Project 1: Model Making

This was the first time any of us had utilized the laser cutter in Des’s workshop to produce a model. At first you could say that we were a bit hesitant but after our first day of model-making we were immediately convinced that the laser cutter was a time saver!

We got cracking on the model right away imagining that once we got the steel structure up it was just a matter of attaching the panels…or so we thought!

We spent a couple of full days working on the model, during which we consumed way too much junk food (as noticeable in many photos), and watched numerous athletes compete in the Olympics (including cheering on Emma Snowsill as she won gold in the triathlon), all the while trying to figure out the best way of transporting our model to and from Deakin University in Geelong and Emma’s apartment in Melbourne around the mayhem that is Melbourne’s public transport system during peak hour.

Ultimately, Koula, Emma and I were really happy with how the model turned out. I believe that the physical model is quite honest in representing our design; from the accurate material thicknesses at a 1:20 scale, to the burn marks (left by the laser cutter) which characterize the use of recycled steel in real life and finally the sliding plywood panels which truly slide.

I’m getting the hang of this movie maker program now, so I decided to put together a simple photo slideshow of Emma, Koula and I constructing our physical model.

Please note: this photo slideshow also contains what’s known in the group as the infamous ‘construction blooper’ video.