Meet the Tutors: Theo Jones and Jacob Valvis, Green Mat Workshop

Please give a short introduction to your course and subject area - What is the basic structure, and what should students expect to learn after taking the course?

During our course Digital Model Making for Designers we hope to pass on both technical and design skills from our years as students, technicians and professionals in architecture and design. The course will start with a design brief, setting London as our testbed. We will initially produce laser-cut and paper cut models as a site study and context for design work. Secondly, small digital models will be produced printed in 3D with these developing into larger models as the week progresses. The last day will be a celebration of the students’ work with professional model photography - perfect for portfolios.

Could you take us through, in a little more detail, one technique or topic students will learn about on the course?

Students will use multiple digital fabrication tools during the course, but 3D printing will be at the core of the production process. The students will get hands-on with the printers, rather than just handing digital files to a technician. Understanding the machines will allow the designers to get the most out of their digital models. We will mainly use Ultimaker 3D printers, the most popular machines within the architecture and spatial design profession. These printers use a process called ‘Fused Deposition Modeling’ (FDM) where a filament is extruded layer upon layer to build up a 3D shape. This process is broadly known as additive manufacturing. Students will learn about the different types of materials that can be printed, how to create effective digital models for printing and some unique post-processing techniques.

What is the most important thing that students take away from your course?

Technical and design skills in laser cutting, 3D printing and the use of paper cutters making them experts in their professional practice or university. We hope students will walk away with new enthusiasm to create more models!

Anything you'd like to add?

We welcome students from a diverse range of backgrounds. It's exciting to have people join us who have varied artistic interests or professional experience.  The course would be great for someone about to start a design-focused course such as architecture, spatial or interior design. It will be a real booster for those who already have design experience, but want to level up their model making using digital techniques. We'd also more than welcome professionals who may have missed out on digital model making experience during their studies. We look forward to meeting you!