
Model House Architecture Design Project
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we, as architects, design and create 3D-printed model houses that address various needs and functions while considering sustainability, technology, and problem-solving in architecture?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- What are the key considerations when designing a house for 3D printing?
- How do different types of buildings serve various needs and functions in society?
- What technologies and software are used in architectural design for 3D printing?
- In what ways can design thinking help solve problems in architecture?
- How does understanding the principles of architecture and design influence the creation of sustainable and functional model houses?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will be able to identify key design considerations for creating a house model suitable for 3D printing.
- Students will understand the diversity of building functions and how different architectural designs meet various societal needs.
- Students will learn to use technologies and software relevant to architectural design for 3D printing, such as CAD programs.
- Students will apply design thinking to solve architectural design challenges, focusing on sustainability and functionality.
- Students will create a model house design that integrates principles of architecture, sustainability, and innovative problem-solving.
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsFuture City Conceptualization
Present students with the challenge of conceptualizing a house model that will be suitable for a city 50 years in the future. They must consider technological advancements, environmental changes, and other factors that could influence design decisions, which encourages forward-thinking and innovative problem-solving.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Future City Conceptualization Challenge
Students conceptualize and draft initial ideas for a model house suited for a future city 50 years from now, taking into account potential technological and environmental advancements.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA set of annotated conceptual sketches for a future-proof model house design.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with NGSS HS-ETS1-1 as students analyze future societal needs and constraints in their designs.Building Type Exploration
Students research various building types and their societal roles to understand diverse architectural needs and functions.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comparison chart and class presentation on various building types and their functions in society.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSupports NGSS HS-ETS1-1 by identifying societal needs related to different building functions.CAD Software Savvy
Students get hands-on experience with CAD software, learning to draft basic architectural designs suitable for 3D printing.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA basic architectural model designed using CAD software, ready for 3D printing.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with learning goals to use technologies relevant for 3D printing and supports NGSS HS-ETS1-2.Design Thinking Workshop
A collaborative workshop where students use design thinking to iterate and improve their model house designs, focusing on sustainability and functionality.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityRefined model house designs with enhanced focus on sustainability and innovative problem-solving.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with NGSS HS-ETS1-2 by refining complex problems into manageable solutions through design thinking.3D Printing Critique & Reflection
Students print their final model house designs and participate in a critique session to evaluate their works against set criteria, including sustainability, aesthetics, and functionality.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA 3D-printed model house along with a reflective critique summary of its design process and final evaluation.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSupports NGSS HS-ETS1-3 by evaluating designs on various criteria and aligning with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.7 through reflection and synthesis of the design process.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio3D Printed Architectural Model Design Rubric
Conceptual Understanding and Innovation
Evaluates the depth of conceptual understanding and innovative thinking applied to the design of future-proof model houses.Research and Analysis
Ability to research and analyze technological and environmental trends to inform design decisions.
Exemplary
4 PointsConducts comprehensive research integrating diverse sources and presents a nuanced analysis of future technological and environmental trends.
Proficient
3 PointsCompletes thorough research drawing from multiple sources and provides clear analysis of future trends.
Developing
2 PointsPerforms basic research with some source variety, offering limited analysis of future trends.
Beginning
1 PointsShows initial effort in gathering information and minimal analysis of technological and environmental trends.
Innovation in Design
Creativity and innovation in the conceptualization of 3D model house designs.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates exceptional creativity and innovation, integrating forward-thinking concepts that address sustainability and future architectural challenges.
Proficient
3 PointsShows clear creativity and innovation, applying current concepts in an effective and thoughtful manner.
Developing
2 PointsExhibits basic creativity with attempts at innovation in design concepts.
Beginning
1 PointsShows limited creativity or innovation in design ideas.
Technical Skills and Execution
Assesses students' abilities to use CAD software and 3D printing technology to realize architectural designs efficiently and accurately.CAD Skills
Proficiency in using CAD software for designing architectural models.
Exemplary
4 PointsShows advanced proficiency in CAD, producing detailed and accurate models prepared for 3D printing.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates solid proficiency in CAD, creating reliable and precise models for printing.
Developing
2 PointsExhibits basic skills in CAD use, with models showing some technical inaccuracies.
Beginning
1 PointsShows limited proficiency in CAD, resulting in models with frequent inaccuracies.
3D Printing Execution
Effectiveness in preparing and executing 3D printing of model house designs.
Exemplary
4 PointsExecutes 3D printing with precision, resulting in high-quality, functional models that exemplify design thinking.
Proficient
3 PointsPrepares and executes 3D printing with good accuracy, producing reliable models.
Developing
2 PointsDisplays basic preparation and execution skills in 3D printing with some quality issues.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles with 3D printing, resulting in models with significant quality issues.
Critical Evaluation and Reflection
Focuses on students' ability to evaluate their designs critically and reflect on their learning process.Critical Evaluation
Ability to evaluate model houses based on set criteria including functionality and sustainability.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides in-depth evaluation with comprehensive justification based on criteria including functionality, sustainability, and social impact.
Proficient
3 PointsDelivers sound evaluation with clear rationale, focusing on core design criteria.
Developing
2 PointsOffers basic evaluation with some reasoning based on design criteria.
Beginning
1 PointsPresents limited evaluation with minimal reasoning related to design criteria.
Reflective Thinking
Students' reflections on their learning process and design journey.
Exemplary
4 PointsShows profound reflective insights into the learning and design process, identifying growth and future improvements.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides thoughtful reflections, articulating learning impacts and identifying areas for growth.
Developing
2 PointsOffers basic reflections on the learning process with general observations.
Beginning
1 PointsAttempts reflection with limited insight into the learning process.