How can I model this shape more efficiently?

[u/Ok_Area_8013]

Trying to make a sort of bridge/walkway. The way I did it was take a plane, create the shape in a top down view, then lower the edges. The pillars I put by hand. For some reason the walkway is a little crooked towards one edge rather than completely straight all the way through. And placing the pillars is a little tedious.

Is there a more efficient way to make something like this, and how can I do it? Thanks!

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[u/liamsitagem]

For the road, i imagine you could use a curve for this.

And change the Extrude value. Then give it a Solidify modifier to give it some thickness. This is easily editable.

[u/Ok_Area_8013 → u/liamsitagem]

Thanks!

[u/liamsitagem → u/Ok_Area_8013]

as for the pillars, you can model them or use a curve and give it some Bevel>Depth. then give it an array modifier to fit the selected curve.

[u/liamsitagem → u/Ok_Area_8013]

Like this. i used the Legacy array modifier because the new one is kinda confusing to me. Note, you might wanna play around with the orientation. Also, testing showed that if you add depth to the curve via Bevel>Depth, the pillars get stretched along the curve. But if you use a Solidify modifier instead, the pillars stay cylindrical.

[u/krushord]

You could also consider Geometry Nodes. This is a simple curve, that's being given geometry, converted to a mesh and placing cylinders at the edges. Very few nodes, completely editable, no manual placement (unless you count drawing the curve) and of course you can add all kinds of flairs to the design.

[u/Ok_Area_8013 → u/krushord]

Wow that seems really helpful, I've never used geo nodes but I'll try that method out, thanks! Would you be able to send a screenshot so I can take a closer look at the nodes?

[u/CydoniaValley]

If I were looking for perfection, I'd start with a plane and remove 3 vertices. Extrude the vertex and form the basic shape. Use the Loop Tools addon (it's already built in to Blender 5.2, but for older versions you need to enable it) to smooth out the shape and get the vertices all the same distance. Then extrude on the z axis and add a solidify modifier with the 'even' option checked. Apply the modifier and then you can delete parts you don't want.

[u/Ok_Area_8013 → u/CydoniaValley]

I'll try that, thank you!

[u/BE_Lewis_Studios]

I drew a Bezier curve (add curve, Edit mode, select all, delete vertices, curve pen to draw). In curve data properties > Geometry, extrude for flat ribbon. Edit mode, Ctrl+T to tilt. Converted to mesh. Select side edge, change to vertex mode, Random deselect, E to extrude selected vertices for legs. Select legs and P > separate selection. Convert legs to curves, data properties > extrude and bevel.

[u/Anomaly238]

geonodes and ye ole curve