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Category Archives: Miscellaneous Projects
Experimenting with DaVinci
This Mona Lisa 3D print was made from a image that was applied to Standard Primitive Box object in 3D Studio Max this had a Displaced Modifier attached, the box has then had  increased segments to make the object appear more three dimensional.  This will turn the 2D black and white Jpeg Image into a 3D meshed object that can be printed later.
Using the black and white image of Mona Lisa we have done a number of controlled tests using a raster engrave setting on the laser machine.  Paper was used initially and then card and timber this has had a number of interesting results and is proving to be very effective if an image or graphic is need for a model or surface decoration for an object.
These experiments were carried out to demonstrate yet another potential use of the CAD driven machines in our workshop and could be applied to anything from facade detailing to micro site modelling.
Plaster Casting guide inspired by Timothy Richards Models
Earlier this year myself and Jim went on a visit to Timothy Richards workshop in Bath. Read more about that visit here.
In response to what we saw there we decided to have a go at casting some facade tests of our own to demonstrate to you the potential when using this method for modelmaking. Starting with some reference images of the University of Manchester Archway we decided to focus on one of the Gothic style windows as our subject.
Making a ‘Master’
Initially recreating the form of this stone work in miniature may seem time consuming but as you will see the end results are fantastic and the intricate detail featured is easily replicated by casting.
A good way of creating details like this is by layering sheet material, in this case acrylic. Planning the layers on CAD will allow you to break down the details into manageable  stages (Above). When combined, the layers of laser cut acrylic form the recesses and steps in the winder with the radius in the stone work being replicated using a filler and hand sanding (Below).
Spraying a coat of primer paint on hand finished areas can help to identify any imperfections in the surface (Below). This primer can then be sanded back
The extra details of the window can be formed using styrene and or abs strip with any further radius being creating again with filler. Once complete the master model is ready to be moulded. 
 Pouring a Silicone MouldÂ
The are a wide range of silicone’s available for mould making so it is always advisable to check the specification of individual products before committing to use them on your master model. Firstly ensure the master is secured to a mould former – in this case we used a storage try which suited but bespoke formers are usually required.
Ensure the silicone is mixed to the manufacturers instructions and pour in a thin stream to avoid any air bubbles forming against the master mould. Ensure the master is sufficiently covered and allow to cure for the recommended time.
Once cured carefully remove the silicone mould preserving the master mould to be reused if any problems occur. The benefit of using silicone is that the flex allows the master and eventually cast items to be easily removed without much stain on the items themselves. Â Some minor trimming of silicone overlap may be required before the mould is ready to be used for plaster casting.
Plaster Casting
As with the silicone there are many types of plaster available so always check to see if the specification suits your needs. In this case we simply used stone plaster mixed to the correct consistency and poured directly into the silicone mould – no release agent required.
Once the plaster has set it can be carefully removed from the mould giving a completed cast. These sections can be used as tests or replicated to create a more detailed facade. 
One area we have touched on is adding pigments to the plaster mix to give varied results in terms of finished cast colouring. We will revisit this area when we have time to experiment some more and let you know how it goes. If you have any ideas that could make use of this method of making be sure to get in touch either via email or in person at the workshop. We are more than happy to help! Scott & Jim
Welcome back to ‘SEED’ and a new academic year!
As some of you may have noticed we have added an extra ‘E’ to our name due to the merge with the School of Education. Our full name is now the School of Environment, Education and Development or SEED.
Busy summer
Over the summer we have been busy co-writing a second edition to the highly acclaimed book ‘Architectural Modelmaking’ by Nick Dunn. We expect the book to be published sometime next year and should prove very useful for existing and new students of architecture. We’ll post more on this when we can!
This had kept us productive along with a materials re-stock and clear out in preparation for your return. We hope to stock some new acrylic thicknesses in the next few weeks. Up to date materials price lists are now up in the workshop and can also be checked here on the blog.
Up-front payment for laser cutting
From now on we will only be allowing students to book laser cutting slots if they have paid. This change is being implemented to reduce the number of no-shows that occurs during busy periods which led to many hours cutting time being wasted last term.
New Full-Time Workshop TechnicianÂ
The workshop now has an additional member of staff as Scott Miller has now been made a full-time member of the technical team. Some of you may have met Scott last year when he worked with us on a casual basis. Scott is a very accomplished model maker and will be happy to help with any of your model making requirements.
The Arts University Bournemouth: Workshops & End of Year Show 2013
Following our trip to Bath and Timothy Richards’s workshop we drove down to Bournemouth for a private workshop tour and a look at their end of year show. Having studied in Bournemouth for my degree I was already aware of what they have but felt showing Jim the facilities first hand would be of great befit to the constant refinement of our own workshop. Unlike our workshop at SED, the Bournemouth workshops cater for a wide range of courses and as a result are set over two large floors.
One aspect of the workshop design that would be great to incorporate into our own is the segregation of certain areas. This is a difficult task in SED due to our restricted space however certain changes are possible and some solutions could come from other institutions such as this. Of particular interest to reduce the amount of dust in the air we breathe we were interested to look at the sanding benches (below). These were in a purpose built room with enclosed extraction to reduce the spread of dust. Whilst we are limited in space, incorporating one of these benches into our workshop may be a possibility and we will consider implementing it within the next year.
Another separate department is the CAD-CAMÂ area which incorporates all CAD driven machinery away from the main woodwork shop space. As with the sanding room, it is unlikely we will be able to create such a space without expanding the workshop. This said, by simply arranging the machinery together and the materials they use effectively it is clear that this side of the AUB set up works very well. We will be making efforts to improve on material storage and availability over the summer.
