Seemingly Complex Architecture

Hey all, I don’t normally ask for help, but this one’s a doozie. I’m doing some archviz for a class and I’m needing to do an exterior.

The structure in question is the Kauffman Performing Arts Center in KC.


So there’s these two shells which comprise of cylindrical segments that rise to a sweeping planar surface. Having a hard time figuring out how to do both (sorta). My issue with the roof is that it’s curvy, so it obviously needs proper edge loops in order for it to swoop down like that. Problem is, it’s not a square by any means with those little slots/cuts that join with the cylinders, and I can’t seem to find a way to have everything as a connected surface because of that - so loops cuts ALL THE WAY across the plane don’t seem feasible. Or maybe I’m over-thinking it.

Draw your roof outlines (flat) from the top view, then with curve object (extrude curve enough to cover the whole roof) make curve shape. Convert curve to mesh and do Knife project to that with your roof object. Thats it.


Oh wow, didn’t even know we had this tool. I was trying to make the shape and use some kind of deformer like a lattice to curve it, but this takes the cake. Very much appreciated. Any tips on approaching the cylindrical bits that join up to the roof?


Accidentally posted… Ignore me.

Edit:
Maybe not completely… Knife thorough cuts using curves converted to mesh also works…


Or you can use the Shrinkwrap modifier to project the shape onto the curved mesh - that way your topology will be unchanged…

Or curve modifier.

it would help if you add front side top view !
are these simple curves surfaces or complex ones ?

happy bl

Here’s some more references… They’re definitely not straight up cylinders - they each curve a little differently.




Or Nurbs Surfaces!


is this a nice side view ?

got this one here too

happy bl

Attachments


Oh nice, thanks Ricky. I hadn’t seen that one and it shows the different heights too which is awesome.

Really appreciate your help guys. This is why the community is awesome.