Empire State Building + MakerEd Project

thingiverse

This scale model of the Empire State Building is constructed using just twelve basic component shapes in Tinkercad. To print this model and appreciate its complexity, or be motivated to create your own custom city, read on for some 3D design advice and a MakerEd project for utilizing this type of 3D design in a classroom, library, or makerspace. I Designed This Here, we will describe the process behind our 3D model of the Empire State Building. We built it using twelve basic shapes found in Tinkercad. Getting Started with 3D Design To create a 3D model, you will need to know how to use computer-aided design (CAD) software. One option is to learn a free CAD program like Fusion 360 or Autodesk Inventor. Designing Your Building Once you have a basic understanding of CAD, it's time to begin designing your building. Start by researching the structure and appearance of your chosen building using resources such as pictures and diagrams. Planning Out the Building Next, try to break down the building into simpler elements like boxes, arcs, wedges, or hemispheres. This will make it easier for you to design and 3D print your model. Step 1: Break Down the Building into Smaller Components Using sketches, divide your building into smaller parts. What is the minimum number of basic shapes that could be used to create a realistic representation? Encourage students to sketch their buildings in terms of these simple pieces and list each part on a separate piece of paper. Step 2: Create a Digital Model Use computer software or an app to draw and manipulate your design elements, then put them together to create a three-dimensional model of your building.