Creating paper mockups from threedimensional numerical models: considerations about modeling, planning, blade cutting and assembling objects

Abstract

This paper is a partial result of a research that studies the modeling and digital fabrication of complex architectural forms. It presents and discusses experiments that investigated paper mockup creation methods and techniques based on numerical models that were planned, blade cuted and glued. The main objective was to build knowledge and systematize guidelines to optimize the transformation process of the digital model into the physical model to ensure good finish and adequate accuracy, according to the scale chosen. This research is qualitative, characterized by the accomplishment of combined exploratorydescriptive studies, with increasing complexity of the constructed forms. The objects were modeled in SketchUp software, planned, edited and organized for cutting using Inkscape and sent to the paper cutter through the Silhouette Studio program. Among the main results of the research, it stands out the synthesis of guidelines for the optimization of papermaking work. Furthermore, the research enabled the production of a comparative table where each experiment could serve as an evaluation parameter of the digital fabrication methods used.