After carrying out Step 1 and 2 you should now have a pile of scrap materials and some scale figures and should be well prepared for the real challenge.

This module, we ask you to develop a small, scale model that presents the beginnings of your spatial and material intent for your ideal dream home. Take into account that your model will be a sketch model and remember the purpose: to research and to discover! Think about what you would like to communicate with your model. Is there a theme, a concept, a vision?

STEP 3:

What kind of environment would you like to give to your scale figure? We will call this your ‘Dream House’, or ‘Dream Place’. We hope you can be experimental, but can also keep it simple – it is better that there is one strong concept rather than many ideas which can make the space seem convoluted. This means, you do not need to design a whole house with many kinds of rooms and functional requirements. Just focus on what would make it a pleasant place to be: a place to sit with friends, maybe a swimming pool or perhaps a fantastic skylight… a nice place, YOU can name it. 

Keep in mind that you design for your scale figure! Sizes should fit his or her personal size in such a way that sitting, standing and walking is comfortable. This is called ergonomics, and in this case it means that sizes and other conditions (such as light, sound and surfaces) are adapted to the human (scale figures’) preferences. In week 4 we will focus a bit more on ergonomics in the more detailed scale models. There is also literature about all kinds of dimensions that are relevant to architects. A good reference is Neufert – Architect’s Data.

STEP 4:

Play with the materials, the scale figure(s), and most importantly, play with your ideas. You cannot force inspiration without this period of play, so just relax.

STEP 5:

Remember:

• Make use of the simple, scrap materials you have available – paper, cardboard, wooden sticks, old styrofoam packaging etc. could all be good model materials.
• Use a scale figure to help the viewer understand the proportions of the space.
• It might be a good idea to develop a guiding theme – an initial idea, vision, or concept that you can return to if you are ever stuck with something.
• Keep it simple.
• Have fun – don’t be afraid to play and experiment with ideas.