior and entrance to the main boardroom.
I used SketchUp for the concept development for a number of reasons: I think it’s very cost-effective; that is, one a model is made, it’s relatively easy to try variations in form, materials, and colors. (Click on images for larger versions)

Lance Armstrong Foundation Donor Recognition


Lance Armstrong Foundation Donor Recognition


Lance Armstrong Foundation Donor Recognition

Another reason is I think three-dimensional images communicate better to the layman the intricacies of complex objects. Yet another reason is that, ultimately, three-dimensional models offer all the information needed for accurate orthographical views.

Lance Armstrong Foundation Donor Recognition

Even after some value-engineering, the similarity between the concept and the finished product is stricking. Usually exceeding the clients expectations.

Lance Armstrong Foundation Donor Recognition

These simple drawings were created after the boardroom entrance concept. At this point, we didn’t feel a 3D model was necessary, as the dimensionality of the concept had been established.

Lance Armstrong Foundation Donor Recognition


Lance Armstrong Foundation Donor Recognition


Lance Armstrong Foundation Donor Recognition

The finished donor recognition sign.

Lance Armstrong Foundation Donor Recognition

I was also involved in the early creation of design concepts for the main entry sign. Here are some of my sketches:
Lance Armstrong Foundation Main Identification Sign Concept
Lance Armstrong Foundation Main Identification Sign Concept
Lance Armstrong Foundation Main Identification Sign Concept
Lance Armstrong Foundation Main Identification Sign Concept
Lance Armstrong Foundation Main Identification Sign Concept
Lance Armstrong Foundation Main Identification Sign Concept

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Wayfinding: City of Marshall

City of Marshall Wayfinding and Environmental Graphics
fd2s was hired by the city of Marshall, Texas to recommend a wayfinding strategy and design. I was involved in the initial concept phase, and responded to the design brief with a conservative post and panel design. (Click on images for larger, more detail)

City of Marshall Wayfinding and Environmental Graphics
We conceived a flexible design, as this concept will likely be used in many different configurations and scales, as the needs and location for the signs change.

City of Marshall Wayfinding and Environmental Graphics
The image above illustrates some of the many possible sign configurations. The model below suggests the use of one configuration at an intersection.

City of Marshall Wayfinding and Environmental Graphics
The “double twin bracket” theme was carried over throughout the system.

City of Marshall Wayfinding and Environmental Graphics
City of Marshall Wayfinding and Environmental Graphics
City of Marshall Wayfinding and Environmental Graphics
Part of the Marshall revitalization plan calls for the creation of an entertainment district. To direct traffic, and serve as a beacon to drivers on nearby I-20, we proposed the use of searchlights as well as custom overpass signage and lighting. It was my job to illustrate these concepts. Below you can see the original daytime photos on the left, and the photomontages for the concepts. (Click on images for larger, more detail)

City of Marshall Wayfinding and Environmental Graphics
City of Marshall Wayfinding and Environmental Graphics

Contact me (links on the right) to discuss how I can help your organization with my versatile skillset, creating a complete wayfinding solution.

Also posted in Environmental Graphic Design, Photo Editing / Photomontages | Tagged , , | Comments closed

3D Presentation: Polus Center

These SketchUp drawings were done as part of the Design Development for Polus Center, a mixed-use developmnet in Braşov, Romania. Concepts by the fd2s team.

This information kiosk incorporates a vertical LED display on two sides.

Polus Center kiosk

One of two concepts for the main exterior identification:

Polus Center Exterior ID

Detail of concept 1
Polus Center Exterior ID Detail

The second of two concepts for the main exterior identification:

Polus Center Exterior ID

Detail of concept 2
Polus Center Exterior ID Detail

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SketchUp Design: Counter top Display

Austin Countertop counter top displayWhen a client needed a countertop display (funny enough, to display counter top substrates) I used a combination of skills and tools to design and illustrate a solution. The display I designed consisted in three identical modules, routed out of the same solid surface material the samples were made of. The shape of the display enables showing fewer samples (to allow for changes in available materials) without appearing “incomplete”. Ergonomics were also considered, to allow for the easy removal of samples without others interfering.

Austin Countertop counter top display Austin Countertop counter top display Austin Countertop counter top display

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3D CAD/CAM Solutions: The Bridge Street Plaque

I love the challenge of spatial problems like this one. While working for a sign company, we were faced with executing an idea by a design firm. It looked like this:
Bridge Street sign design

The monument sign was not a problem, but the dimensional plaque was outside the areas of expertise of my employer at the time. At the time, I was involved in a CNC hobby, and suggested we carve the logo plaque out of HDU foam. HDU foam is very stable, machines easily, and can be finished to simulate many materials, including the statuary brass specified for this project.

Based on the 2D image, I created a domed 3D model of the plaque. This is not some kind of software feature, mind you, but a time-consuming task that required many skills akin to sculpting. I was able to export this three-dimensional model and import it into the CNC software. Here, I produced three-dimensional toolpaths. The series of photos below show the machining progress as material is routed away from the HDU block.

And this is the final piece, before hand finishing:
Bridge Street finished piece

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