Assignment 01

In this exercise you'll model a small natural scene with gentle terrain, a few trees, and a simple bridge. The work is divided into four steps: terrain generation, tree placement, bridge construction, and layer organization.ment 01

In this exercise you’ll model a small natural scene with gentle terrain, a few trees, and a simple bridge. The work is divided into four steps: terrain generation, tree placement, bridge construction, and layer organization.

Please note that aesthetic design is not required and will not be graded (though it’s always appreciated). You’re welcome to keep the forms simple and focus on practicing the modeling techniques rather than on extra detailing.

Tip: Set the Rhino model units to meters before you begin modeling.

Part A: Terrain Modeling (4 pts)

Task 01: Create Contour Lines (1 pt)

Sometimes terrain data arrive as a grid of elevation points. To visualize the landform, you first need contour curves drawn through points of the same height.

Your task: One of the contours is provided only as a set of points—use them to draw a closed contour line.

Task 02: Lift Contour Lines (1 pt)

Even when contour lines include height information, they may appear flat in 3D. In those cases we “lift” each line to its correct elevation.

Your task: Move the supplied contour lines to their corresponding heights.

• You may also lift the boundary for easier work later, though this is optional.
• When dealing with many lines, this lifting step can be automated in Grasshopper, which you’ll explore in a few weeks.

Task 03: Build the Terrain (1 pts)

Use the elevated contours to create a 3D terrain. Please keep the model within the rectangular boundary.
A reference example is shown below.

Task 04: Add the Lake Surface (1 pt)

Model the lake surface based on the curve given.

Part B: Tree Modeling (2 pts)

Task 01: Create Trees (1 pts)

Model a few simple trees—for example, combine a cylinder for the trunk with a sphere or ellipsoid for the canopy.

Task 02: Place Trees (1 pts)

Arrange at least five trees around the lake. Vary their sizes for a more natural look.
Hint: Use the Scale command to adjust individual trees.

Part C: Bridge Modeling (2 pts)

Task 01: Create the Bridge (1 pts + 1 bonus)

Design a bridge that crosses the lake.
Bonus: Earn +1 pt if the bridge is not a straight line—for instance, if it follows a polyline or a smooth curve.

Task 02: Add a Handrail (1 pts)

Model a handrail that follows the shape of your bridge.

Part D: Layer Organization and File Export (2 pts)

Task 01: Organize Layers (1 pts)

• Place objects on separate layers: terrain, trees, lake (surface), and bridge. (1 pt)
• Set the lake layer color to blue.
• Under the bridge layer, create two sublayers—bridge surface and handrail—and assign the corresponding objects.

Task 02: Export an Image (1 pt)

Export a perspective view of your model. This can be a shaded or rendered image.

Tip: There are several ways to export:

• Save a Named View to keep the camera angle consistent and use ViewCaptureToFile for a quick snapshot.
• Or create a Layout for a more systematic export (takes a bit more setup but is helpful for future projects).

Input File

The corresponding input files are provided on the MscLA server.

• Assignment_01.zip

Submission

Name the submission file(s) with the following format: LastName_FirstName_TimeForCompletion_AS01.xxx

Please submit the corresponding file(s) to the submission folder submissionAS01 on the server:

10_HS_25\02_First Semester\02_Digital.Design.Methods\01_Assignment\Submission_AS01