The Modelling Workshop
An update on our group-work status to Dr Poorang in studio M21 Cockcroft preceded our day in the modelling workshop. Our young team members from Hazelwick school joined us. Damian and I quickly ran through the final designs; especially the deck design before cracking on the model. All the material we required was brought from home and tools were borrowed from Dave; the fun-loving technician and workshop co-ordinator. We were to produce two models; one that was a complete footbridge in association with site; and the other a large scale model of a design detail. We agreed that one youngster would work on the 1:10 scale detailed model with Damian and the other two would help me in making the site model. A 600×1200 mm size base cut out of chipboard was provided for our site models. Taylor wrapped the edges of the board with masking tape so no one would get splinters in their fingers. I did some quick single line CAD drawings which would help in building an accurate model.
Single line CAD drawings helped in building an accurate model (Smita, 2016)
Our chosen materials for modelling were: mount-board, foam-board to represent steel plate construction, thin square sections of sticks, wire to represent cable, nails for connectors, sawdust for surface finish, PVA glue and UHU glue, transparent plastic sheet for glass, aluminium paint on steel sections (to be used only outside the workshop for health and safety reasons), and foam-board, paint and coloured paper for the site and topography. Taylor’s cutting techniques were much admired by Damian while Katie and Joe used their fine motor skills on delicate sections like the staircase, stairwell and the bridge deck railings. Damian managed to give the final touches to the detailed model that he was working on, while the complete model with site was still in its infancy. Before Hazelwick left for the day, I instructed our group members on preparing for the presentation for the day after.
Modelling Workshop: Materials to be used for model making (Smita, 2016)
Modelling Workshop: (Left) Structural system for the bridge taking shape, (Right) Taylor working on the bridge deck detailed model (Smita, 2016)
Modelling Workshop: (Left) Katie working on the staircase block & (Right) Joe working on the deck section for the main model (Smita, 2016)
Modelling workshop: Bridge deck section detailed model (scale 1:10) was built by Damian and Taylor and completed before end of the day (Smita, 2016)
Highlights and learning from Day 3
Today my work-assigning ability was put to test. I had to focus on my own work as model making requires concentration and proficiency. At the same time, I had to make sure that the tasks assigned to our young members were being executed well and that they had enough work so we could make the most out of their time! The youngsters outperformed our expectations and both Damian and I were pleased with their work. My previous experience in model making proved handy while Damian improved on his technique. Dave the technician kept us entertained and we received plenty of moral support from Dr Poorang and Mr. Noel Painting.
Our detailed model was ready and most components of our larger model had taken shape. The challenge of putting everything together awaited.
Execution Day Challenges:
Early in the morning on Thursday, I visited the student shop in Mithras house to procure some more material that was required to build the base and the site topography. I had informed Damian beforehand about my delayed arrival due to the detour and found him waiting in the modelling studio when I finally got in at twenty past nine. Since he had completed the detailed model the previous day, we decided that he would start working on the write-up for our poster while I continued working on the main model. He remained in the workshop so he could help me as and when required.
After 2-2 ½ hours of work, I started feeling dizzy and realised that I would not be able to continue working. It would also be dangerous to work in that state for health and safety reasons. Damian figured that something was not right with me and when I informed him about my health, he got a bit worried. I went up to Dr Poorang’s office to inform him about the situation but he was not in and so was the case with Mr. Noel Painting. Apparently my health had gone down due to lack of sleep the previous night as I was too anxious about the following day. Damian and I decided that it was best for me to go home and I offered to take all the material required for the model and continue working at home as soon as I felt better. Damian in the meantime would work on the poster content and email it to me so I could compile it using Adobe in-design. Damian sent across the poster content by late afternoon.
On reaching home, I tried to rest but could not so. I worked on the model all afternoon preparing the base along with the topography. It was important to detail the topography since the ramp lengths, especially on the Mithras house side, were dependent on it. I completed the bridge sections and cut out ramps out of mount board. With all four columns and staircase/lift blocks in place and ramps attached to the platform, the model took a defined shape just after midnight.
I did not realize that I dozed off on the couch when I sat there to get a little rest. 45-50 minutes of sleep felt good and then I continued to work on the model connecting the two deck sections to it and trying to find suitable material that would represent the steel cables.
Highlights and learning from Day 4
Important issues like health must not be neglected. Sometimes, the most unexpected situations cause disruption in work. It is important to stay committed and meet work deadlines. Care and compassion for co-workers makes a team stronger.