Modeling solids from two-dimensional sections: Oscar Niemeyer's Niterói Contemporary Art Museum

As it has been covered during the previous classes, it is important if not necessary to have the 2D drawing in order to start the 3D modeling. In this case, we took as a base/guide a section, not an entire section but just a half of it since the model is symmetrical.

First of all, we start by drawing a RECTANGLE in the auxiliar layer to define the limits of our section, we divide the rectangle into multiple zones using XLINE to help us draw the section. Then, using the command POLYLINE we connect multiple intersection points to create it. Since it's still quite rigid, we use another command called FILLET that allow us to obtain circular edges by connect two lines and setting a radius. After we get the final curved line we use OFFSET to give it a thickness.

Secondly, we call for the BPOLY command that will help us create a continuous limit of the section. One for the concrete structure and the other one for the glass openings. After doing that, it is possible to create the 3D model using a very interesting command called Revolve. How does it work? it allows us to rotate while copying a set of surfaces around a chosen axis. We define a number of planes which is 36 using ISOLINES, SURFTAB1 and SURFTAB22. It is important to know that the more planes we use the smoother and better the revolved volume gets.

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