Rendering in SketchUp

308
Part 4: Setting Light with Shadows
Composing Light Strategies
Set the lighting based on model type and camera view. Architecture, interiors, and sites 
have different focuses and lighting needs. Some general strategies for each model type are 
discussed here. These guidelines are not intended to be comprehensive. Only you know what 
type of focus and light your model requires.
architecture
Set light to provide depth to building fenestrations and facade volumes. Extruded sills, mullions, 
columns, etc. should cast and receive light. Create an even balance of shaded and exposed 
facade surfaces. The resulting depth gives focus to a building. Generally, SketchUp shadows 
should run slightly parallel to the facade face that is the focus of the rendering (Fig. 18.17, 
Fig. 18.18).
Fig. 18.17: 
The sun is set behind the building causing a shadow to be cast on the build-
ing facades facing the view. This creates excess darkness and obscures the building 
facades and details (Twilight Render).
Fig. 18.18: 
The shadow direction is adjusted to highlight the facade details, creating 
good contrast and depth (Twilight Render).

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309
Chapter 18: Composing Light
Use adjacent building faces, other buildings, and shadow boxes to accentuate the contrast of 
light and dark throughout a rendering. Cast shadows onto the foreground, between buildings, 
and onto building facades. Use a shadow box and cast shade onto the main building side or 
focus. If a building has two visible facades, choose one to have an exposed focus. The other side 
should cast or receive shadow (Fig. 18.19, Fig. 18.20).
Fig. 18.19: 
The shadows are set so the building facades highlighted in blue will cast shadow and be 
darker compared to the adjacent facades.