After going the last few days of the model making course with insufficient sleep, the students have little time to celebrate the remarkable achievement that the completion of the final presentation model represents. 

This exhibit gives us the chance to let the students know how proud we are of their personal sacrifice and dedication throughout the semester. 

This exhibit is dedicated to the students that made it happen through their great effort. 

The models are being donated to the university.

Visit images of the models and opening here.

CONSTRUCTION STUDY MODEL

Through this project, students learn about building structures and framing systems, and develop a visceral understanding of the connection between a two dimensional set of drawings and the three dimensional structures they represent. 

The students are introduced to a set of construction documents and taught how to navigate the complex assembly of information to develop an understanding of the structures they describe. These drawing sets are of buildings right here on the CSULB Campus. 

They are then tasked with building a scale study model of a section of the building solely by referencing the construction documents. From the building foundation, through the steel girders and columns, to the floor systems, wall framing and window systems the students painstakingly construct the building at scale, learning as they go. 

They are graded on accuracy rather than craftsmanship.

STRUCTURAL DETAIL MODEL

These realistically rendered detail structure models further impart to the students how structures and finishes work together to create the finished expression of the building. 

Here, the students fully come to understand the intricacies of an architectural set of drawings while developing meticulous model making skills.

With the Structural Detail Models, students learn how to simulate real materials and finishes with a variety of materials and medium. These techniques can be used in a number of different types of models to achieve a variety of effects. 

The models are expected to accurately reflect the various layers of structure and finishes and to be rendered and presented as works of art.

CAFE MODEL

The café models teach students how models can be used as a part of the process of design. 

Students are given an interior/exterior space to develop as a café and are challenged to explore opportunities for connecting spaces vertically and horizontally, interior to outdoors. After building a study model at scale and refining their concepts in form, students construct a presentation level model simulating real materials and finishes with a variety of materials and medium. Students are tasked with constructing a number of feature elements including a pair of stairs, a shelving system, a counter-space at the point of sales, window systems and seating throughout. They are graded on accuracy, craftsmanship and their realistic depiction of finishes and features.

PRESENTATION MODEL

The presentation models truly represent the collaborative achievement of the entire model making class. Throughout the semester students are tasked with developing time management and project planning skills and they are put to the test with this project. 

With minimal guidance, students outline the work required to construct the model, develop a schedule that will allow them to build it within the time allotted, develop task specific teams to get the work done, purchase materials, track hour and funds and manage the output. 

Having already studied the structure through the construction study model project, students visit the building on campus and photo document it to get an idea of how it looks overall and to acquire an intimate understanding of the details of the building.  They then begin with the construction of the model base and start creating component elements. Bits &pieces become wall elements and window systems, roofs and floors.  The building components are not fully assembled until the last few days of the class, when all of the finishing touches are added and the model is given its final cleaning.

Accuracy, craftsmanship, collaboration, dedication and project management are all tested through this definitive project. It is truly a monumental achievement for the class.