 Columbian Model and Exhibit Works faced the biggest challenge in our 20 year history and conquered it. We made a model of the City of Chicago for the Chicago Architecture Foundation during these challenging economic times. It was a huge task, and we worked very closely with the CAF to accomplish our goal.
We had to gather, verify and redraw the central part of the city, resulting in 1000 buildings to be fabricated. Just keeping organized with this big a project was a consideration. We quickly determined that the best fabrication method would be 3D printing, the problem was the expense. Our role as model design co-coordinator was to do CAD work, develop a 3D digital file of the city and process those files for 3D printing. Happily, Baxter International, DSM Somos and Molex stepped in and donated fabrication of the buildings to the CAF. These companies had the ability to rapid prototype the buildings using Stereolithography (SLA). We emailed the 3d files, and got back photopolymer buildings. Hand work is still required to sand, paint and finish over 1000 buildings. We also designed and made the base, roads, side walks, water, etc. Did you know the entire model to fits thru a single 3 ft wide door? On installation day, we set the model up while TV crews filmed and crowds gathered. If you have not yet seen the model, I hope that the following pages will inspire you to take a look. WTTW Chicago Tonight, November 3, 2009 report: (see on Chicago Tonight Website)
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