Landscape Architecture Studies: Laminated and Section Models

Task: To create a laminated contour model and a gridded sectional model using the contour plan of the island and sectional drawings.

Laminated Model: In order to create a laminated model, I traced each contour onto card and cut each to shape with a craft knife. This is the first time I have to cut card in an accurate manner which, I'm sure in time I will get better at (I hope!). I began by using grey-board, and by having never done this before it was so SO difficult! Accuracy seemed to be impossible and my fingers and arm muscles became sore and tired very quickly. I changed blades frequently (as recommended by my tutor), but apparently making models is not my calling - I'm not sure if I have the patience! After a day or two away from the project - soothing my arms and focusing on other projects, I came back to the project full of a new energy and motivation, and a bright idea of switching to a a thin corrugated-cardboard (I am a beginner after all!) which was much easier to cut and I am pleased with the results.

The first layer - only 15 more to go!

Sectional Model: For the section model, I figured out the sections all the way through the model based on a grid - with 5 evenly spaced sections along the width and the length. I then traced each of these sections onto card, cut them out and slotted them together. I used a thick corrugated card, and by changing my blade often I could get a better result, but I think due to the success of the thinner card on the laminated model, I will, in future, use thinner card as the sections did not turn out looking very neat. I would also find a better way of slotting the sections together - as it was as I was making it that I realised mistakes that I had made - for example, I can cut half way up one section and half way down the section to be slotted in to make the whole structure more sturdy. The effect really brought the model to life - being able to 'see-through' a landscape really helps to understand the topography.