Attending the SketchUp 3D BASECAMP Bengaluru Conference, organized by SketchUp India in collaboration with Hope Technologies Pvt. Ltd. | SketchUp Authorized Distributor – South & East India and Greater SAARC Countries was an inspiring experience. Held at the prestigious Taj Hotel on MG Road, Bengaluru, this event was a celebration of creativity, innovation, and the transformative power of SketchUp in various industries.
From architects to landscape designers and interior design professionals, the conference brought together a vibrant community of SketchUp users eager to explore the future of design tools. With over 350 attendees, including professionals and students, the event was a melting pot of ideas and knowledge.
A Grand Beginning
The conference opened with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, setting a reflective tone. Rahul Mallikar, Regional Channel Head for India and SAARC at SketchUp, welcomed the audience with an overview of the event’s agenda and an introduction to Trimble India. Following this, Sean Baptist, APAC Business Leader for SketchUp, inspired attendees with a powerful quote:
“You are creators of customers’ dreams, so you have to ensure their dreams come true.”
Sean captivated the audience by sharing a case study of a heritage restoration project in Pondicherry, showcasing SketchUp’s capabilities in preserving architectural legacies. He also unveiled the exciting features of SketchUp 2024, highlighting enhancements in visualization, performance, and collaboration.
Unveiling SketchUp 2024
The SketchUp 2024 update was a focal point of the event, and for good reason. Key highlights included:
- Backward Compatibility in LayOut: Managing stakeholders is now seamless with LayOut’s version-less model, ensuring older files remain accessible.
- Ambient Occlusion: A global style setting that adds realism to designs by emphasizing corners and edges, enhancing visualization during modeling.
- AI Assistant: An exciting leap into the future, SketchUp’s AI Assistant uses text commands to generate 3D models and rendering, revolutionizing the design process.
- Improved Collaboration and Flexibility: Updates to Trimble Connect integration ensure seamless cloud-based collaboration and data sharing
These updates emphasize SketchUp’s commitment to empowering designers with tools that save time and elevate creativity.
Enriching Perspectives from Industry Leaders
The event featured a stellar lineup of speakers who shared their expertise across architecture, urban planning, and design innovation:
- P.R. Dilip Kumar from Venkataramanan Associates delivered a visionary talk on the evolution of design tools, from charcoal sketches to BIM and generative design. He captivated the audience with examples, including Bengaluru’s iconic Vidhana Soudha, built in 1956 without modern technology.
- Kanika Kumar, Senior Landscape Architect from Khatib & Alami, showcased the use of SketchUp in urban planning and landscape design. She demonstrated how SketchUp simplifies shadow studies, topography analysis, and material exploration—saving time and resources.
- Harsh Pareek, Regional Sales Director for Trimble, explored software trends shaping 2024, including AI, Big Data, and construction technology. His talk emphasized Trimble’s comprehensive solutions for every stage of infrastructure development.
Real-World Applications of SketchUp
The event highlighted SketchUp’s versatility through presentations from industry leaders:
- The WEIR Group demonstrated how SketchUp streamlines complex layouts and rapid proposal creation, ensuring on-time project delivery.
- Jarka Renewables showcased their innovative use of SketchUp for solar panel design and installation.
- No Broker shared a creative interior design case study, highlighting SketchUp’s role in transforming client visions into reality.
Pushing the Boundaries of Design with AI
Ar. Ujjayant Bhattacharyya, Professor RVCA Bengaluru and Co-founder of STHAAN, wowed the audience by demonstrating SketchUp’s AI-powered text-to-3D modeling. He emphasized how generative AI is unlocking new levels of creativity, allowing designers to create objects and rendered images in seconds.
Hope Technologies: Three Decades of Innovation and Client Empowerment
Saroop Chand, Promoter and Founder of Hope Technologies | SketchUp Authorized Distributor– South & East India and Greater SAARC Countries, took the stage to introduce his company and its remarkable journey spanning over three decades. It was inspiring to learn about their unwavering commitment to supporting clients with cutting-edge technologies, empowering them to reach new heights of success.
Amit Saxena, Regional Sales Manager for SAARC Geospatial Trimble Field Systems, delivered an insightful presentation on transforming designs into reality with unparalleled precision. Later there were presentations by Sahil Jain, Customer Success Manager for India; Jang Yun, Customer Success Manager for South Korea; and Gurumurthi N, Technical Manager at Hope Technologies. Together, they showcased the latest advancements in SketchUp, highlighting innovative customer case studies across diverse domains, including architecture, construction, and interior design.
Celebrating Talent and Community
SketchUp added a competitive twist with the Kalagrama Challenge, inviting architects and designers to create a cultural center blending nature, tradition, and innovation. The creativity on display was astounding, and winners were celebrated with mementos and cash prizes.
Parallel to the sessions, a SketchUp Certification Program allowed participants to gain credentials, further showcasing the conference’s focus on professional growth.
A Fitting Finale
The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks from Rahul Mallikar, leaving attendees enriched with knowledge and inspired to push the boundaries of design.
Takeaways
SketchUp 3D BASECAMP Bengaluru was more than just a conference—it was a testament to the growing influence of design software in shaping our world. From the cutting-edge updates in SketchUp 2024 to the visionary insights of industry leaders, the event underscored the importance of innovation and collaboration.
For those passionate about design, technology, and transforming ideas into reality, this was an unmissable experience. Here’s to many more such gatherings that celebrate creativity and progress in design!
For details about the SketchUp and other related software visit:
https://www.sketchup.com | www.hopeindia.com
Reach out for more information at: marketing@hopeindia.com | +919663424573
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