MAXON Computer Cinema 4D Tutorials: Modelling a Deck Chair

Tips & Techniques - Modeling

Modeling:
Modelling a Deck Chair
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Version 6+

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Description: This tutorial describes how to model a deck chair using Sweep NURBS, Extrude NURBS, as well as duplicate and arrange functions with CINEMA 4D R6.

Step 1: First, we will create the frame of the chair. Starting with the sides, create a Spline Object by choosing Objects=>Spline Object and change your view to the XY view by hitting the F4 key or selecting View=>View 4 from the view menu. Now, we have a good vantage point from which to draw our spline. With the spline object selected in the Object Manager, control-click within the editor window to create a point. Point by point, plot out a spline profile like the one shown.

After you have recreated our spline profile on your screen, double-click on the spline icon in the Object Manager and change the spline type to B-Spline. To make sure your model is sized like ours, set the Size in the the Coordinates Manager (while the Model Tool is selected) to X = 60, Y = 50. Click Apply.

Step 2: Now, we will sweep a rectangle shape along the spline we made. Create a rectangle by selecting Objects=>Spline Primitive=>Rectangle. Double Click on the rectangle icon in the Object Manager to open its settings dialog. Change the settings so that Width = 2m and Height = 4.5m.

Step 3: Because deck chairs traditionally do not have armrests with sharp cornered edges like a rectangle does, we will soften the rectangle's edges. While the rectangle is still selected in the Object Manager, press the C key to make it editable, or, choose Structure=>Make Editable from the top menu.

Step 4: The rectangle icon in the Object Manager will change into a spline icon; Double-click on it and change the spline type to B-Spline. Next, subdivide rectangle by 2 (Structure=>Subdivide.) The resulting shape should be ideal for our purposes.

Create a Sweep NURBS Object by choosing Objects=NURBS=>Sweep NURBS. Drag and drop the spline path first, then the rectangle, into the Sweep NURBS object in the Object Manager.

Step 5: The resulting sweep should look as shown on the left. We need to fix the the ends of the Sweep so that they taper inwards and close. Double-click the Sweep NURBS icon in the Object Manager to open its settings. On the General page, set Start and End to Cap and Rounding.

Then, move on to the Details page and use the settings shown; Rounding set to Linear, Start Steps = 1, Start Radius = .5, End Steps = 1, End Radius = .5, Phong = 20 degrees, Constrain Contour checked. Once you are done with the settings, rename the object to 'armrest' by double-clicking on the name of the object in the Object Manager.

Step 6: We are not quite done sweeping yet. Create another spline object and shape it into a similiar curve as the one shown. Rename it '1'. To do this, double-click on its name in the Object Manager and type the new name into the dialog. Then, make a copy of the rectangle shape you used to Sweep the armrest with. Inside the Coordinates Manager, change the size of the rectangle copy by changing the X size value to 1.75m and the Y value to 3.5. Create a Sweep NURBS Object and place the new rectangle and spline into it. Rename the Sweep Object to be called 'Side'.

Step 7: In the Object Manager, group the armrest and side objects together in the Object Manager by pushing 'G' and draging the marquee over the two objects, or, you can select Objects=>Group Objects from the File Menu. Then, make a duplicate copy of this object by control-clicking and draging the object to an empty spot within the Object Manager. In our example, we spaced the handrails apart by 52m in the coordinates manager by setting the first handrail to Z = 26m and the other to Z = -26m.

Step 8: Create a new cube by selecting Objects=>Primitive=>Cube. Double-click on the cube icon in the Object Manager and change the cube settings so that Width = 2m, Height = 10m, and Depth = 55m. Also, turn on the Fillet checkbox and set its size to 1m and its segments to 5.

The objects refered to are highlighted in purple

Make a duplicate copy of this cube. Position (along the X axis) and rotate (around the Z axis) the two of them as shown.

Step 9: We have completed the frame for the bottom of the chair. Now, we will proceed to create the backrest. Draw the spline shown and make a duplicate copy of it. Set the duplicate aside for use later.

Step 10: Select the original spline in the Object Manager and choose the Create Outline tool (Structure=>Edit Spline=>Create Outline.) Then, go into the Active Tool dialog, set distance to 2m and click apply. This spline will be used in an Extrude NURBS. Resize and reposition until you are satisfied with it. We also have chosen to reshape the spline by moving the bottom left point as shown.

Once you are finished, create an Extrude NURBS Object (Object=NURBS=>Extrude NURBS) and drop the spline profile into it. Double click on the Extrude NURBS icon in the Object Manager to access its settings. On the General page, set the Z distance to 5m and change Start and End from 'Cap' to 'Cap and Rounding'. On the Details page, edit the settings so that Start and End Steps = 3, Start and End Radius = 1.

Make a duplicate of the Extrude NURBS and position one of them on each side as shown.

Step 11: Now we will begin to fill in the chair. First, create a cube and change its settings to Width = 4m, Height = 1m, and Depth = 50. Also, check the box for Fillet and change the fillet size to .5 and fillet segments to 5. Click OK. We will make duplicates of the resulting shape and arrange them along a spline.

Step 12: We need two splines to arrange along; One for the seat of the chair and one for the backrest. Fortunately, we already have the splines we need. Remember the duplicate copy you made of the spline you used for the backrest frame? Rename that spline to be called '2.' We will arrange these cubes along this spline.

Spline 2

Step 13: Select your new cube and make a duplicate of it. Name one of them 'top' and the other 'bottom.' Then, select 'top' and choose the duplicate function (Functions=>Duplicate). In the Duplicate dialog, change copies to 12, checkbox Generate Instances, and set move O. Click OK.

Step 14: You will notice a new Null Object inside the Object Manger. That Null Object contains within it all the duplicates you made of the cube. Drop the cube into the Null Object that contains all its copies. Then, select and rename the Null Object to be called 'Top Set.'

Step 15: While that object is still selected, choose Functions=>Arrange from the top menu. In the arrange dialog, specify the spline named '2' in the search for box. Click OK.

Step 16: Your backrest should be arranged as shown. Obviously, you will need to center the top set between the two back frame pieces along the Z axsis. To restrict movement so that you can only move along the Z axis, remeber to turn off the others.

Step 17: Now, select 'bottom' and choose the duplicate function. In the Duplicate dialog, change copies to 10, turn on the Generate Instances checkbox, and set move to 0. Click OK. Drop the 'bottom' cube into the resulting Null Object. Rename the Null Object to be called bottom set. Then, arrange the group along the '1' spline. Move the group over so that it fits right between the two sides.

Step 18: As a Final touch, we will also add some cylindrical supports to the chair. Create a cylinder object (Object=Primitive=>Cylinder). Double click on its icon in the Object Manager and change its settings so that its Radius = 0.5m and Height = 50m. Also, change its orientation to +Z. Click OK.

The cylinders refered to are highlighted in purple

Then, make a duplicate of the cylinder object. Position the two cylinders along the X axis as shown.

Texturing

Step 19: For the chair frame we will make a white, plastic, texture to apply to the frame pieces. Create a new material (Material Manager=>File=New Material). Double Click on it to open its dialog. In the color channel change the brightness to 90% and exit the window.

Step 20: For the plastic seat straps, we will make a blue, plastic material. Create a new material and set its color channel so that R=36%, G = 60%, B=85%, and Brightness = 80%. Then, in the Specular channel, change Width to 8% and Height to 100% and exit the dialog.

Step 21: Finally, group all the chair components together and rename the Null Object group to be called Deck Chair. Apply the white texture to the Deck Chair group. Apply the blue texture to the top set and the bottom set.