Model Making in Architecture a workshop as Skill Development Programme

Venue: Class Room II A, School of Architecture, REVA University
Dates: 29th, 30th and 31st March 2018
Semester: II A, II B, IV A and IV B
Coordinated by: Ar. Uttam Kumar Mondal
Convened by: Asst. Prof. Sneha Murthy, Asst. Prof. Sanjeev Koppar and Asst. Prof. Anup Kumar Prasad (School of Architecture, REVA University)

The importance of Model making in Architecture, doesn’t need testimonial. Although, with the advance rendering software, getting drawings, 3D visuals and Walk-through seems modern, fascinating and convenient. Nevertheless, making physical model by hand explores thoughts that are unpremeditated, pre-verbal, non-linear. The idea evolves before the brain has had time to set boundaries, enforce preconceptions. The craft of making things is the essence of design. Thus, to enhance the skill of model making, a skilled resource person from Pune has been invited. After inspecting all the models scattered around the school, he confident that the students are talented and interested in model making, but they need proper guidance. To begin with, the coordinator thought them cutting techniques (Full-cut / Half-cut), surface development, use of glue etc. by practicing cube, pyramids, cylinders and other forms, on the first day. At the end of the day, to relax the students from all the hard work, the coordinator showed a short movie on paper origami. On the second day, to encourage the students, a short presentation on variety of models done by the coordinator has been shown. To bring variety and possible complexities in model, a design assignment has been given. All the students came up with their own idea of a telephonic booth in different context. While designing and executing the model making of each individual unique telephone booth, entire class learned model making process as an architect. On the second half of the third day when everyone finished their models, the coordinator also thought them how to take photographs of the model for presentation purpose and for their portfolio. The take away from the workshop is not only different techniques of model making but the wisdom to work on model as an art along with preservation of physical model in digital format.