A few weeks ago I began recreating Musser Hall using SketchUp. Although Musser essentially looks like a box, the model itself, and the process of digitizing it was not an easy journey.
I initially lacked the necessary images from 1916-1966, as there were only a few, partial images posted online in the collection of archives. I had to venture into the Archives office in the monastery section of the Libe in order to find the desired pictures. Even then, the images I found were not taken in the best angles. They were partially covered by trees, thus making really difficult for me to accurately trace the building t
o the utmost accuracy I was seeking. That is when I realized I needed to begin compromising.
I decided to retrace the building, but unfortunately, I had to give up on using the image’s texture through photo matching, and instead I decided that it was best to represent the textures as accurately as possible using the painting tools.
I am not 100% satisfied with the product, specially in the way I displayed some of the building’s features, however, I think I did a much better job than I had expected to. One of the most important things I learned while recreating the building, is that compromises are a must. Also, that I should take advantage of the component and copying tools, because they can save a lot of time, and make the dimensions of the windows as accurately as possible. There was a lot of trial and error, and frustrations, however, I think my building does somewhat resemble Musser Hall, so that in itself is a victory!
Musser… Yes! I like your model. Despite all the disadvantages, lack of needed materials and you incomplete satisfaction toward your final result, I find your model of the building to be quite persuasive and the important components of Musser to be quite prominent. It is unfortunate that you cannot copy the texture of the building through photo matching, as I also encountered that issue, but overall, just like you said, it is a victory indeed!
Even though you said you “are not 100% satisfied” with your project, I think it’s a wonderful representation of Musser. I also had to decide to retrace the building, and give up on using the image’s texture through photo matching. I am glad we were presented a variety of tools, as some definitely worked better than others for various buildings.
Ana,
That is very clearly a model of Musser, and a very fine one at that! The key features are all there and your hard work and detective work in the archives paid off handsomely in the end. Nicely done.
This is a quite well made building! It includes all details and key features. I can relate to your frustration. Overall, it looks amazing so great job!
I can imagine that the component tool was incredibly helpful in this case! I hope you enjoyed your visit to the archives, because as Austin says, it looks like it paid off in the end.