What you will need
Safety! Pay attention to what you are cutting or you will cut yourself instead. Always use a cutting mat or board and a stainless steel ruler (not wood or plastic) for cutting to avoid the knife slipping.
Choosing Materials
There are a range of materials you can use to create a model. Here are some examples of student work using a variety of materials.
Properties
Properties
Properties
Properties
Types of models:
Contour Model
What is a contour? A contour is a line on a map that represents a group of points that all lie at the same height. This height is usually derived from sea level.
Map Model
Alternatively, you can use a context/map model to analyse and critique a space. Print a large scale map of the area of interest. Mount the map on a solid base. Add in surrounding buildings, roads and planting. You can now use the model to map routes, settlement patterns and thoughts.
Concept model
Use a concept model to develop your design looking at materials, shapes , light, colour and scale it doesn’t need to be something that is realistic it just helps you decide what you like and what is appropriate for your space.
The next step will be to refine these ideas in your model, for this your choice of material is essential to allow you to keep the forms you want and represent your idea to its full potential.
Create and explore!
How to: Make a building model
Draw the walls of your building, measuring to ensure that the shape is correct. Cut out the shape in one ‘strip’, ensuring that the walls are attached and open at one end. Score the edges with a blade. Note: Be careful not to cut through the folds. Cut out the windows and doors. This is the most difficult part of the process, so use a steel ruler to get a clean finish. Fold the edges of the design until it begins to take shape, glue or tape into place. Position on the card and draw around to get the floor area. Once you have traced this, you can cut it out. Repeat the steps until all walls and openings have been complete.
These are some basic tips but feel free to experiment with materials and techniques!
How to: Photography
Taking a photo of your completed model can not only document your work but it can also help with the design process.
Some tips
Useful Images
In order to populate your model with people, print the above image on A4 paper. For best results, print on a piece of white card, alternatively you can stick it onto card once printed.
What you will need
Safety! Pay attention to what you are cutting or you will cut yourself instead. Always use a cutting mat or board and a stainless steel ruler (not wood or plastic) for cutting to avoid the knife slipping.
Choosing Materials
There are a range of materials you can use to create a model. Here are some examples of student work using a variety of materials.
1. Foam board
St. Dominic’s Secondary School, Ballyfermot
Properties
2. Balsa Wood
St. Patricks College Co. Cavan
Properties
3. Lollipop sticks
Mercy College Coolock
Properties
4. Sugar cubes
Mercy College Coolock
Properties
Contour Model
1. Use a map to locate the contour lines surrounding your design. Maps can be sourced online from Google Maps and OSI. Alternatively, you can analyse the site and sketch out the levels.
2. Draw the contour lines onto the card.
3. Carefully cut the shapes out starting with the bottom layer and working your way up.
4. Once you have each level cut out, ensure they are in the correct position and fix in place with glue.
5. The model can be finished by adding in buildings, trees, coastline ect.
Contour context model made by students in Scoil Phobail Bheara in Cork
What is a contour? A contour is a line on a map that represents a group of points that all lie at the same height. This height is usually derived from sea level. Map Model
Placeshapers skerries mapping thoughts
Alternatively, you can use a context model to analyse and critique a space.
1. Print a large scale map of the area of interest.
2. Mount the map on a solid base.
3. Add in surrounding buildings, roads and planting.
4. You can now use the model to map routes, settlement patterns and thoughts.
Placeshapers model mapping routes
Use a concept model to develop your de-sign looking at materials ,shapes , light, colour and scale it doesn’t need to be something that is realistic it just helps you decide what you like and what is appropriate for your space.
The next step will be to refine these ideas in your model, for this your choice of material is essential to allow you to keep the forms you want and represent your idea to its full potential.
Create and explore!
Concept model made during the NCAD IAF teacher training
1. Draw the walls of your building, measuring to ensure that the shape is correct. Cut out the shape in one ‘strip’, ensuring that the walls are attached and open at one end.
2. Score the edges with a blade. Note: Be careful not to cut through the folds.
3. Cut out the windows and doors. This is the most difficult part of the process, so use a steel ruler to get a clean finish.
4. Fold the edges of the design until it begins to take shape, glue or tape into place. Position on the card and draw around to get the floor area. Once you have traced this, you can cut it out.
5. Repeat the steps until all walls and openings have been complete.
These are some basic tips but feel free to experiment with materials and techniques!
Taking a photo of your completed model can not only document your work but it can also help with the design process.
Some tips
Print on A4
Print the above image on A4 paper. For best results, print on a piece of white card, alternatively you can stick it onto card once printed.
