Modeling help needed . . . please??? Curve between squares

[Dave Buckley]

This is probably a very basic modeling question but I'm trying to model a panel as shown in the attached image.

 

problem is I just can't get the bit between the two squares to curve.

 

I've tried soft selection, cross-section &surface etc.

 

If anyone can help it would be much appreciated.

 

Ideally something that would still allow the central square hole to be easily adjusted to different sizes

 

http://www.archea.it/index.php/progetto/105/2

[Dave Buckley]

Ignore this post, i've done it.

 

Cross Section/Surface worked fine (just needed a bit of vertex tweaking)

[-MerlyN-]

I'd done it via a rectangle (or any other closed spline) and the bevel modifier. allows exactly, what you want.

[Dave Buckley]

cheers nils

[Dave Buckley]

Nils

 

Next task

 

With the Bevel modifier, how can I control the size of the original rectangle without the other properties of the bevel modifier also being affected and adjusting

 

I've got a feeling I'm going to have to wire parameters so that when the rectangle increases, the bevel values decrease if thats possible, not really used wire parameters that much

[-MerlyN-]

hm, not sure I grasp what you mean. dont have max here either atm, and am not sure how the bevel reacts when the original spline is changed. Will have a go once I'm back home tonight.

[Dave Buckley]

no worries, if i adjust the size of the rectangle then the bevel outlines don't get bigger as such but the overall object does.

 

almost as if the bevel is a 'factor' of the original size rather than an actual size.

 

i'll figure it out

[-MerlyN-]

Ok, just tried it out. You're right, the size of the bevel stays the same regardless of the original shapes size. I guess its possible to link it all together with reaction manager, but to me RM always had a kinda chinese tone to it... It might very well be easier to script the modifier... But I'm not that much of a maxscripter, either, so...

 

Whats your final goal with these anyway? Building facade like in that image? Then you'll only need one and instance them anyway, dont you?

[Dave Buckley]

Yeh just playing around really learning new things in a bit if spare time. Things that aren't box based. The opening sizes vary across the facade. I could just model them but as I say, I'm trying to learn and I don't know much about wiring parameters so thought I'd try do it that way.

[Crazy Homeless Guy]

For some reason I only read your first post, and didn't scroll down to see that you had already solved it.... Or somewhat solved it.

 

I took a simple box modeling approach. I am not sure the best way to vary the holes. I assume the pattern is predetermined, and not random?

 

http://www.phase22.com/misc/cgarchitect/BuildScreen.wmv

[Dave Buckley]

yeh cheers travis, i realise I could have done it through box modeling, but like I say, i wanted to be able to control that inner hole paramterically (hence wanting a 'rectangle' to control rather than an edge selection). for no other reason other than wanting to know if/how it can be done

 

the pattern is predetermined, if you take a look at the link i posted, there are more images showing the pattern.

 

again, like i say, i could just model the necessary panels and place them where they go, but then i've not learnt anything new and my 'learning exercise' would become pointless

 

i'm not necessarily doing things the simplest way either. just looking at other possibilities

[-MerlyN-]

I wish I'd follow that approach more often... but hell, I'm lazy xD

[Crazy Homeless Guy]

again, like i say, i could just model the necessary panels and place them where they go, but then i've not learnt anything new and my 'learning exercise' would become pointless

 

Please post your progress and results. I know nothing about wiring other than it exists somewhere. I would be interested in learning more.

[jinsley]

don't know if this helps... or if you have already seen it.

 

http://designreform.net/2008/02/circle-pattern-wire-parameters/

 

I have seen it done with a rectangle before...

[Dave Buckley]

will do.

 

theres a couple of videos that may help me on the design reform site, dave fano runs through a few wiring parameters techniques to control openings so i'm gonna take a look at those when I get chance.

 

right i've got my head in the help file now (well when i wake up - bed time on this side of the world).

 

nice work on the video too travis. love the way two people can approach things so differently with the same program trying to achieve the same result. also picked up a few little tips along the way (custom grids)

[Dave Buckley]

damn, you posted as I was typing

[jinsley]

haha... I love David Fano's vids and work with rhino, grasshopper and max... trying to learn rhino right now so it has been a great site over the last few weeks.