For this course, ARCH9006, students’ task
is to submit three models over three weeks, which techniques that we have
learnt earlier this semester were displayed in model making processes.
As we have been taught many techniques
throughout the course, the expectation that I have set for myself was to fully
utilize all of these techniques in making the models. This ambition was driven
by my strong passion for model making. I believe that these techniques should
not only be used to display my understanding for this course, but most
importantly act as lifelong knowledge throughout my architecture career.
Six of us formed a group based on our
design studio (high rise studio). After speaking with the design studio tutor,
Ivan, and the lecturer from this course, Russell, our group has came to a
mutual agreement to make two group models for our site, 275 George Street, and
an individual model of our own choice. The two group models were to be used as
a complementary site model for design studio submissions.
Originally, our group decided to submit the
1:500 group model in the first submission; the 1:200 group model in the second;
and eventually the individual model. In order to facilitate communication, we
set up a chat group on our smart phones. We agreed to work on both group models
starting from the mid-semester break.
Below are the URLs to respective models
that I have completed in chronological order:
- 1:500 group site model for 275 George Street
- Individual model
- 1:200 group site model for 275 George Street
Overall
challenges/how I can improve
Throughout the model making processes, I
have encountered a lot of challenges.
The most prominent challenge that I have encountered is due to my lack of
experience in new model making techniques. For example, I never operated a disc
sander and required help from workshop assistants to guide me through.
Although the skills required for this were
on a much more advanced level (that the techniques were not taught in this
course)
Despite insufficient experience, the
toughest challenge was to choose appropriate materials for model making, and sourcing
materials that were not widely available also became another underlying
problem. When I was working on my individual model, I originally intended to
use brass tubes as the major material. However I was not able to find this
material despite the fact that I had visited shop after shop; and even tried to
order it from overseas online. Changing to another easily available material,
for example, timber, would make the whole model easier and quicker to be
finished. However, I would not be able to apply many skills that were learnt in
the inductions; on the other hand could not achieve the rustic quality that I
intended. Eventually, brass rods with silver soldering was chosen for making
this model. Although this material was difficult to source and manipulate, it
has helped me achieve a lot skills for metal model making.
It is particularly difficult to communicate
with group mates when we were to only contact each other over the Internet by
text. There has been many miscommunication happening throughout this project
which contributed to other challenges that I have faced, such as insufficient
time for model making due as I was not informed of a schedule change to model
due dates; or change of plans to how to make the model that I was not involved
in the decision making process until the day of submission. I admit that I have
not been motivated enough to speak up, but I have tried my very best to
communicate with them yet it has been difficult to gain a clear and immediate
response from others when I could do nothing but leave messages on chat groups.
It would be better if we were to meet up and talk to each other in person
instead of deciding things only based on our own opinions and not reaching a
mutual agreement with one another.
Conclusion
Before taking this course, I have absolutely
no knowledge regarding model making techniques apart from making them by hand.
Now that I have acquired new techniques using machinery, I would like to
utilize them in the future so that I can better express my concepts and ideas
in a three-dimensional way and not only be limited to computer models and
drawings. My passion for model making will not be stopped as this course is
completed; and I hope that I can further explore new techniques when I have
time. Lastly, I would like to thank those who have assisted me throughout this
course because without your patience and passion for model making, I would not
be able to learn so much within such a short period of time.
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