Creative Model Making in Architecture Short Course
Course description
Course overview
Inviting observation, reflection and experimentation, this inspiring short course offers students an overview of communicating architecture through model making.
Students gain a thorough understanding of a specific building in London and learn to express its practical and conceptual aspects; working on one of the following iconic buildings (to be decided on the first day of the course):
- Maggie's Barts Centre (designed by Steven Holl)
- St James park's Cafe, (designed by Michael and Patty Hopkins)
- Lumen United Reformed Church (designed by Theis and Khan)
The process of representing and materialising a building's aspects in 3D involves a deep engagement. Using crafting skills, students are encouraged to immerse themselves in a different understanding of a building. The course will start with visiting and immersing in a real architectural object and its surroundings. Students will have the opportunity to engage physically with it, take written notes and/or sketches. The rest of the course will then take place in the classroom. Scaled drawings, texts and photos will also be provided to allow for a more analytical view of the building.
During the course, students plan and design a 3D model to communicate one or more factual aspects, such as structure, materials, layout etc. This will involve working out scale and measurements and developing precision and accuracy. Students then move on to design and create a more abstract 3D representation, expressing their sense of the conceptual, sensitive and poetic aspects of the architecture.
By working on two different dimensions, students gain an understanding of the rich possibilities that lie in model representation, enhancing their ability to communicate about architecture. Students will be encouraged to share diverse points of view to broaden and enrich the learning experience.
Students can take this short course over 5 evenings or one weekend.
Who this course is for
This practical short course is aimed at anyone interested in architecture and creative model making. All levels of experience are welcome, though familiarity with using cutting tools such as Stanley knives is necessary.
Key information
Topics covered
- Reading and understanding architectural drawings
- Visiting a building and applying critical and analytical perspectives
- Using traditional and analytical model-making techniques
- Experimenting with creative model-making techniques
- Communicating architecture using models
Learning outcomes
- Understand the different aspects of architecture including structure, materials and concepts
- Gain a deep understanding of a specific architectural piece in London
- Understand the principles of technical model making
- Experiment with creative and abstract model making techniques to evoke conceptual views
- Appreciate the various possibilities of model making as a tool for communicating architecture
- Digital badge and certificate of attendance
Materials
- Notebook and pen for taking notes
- A box to transport your models to and from class as there is no storage space available on campus to keep them between sessions
- You may also want to collect reclaimed materials for the second model if suitable
Tutor
Emilie Queney
Emilie Queney trained as an interior designer and architect in Paris, where she also obtained a postgraduate degree in philosophy and architecture. She has developed a multidisciplinary and collaborative practice, focusing on project design and management, architectural theory, and innovative methods of engaging various audiences with architecture.
Throughout her career, Emilie has worked in Berlin, Paris, Lausanne, Hamburg, and London where she has taken on various roles such as architect, teaching assistant, model maker, artist facilitator, stop-motion animator, and toy designer. She has participated in architectural residencies and collaborated with institutions such as the Centre Pompidou and the Young V&A.
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