1. How do I start Colored Architecture?

Colored Architecture works according to the server-client principle: Colored Architecture is the client (with GUI, calculation functions and visualizations) and the small ServerFive program supplied with it saves the data regardless of whether Colored Architecture crashes (hopefully this does not happen very often). The connection between the two programs is established via TCP/IP (network connection). This allows you to work on a model both locally on your computer and over the network. To start, do the following:

• Start ServerFive.exe - If the firewall sounds an alarm, please allow the server functionality, otherwise nothing will work.
• Start CA.exe
• Press the “@” button at the top left in CA to establish the connection between the two programs. Leave the default settings in the dialog that pops up (localhost and port 4011) and press OK. All command buttons should then be selectable.

2. How do I load or save a model?

ServerFive also fulfills this function. Simply use “Load” and “Save” there. When loading ServerFive, please first load the finished model in ServerFive and then connect CA. The load and save functions in Colored Architecture are rather import and export functions, i.e. information may be lost. I always recommend the SketchUp Collada file format as the import format. This can be used to import and export materials and textures in Colored Architecture. Please use the triangulation of all surfaces in the SketchUp export options. CA works with the convention 1 unit = 1 meter.

3. How do I start the Radiosity visualization?

First of all, you need a model that is not too large or too detailed. Then it should be modeled in such a way that it does not contain any continuous surfaces (otherwise there will be artifacts). If this is the case, the “Automatic surface separation” function should be applied to the model (toolbar on the left in the bottom center) in order to split the model at its joint edges and continuous surfaces. The radiosity precalculation can now be carried out (toolbar bottom left). The preset values for the radiosity calculation can usually be left as they are. I most often change the patch size (to obtain finer model resolutions) and the sky resolution in degrees (to change the position of the sun in finer gradations). The rest always stays the same. But be careful: such a radiosity precalculation can take a long time!

4. How do I navigate in the 3D model?

The right mouse button can be used to switch between the various movement functions and the selection function of the mouse. The left mouse button then executes the action. The “look around” mouse mode (symbol with the two ellipses) can only be accessed in the perspective window. If a model is loaded, the middle mouse button can also be used to fly around the model in the look around mouse mode. There is also the WASD key movement, which also works best with the look around mouse mode.

If you have any further questions, please send me an e-mail. I am always happy to help. Christian.Tonn@gmx.de