Lesson Summary
Students will delve into architectural modeling by constructing their own house using cardstock paper. They will explore rendering techniques for various architectural materials such as cement, wood, concrete, brick, stone, and glass, utilizing markers and colored pencils on a house template. Following this, they will score, fold, and secure the parts together with glue.
Lesson Objectives
Students will engage in architectural modeling, creating a paper house from cardstock.
Practice rendering different architectural materials like cement, wood, concrete, brick, stone, and glass.
Develop fine motor skills, spatial awareness, and attention to detail.
Scale Models
Scale models, smaller versions of architectural designs, are essential tools for architects for multiple purposes. They aid in visualizing designs in three dimensions, facilitating better understanding of spatial relationships and aesthetics. Additionally, scale models allow architects to evaluate and refine designs, identifying flaws and issues not evident in drawings or digital renderings.
Moreover, they serve as effective communication tools, enabling architects to convey design concepts to clients and stakeholders and gather feedback before construction. They also serve as marketing tools, showcasing projects to potential clients, and serve educational purposes, providing hands-on experience for students and professionals in architectural modeling techniques.
Overall, scale models play a vital role in the architectural design process, supporting visualization, communication, evaluation, marketing, and education.
Discussion
What comes to mind when you think of a house?
What colors are homes typically? What materials are commonly used in their construction?
Name some different parts of a house, such as driveway, roof, garden, and etc.
Would you like to live in a house? Describe your dream home.
How does building a scale model of a house improve the overall design of it?
Archectural Materials
What to do
Choose a House Template: Select a suitable house template based on the type of home you want to create.
Score the Fold Lines: Lightly score the fold lines using a utility knife and a steel-edged ruler.
Cut Out the Template: Use scissors to cut out the template.
Fold the House: Fold the house to visualize the completed structure.
Plan and Draw Doors and Windows: Unfold the house and plan the placement of doors and windows. Draw them accordingly.
Render the Materials: Consider the materials for your house—brick, wood, stone, glass, etc. Choose colors and styles for realistic rendering.
*Elementary Students: For added fun, younger students can choose a theme (e.g., Halloween, Christmas) for their homes.
*Glass Windows (Advanced): Older students may cut out window holes and attach clear acetate film as glass.
Fix the Tabs: Once decorated, fold the house back together and permanently attach the tabs using tape or glue.
Make a Floor Base: Create a base for your house, including a lawn, driveway, garden, and trees.
Terminology
Architecture — The art or practice of designing and constructing buildings.
Scale Model — A smaller version of a structure. It's used to visualize, communicate, or study designs before they're built on a full scale.
Scoring & Folding — To make a light cut line (not all the way through) on a sheet of paper so that it folds cleanly.