Overall view of the 54-inch-long extension with mockups in place.
Sometimes you need to thrash around for a while to find a path forward that motivates you. For me, answers come from “doing” and testing in 3D. Spending months (or years) drawing sketches isn’t particularly productive.
Two-dimensional drawings tell you very little. Testing in 3D with mockups tells you a lot. I’ve finally settled on a composition that I like, and was surprised by how much the extension module adds to the layout’s operational potential. Here are some progress photos, followed by images of the prototype that will serve as the basis for the structures.
Using “T” intersections at the backdrop interface gets you around the visual landmine of having a street running right into the wall.
Top view of the “T” intersection showing the one-inch gap for the suggested cross street.
The key to capturing the feel of the area you’re modeling is to study it and identify the signature elements. LA’s Central Manufacturing District is typified by boxy, single-story, slate gray or white warehouses such as this one at 5027 Gifford Avenue. The tenants of these structures often changed over the years.
Dodge Oil on Fruitland has a lot of visual texture without being too over-the-top. I’m going to use it as the foreground structure.
The side of this Art Deco structure at 4355 will serve as the background structure at the end of the “T” intersection.
Here’s the edited photo wallpaper file of 4355. Feel free to download and use it.
Aerial view of The Central Manufacturing District facing east.