Animals

Animals is a product of my studies in Fab Academy and has since made its way into several classrooms around the world.

The objective of this exercise is to teach students how to work with 2d programs in order to create 3d objects and understanding the process behind it. By using an existing file the students get to make something of their own in a very short amount of time even without prior experience or relevant knowledge.

Since this is a pretty straightforward project its process of development was rather simple. Ever Since its conception I had been waiting for the right opportunity to use them. When I first started working for Ideahub I had been asked to come up with classes for students of various ages. Finally Animals came up. I designed a class that could fit students of different grades. Finally Animals came up, a class originally designed to suit students of different grades working together to create of their own exiting or imagined animal, deriving from a flat 2d design, laser-cut and easily transforming into a 3d toy. Since this is a pretty straightforward project its process of development was simple enough to put the emphasis on the students imagination and creativity living within the boundaries of the manufacturing process and assembly.

The lesson itself starts with a quick introduction to Inkscape software followed by some practice time, after which, the students open the pre-prepared file and make as many changes as they want within the time-frame. The peak of the lesson is dedicated to the actual manufacturing during which the students learn about the laser cutter machine and materials available to them. (Normally Plexiglass is used for this but they can also chose plywood and cardboard)

This project tends to be whimsical and the outcomes are so fun and playful that they generate a creative appetite, keeping student invested in the tools given to the as a means of bringing their ideas to life.