Creating Design Models

Have you ever built a project and then been disappointed by the design result? By making quick, easy scaled models first, you can play around with different design solutions and settle on one that incorporates your favorite elements — before you embark on building the full-size project in wood, metal or other materials. Scaled models are also useful for artists working on projects such as books with popup or fold-out elements.

The class covers:

• tools and materials that professional modelmakers use.
• scale and the tools useful for ensuring accurate models, as well as why it’s sometimes useful to scale up a model (if your ultimate project is small, such as a ring) as well as to scale down (if you are designing something big, such as a table).
• techniques for cutting, assembling and modifying accurate models.

At the first session, you will learn about the tools and materials and fold an origami crane as a way to focus on precision, patience, alignment and work order. At the second session, you will make models and experiment with design options. The overriding principle is to have fun both in making models as well as discovering how to further refine your design.