SketchUp PreDesign

Enhance your design research
with a new tool from SketchUp

Climate data insights your clients will love

Get the valuable data you need to leverage climate insights for your project, before you begin in 3D.

PreDesign wins Best of Products 2021 from The Architect’s Newspaper!

Generate useful insights and graphics fast

Quickly access the graphics and environmental design research and talking points you need to introduce climate factors early in your design process.

Explore viable concepts early

Identify the most effective strategies for your climate and green building type, and arrive at the best architectural design response using local weather information.

Keep your design moving forward

Make a clear case to clients and colleagues for a winning concept while creating eco-friendly architecture.

See what you can do with SketchUp PreDesign features

Shading and glazing

Get instant feedback on which shading solutions are best for your design.

Daylighting

Identify the best glazing options for getting good daylight into your building.

Architectural response

Understand the climate’s impact on your architectural design through architectural design research.

Outside spaces

Discover which strategies and features you need to make outside space more usable.

PreDesign Frequently Asked Questions:

Who the SketchUp PreDesign tool is for?

Anyone designing a building, building renovation or outside space. Anyone looking for design inspiration or ideas when considering a new building design or renovation.

With SketchUp’s PreDesign tool, what can you do?

Obtain information about the climate that will help you design a better building. Get inspiration and ideas for incorporating local climate factors and environmental considerations into your design narrative. Find out what design strategies will work well before you start building your 3D model. Generate content that helps you convince others of the merit of alternative design strategies.

How does the PreDesign tool fit into my workflow?

The SketchUp PreDesign tool is intended to be used as part of the “PreDesign” (also known as research) phase of a building or building renovation design project. The SketchUp PreDesign tool filters through design ideas and presents those that have the potential to be most suitable to your project, based on an analysis of historical climate data for your site. By using the SketchUp PreDesign tool BEFORE you start designing, you can avoid spending time thinking about strategies that are unlikely to be worth pursuing on your project.

What does the PreDesign tool not do?

It does not tell you how to apply design strategies to your project (although we do offer some guidance in the help section.) It does not guarantee compliance with energy or green building codes or standards. It will not be able to provide guidance for a specific 3D model you are working on (it only looks at building type and climate history and provides suggestions based on that).

About Elmtec

With over 25 years’ experience in the digital design community, Elmtec is one of the leading suppliers of professional hardware and software. Our specialists offer product knowledge, industry experience and support to ensure we save your business time and money.

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