Architectural_Design_with_SketchUp

Chapter 6 Creating Geometry Using Ruby Scripting
}
}
face = ent.add_face [i*s,j*s,0],[i*s,j*s+w,0],[i*s+w,j*s+w,0],
[i*s+w,j*s,0]
# then pushpull it to get a box
height = 100.feet + rand(100).feet
face.pushpull -height
Figure 6.11: A small city with buildings of random heights
Figure 6.11 shows how to use dimensions other than inches in a script and how to employ
the built-in random number generator to add variation to your creations. Giving anything
generated by a computer at least some randomness usually adds quite a bit of realism. We
will use this later with transformations, as well.
Randomizing Extrusions
Instead of applying randomized extrusions to newly created geometry, this example applies
them to already existing geometry, which allows us to learn about using selections.
First, create some geometry in your model; you need to have several faces at your disposal.
For this example, I used one of SketchUp’s preinstalled spheres as well as a square face
with intersecting lines (see Figure 6.12). Make sure the front (the white side of each face)
was always pointing outward and upward; use the Reverse Faces right-click tool if you need
to correct any. Then select everything. Paste the following (very short) snippet into the Ruby
Code Editor in SketchUp and click on Run Code:
# Randomly extrudes selected faces
sel = Sketchup.active_model.selection
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