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CAM Techniques for buildings

modelling

Extending the VBA script into a real building toolkit allows multilayered brick façades to be modelled with an accuracy that only the computer can offer. Below shows an enlarged attempt to model a façade with 3 brick layers in different levels. When printed the bricks have a length of only 1.3 mm and there are currently roughly 15000 of computer generated bricks. The lines are help lines for cutting the layers and window openings in later stadium. Windows have temporary copies of the real thing, where the door is an attempt in Corel into a weathered door using transparent layers, gradient and pattern fills. The same type of weathering can be used for the grey hardstone and of course for general weathering.

The toolkit now is capable of curved lintels, herringbone pattern, corners and straight and ragged pattern fills complete with repaints to allow for touching up copied building components. The user interface gives access to all dimensions and colours for easy adjustment. The script is developed for Corel 12 working with VBA 6.3. Older versions of Corel working with earlier VBA version need some adaptation of the code although the functionality is available in older version in different instructions. Code is available for download at own risk from http://www.fs160.eu/fiNeweb/CAMbuildings/printpaper.xhtml Drop the building.ini into directory c:\program files\corel\corel graphics12\draw\gms To run: open the VBA in Corel with alt-F11 and import the files into the VBA project. Start the macro using the tool menu or the VBA toolbar or use F5/F8 from VBA.



The first views of a model for Waimes based on the techniques learned in Rheine. The photo is a bit reddish due to the halogene lightsource. This was drawn in Corel using dimensions taken from the box in Sourbrodt. The stones were individually drawn and coloured in the right dimensions using a VBA macro that picked the colours at random from 3 ranges of preselected colours. The lintels and corners were individually adapted. The basic shell is 0.3mm plastic card and the windows are cut out using a line drawing glued to the flat sheet. This is folded up and reinforced with floors. The final drawing is printed on high quality inkjet paper and welded with solvent to the rigid shell. Thereafter it is straightforward finishing by touching up the white edges with paint, gluing windows and producing a plastic roof. The windows in top are strips of self adhesive paper and may be somewhere in future replaced by etched copies. Interior and various finishing touches are still to be done. It is supposed to present the situation roughly 60 years ago thus in a state when it was in regular use not the dilapidated situation below.

the doomed original, a standard design along the Vennbahn with local variations

another doomed original, this time in Walheim with outside stairs and bricks in the top


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