Tag Archives: model

3D Printing, part 1

steve wallet architect 3D print tile 2015-7-19Recently I have been looking into and learning about 3D printing. It allows me to convert my digital models into 3D models. This is done using a 3D printer, which is a cross between a laser jet printer and a hot glue gun. The model is “printed” in layers of melted plastic. The layers cool and stick together and voila! you have a 3D model.steve wallet architect 3D print schindler mcalmon front lft 2016-6-17

steve wallet architect 3D print schindler mcalmon front rt 2016-6-17When you 3D print buildings from a digital model you need to scale down the model. Your 40′ long wall is translated into a 2″ long plane.This requires interpretation of the design and modification of the model. Thin parts of the actual building get too thin when printed in a scaled-down model.These thin parts need to be thickened, adjusting the model for the limits of the printer while keeping the overall sense of the design. These models are roughly 2″ to 4″ on each side.steve wallet architect 3D print schindler mcalmon top 2016-6-17

Print 1: tile (top image)

I thought it would be easiest to print something that was in flat layers. I chose a tile designed by my friend and architect James B. Guthrie. It is meant to be made from stacked layers of computer cut steel and is inspired by the designs of the architect Louis Sullivan.

It was fun to do and I learned a lot, but not so easy – all those curves and layers!

Print 2: Schindler’s McAlmon Apartment (lower three images)

Feeling more confident, I wanted to try a 3D print of a building. I chose my favorite test Schindler, his McAlmon Apartment. I focused just on the Schindler designed front. I love the way it turned out.

Stay tuned for part 2, 3D printing architectural building blocks

 

RM Schindler’s Elmer House, 1952 (unbuilt), Conclusion part 5 of 5

Loose Ends miscellaneous things worthy of comment

Windows

The windows in the Elmer House are an unusual late Schindler design. They are unframed pieces of glass, with glued-on handles, that slide in grooves in the frame like the doors of a china cabinet. (fig 1) I first noticed this Schindler window in the original Shulman photos of the Erlik House, at the Getty Institute web site. I was excited to see them, still in use, in the Skolnick House.(fig 2, handles have fallen off) An interesting way to radically simplify window construction.

RM Schindler’s Elmer House, 1952 (unbuilt), Form, part 4 of 5

Form/Packaging

Thanks to Linda Theung for letting me use her photos of the Kallis House. (figs 5 & 7) Photos are copyrighted by Linda, all rights reserved.

Thanks to Dale East for letting me use his photo of the Kallis House (fig 6). Photo is copyrighted by Dale, all rights reserved.

Thanks to Chris Jepsen for letting me link to his wonderful googie website.

Thanks to Tom Lundin and his wonderful ModMidMod site for letting me use his Biff’s digital model to create my night-time image 8.