GEEK WIFE
March 12, 2008
by: jovial_cynic
by: jovial_cynic
I've known about Google's Sketchup application for a while now, and have been interested in playing around with it. I haven't spent too much time toying with it, as I've been busy on a number of other projects, which I'm sure you noticed if you're a regular reader.
Years ago, I was obsessed with first-person shooter games and with the ability to make custom maps for those games. I wanted to make a map of my own neighborhood, starting with a 3D model of my house and moving on to the rest of the houses on my block. At the time, I lived in a duplex, and the building plans for all the duplexes in the neighborhood were identical, making it pretty easy to duplicate. That never panned out -- it took far too long to do.
Sketchup is far easier to use than the 3D map editors, and while it doesn't allow you to shoot bad guys, it is superbly intuitive.
Developed for the conceptual stages of design, Google SketchUp is a powerful yet easy-to-learn 3D software tool that combines a simple, yet robust tool-set with an intelligent drawing system that streamlines and simplifies 3D design. From simple to complex, conceptual to realistic, Google SketchUp enables you to build and modify 3D models quickly and easily. If you use Google Earth, Google SketchUp allows you to place your models using real-world coordinates and share them with the world using the Google 3D Warehouse.
Since I liked it so much, I suggested that my wife play with it, as she's expressed interest in a kitchen remodel. I figured that having a 3D model of the kitchen would be handy. This her first attempt at using the program, after only a day of playing with it.
Our current kitchen layout.
The planned remodel.
And after watching her tinker with the program and building up both a pre- and post-remodel design, I've discovered something fascinating. My wife has clearer spatial awareness than I do. She has a very good eye for proximity and space, and is able to mentally arrange objects in a way that I can't even comprehend. Perhaps that's why she always kicks my butt at Tetris.
In any event, the remodel plans look pretty good. I'm both impressed and surprised. I have a geek wife. Who knew?
Years ago, I was obsessed with first-person shooter games and with the ability to make custom maps for those games. I wanted to make a map of my own neighborhood, starting with a 3D model of my house and moving on to the rest of the houses on my block. At the time, I lived in a duplex, and the building plans for all the duplexes in the neighborhood were identical, making it pretty easy to duplicate. That never panned out -- it took far too long to do.
Sketchup is far easier to use than the 3D map editors, and while it doesn't allow you to shoot bad guys, it is superbly intuitive.
Developed for the conceptual stages of design, Google SketchUp is a powerful yet easy-to-learn 3D software tool that combines a simple, yet robust tool-set with an intelligent drawing system that streamlines and simplifies 3D design. From simple to complex, conceptual to realistic, Google SketchUp enables you to build and modify 3D models quickly and easily. If you use Google Earth, Google SketchUp allows you to place your models using real-world coordinates and share them with the world using the Google 3D Warehouse.
Since I liked it so much, I suggested that my wife play with it, as she's expressed interest in a kitchen remodel. I figured that having a 3D model of the kitchen would be handy. This her first attempt at using the program, after only a day of playing with it.
Our current kitchen layout.
The planned remodel.
And after watching her tinker with the program and building up both a pre- and post-remodel design, I've discovered something fascinating. My wife has clearer spatial awareness than I do. She has a very good eye for proximity and space, and is able to mentally arrange objects in a way that I can't even comprehend. Perhaps that's why she always kicks my butt at Tetris.
In any event, the remodel plans look pretty good. I'm both impressed and surprised. I have a geek wife. Who knew?
