The studio as a process requires the representation and communication of ideas in visual forms. Modeling allows students the opportunity to modulate space in its 3D form. A variety of modeling methods, materials, and techniques are used throughout the interdisciplinary studios to give students the tools they need to represent their ideas through their models.
Transforming Typographies
In this first modeling exercise students use “ready-made” typographies to first create a dynamic collage. After the collage is completed, the students then draw the collage by hand to identify new shapes formed from the overlapping typographies. In this first abstraction (collage–>drawing) students must think about shape in terms of positive and negative spaces. The students then further abstract the collage and drawing from their 2D state into a 3D form. The typography transformation is the culmination of each student’s own perception and abstraction of the 2D shapes into 3D forms.
Collage 
Abstract Drawing 
3D Model 
Conceptual Modeling
In this exercise students used geometrical relationships to find forms. In transforming their 2D shapes into 3D forms students were encouraged to experiment with the materiality of the model opening themselves to new modeling techniques and ways to represent materials.
Experimentation with Materials 
Conceptual Model 
Drawing and Conceptual Model
Process 
Process 
Build Challenge
As a welcome to the studio students worked in interdisciplinary teams to construct a tower with a given set of constraints. The constraints included that all materials to build the tower had to fit inside one shoebox and the final structure had to support a lightbulb. Students were given 1 studio session for brainstorming and design work. In the 2nd studio session they constructed their towers for the exhibition. This exercise developed both their collaboration and team building skills, while also asking them to be creative with both materials and design.
Working Models
Working models help students to understand the spatial qualities of their designs and how the human form will interact within their designs. These working models are preliminary ways for them to “see” the space. In constructing working models structural concerns become apparent and the students must then think about how to support their structures. The working models also make the student consider the critical connections and materiality of their design.
Wire Expressions
In this exercise students create 3D wire-frame sculptures that express an idea. It is up to the students what they represent and how. This exercises familiarizes the students with wire as a medium and makes them aware of its abilities as a model-making tool.