One of the main draws for me to study in Bournemouth was the ability to collaborate with so many different courses. The AUB has facilities to cover Architecture, Interior Architecture, Animation, Costume Design, Model making, Make-up, Graphic Design, Film Studies, Photography and many more Arts based courses. Here are a few shots of our look at the End of Year show across the campus.
Find out more about the arts based courses at Bournemouth by clicking here.
Workshop Updates
With the academic year over things are a bit quieter down here in the workshop but there’s no shortage of jobs to do!
New band saw
We have just installed a brand new Hammer band saw to replace our smaller Startrite band saw which has become problematic over the last year. The new machine has been ordered from Austria having been built to order.
This functions in exactly the same manner with the exception of the drop down guard which has two separate height adjustment and lock off wheels (see image below) as opposed to a single wheel.
Should you be unsure of anything on this new saw don’t hesitate to ask myself or Jim for assistance. The new saw will soon be fitted with the standard emergency stop buttons you will find on all the machines in the workshop. Remember if these switches are pressed you will need a member of staff to unlock the machine for use.
Re-Stocking and New Materials
Ahead of the new year were also re-stocking the store which has been left somewhat depleted after last months exhibition rush! All listed thicknesses of Laser-able (Medite) MDF; Laser-able Plywood and Acrylic stock will all be cut and stocked for September.
We are currently looking into stocking 1mm and 0.5 mm Acrylic sheet which are great material thicknesses for architectural models that have previously been unavailable here.
Timothy Richards: Fine Plaster Architectural Models, Bath
Last week we took some annual leave to go on a modelmaking road trip! We visited two main locations and so I’ll split this summary into two posts. This post will cover our visit to Timothy Richards studio in Bath.
The company has become the world leader in the production of fine plaster cast architectural models for exhibition display and private commission.
Over the past few months there have been several student projects attempting to delve into the plaster casting medium to convey their ideas.Whilst we have some experience of this process we thought it would be useful to ourselves and to upcoming students to give an insight into this process commercially and how better than to visit this master of the art!
A friend of mine, Lauren Milton, with whom I graduated in Modelmaking is now working for Tim and was able to give us an extensive private tour and insight into the workings of the company. 
Tim’s models range from complete buildings to facade’s and architectural details. Many of these models are made to order as private commissions however there is a range of popular works which are kept in stock for purchase.
The method used to produce the models has been refined over time but essentially involves creating a ‘master’ form of the subject to take a mould from then casting in the appropriate coloured plaster which can be pigmented to suit. One of Tim’s core beliefs about model building is that a model should be as similar in materiality as the building it represents. This means that all of the works produced here are cast in their final colour and therefore no paint is used on the cast surfaces. The only areas where colour may be applied is again through a ‘raw finish’ material such as thin sheet metal used to emboss over certain areas much as they would be in reality on roofing details etc.
Once cast, the building or facade components are assembled and any additional details such as window frames and railing are added. These details are primarily made from etched brass – a process we will cover in another post but in the mean time please ask myself or Jim for more information. The resulting components can be made extremely fine and add a great deal of realism to these models.
Finely sculpted elements are made by sculptors who are paid to create exact replicas of organic details on the buildings. Once complete the scaled down sculpts are cast in white metals and then added to the master models before being cast into the final model.
Tim keeps everything for future reference meaning an extensive store of past model masters and moulds. This area in particular is fascinating and shows the breadth of experience compiled through sheer number of past projects in store. This visit was truly fascinating and insightful. It may be possible for us to arrange a lecture and demonstration from Tim this coming academic year. Should this happen I can’t recommend it enough!
For more on Tim’s work click here: http://www.timothyrichards.com/
Outside of our workshop visit we spent some time looking around Bath looking at some of its fantastic architecture and the historic Roman Bath house. All in all a great place to visit should you get the chance!
Taking from our visit we have decided to have a go at creating some plaster models of our own so we’ll keep you updated on our progress with that in the coming weeks.
Scott
Ketso Jigsaw Prototypes
Dr Joanne Tippett, based here in the Humanities Building, got in touch with us to help her produce several prototype jigsaws for her ‘RoundView’ Project. This is a whole systems approach to sustainability, which has come from research funded by the Sustainable Consumption Institute here at the University. The jigsaws are being manufactured by Ketso (founded by Joanne). Ketso offers various interactive hands-on engagement packs to allow groups of people to contribute to discussions fairly in group working and learning environments.
Find out more at wwww.roundview.org and www.ketso.com
The ‘Eco Puzzle’ we have been involved in is nearing its final stages with Joanne hoping for mass production if interest from organisations such as the Manchester Science and Industry Museum and others is taken forward.
Contact Joanne at joanne.tippett@manchester.ac.uk if you would like to know more.
Good luck Joanne!
Grand Designs Live, ExCel, London
Yesterday myself and Jim travelled down to London to visit the Grand Designs Live show at ExCel. The show presents hundreds of suppliers from various design industries inspired by the hit TV series. Of particular interest to us was the use of models as sales pieces for show participants. This was not limited to scaled down architectural pieces but full size 1:1 constructions and prototype details. Throughout the day we were able to meet a variety of people and spread the word about the workshop, this blog and the courses we are involved with here in Manchester.
Several weeks ago we posted about the dwelle project that was completed in the workshop. This project was and continues to be very successful for dwelle in demonstrating the construction behind their eco house design. The model made a starring appearance at the show next to the Grand Theatre which hosts many design related lectures over 10 days.
As well as visiting ExCel we stopped by at the V & A to have a quick look at their Architecture gallery. The gallery features a good selection of model types and styles and is well worth a visit if you are in the area.
ITV Coronation Street model
This 1:250 site model was made for Jenkins Design ahead of the proposals for the new Media City UK site at Salford Quays. The model was used to convey the proposed site details and their relationship to the existing roads and the Manchester Ship Canal.
