Where can I buy architectural engineering models?
May 19, 2013 3:47 PM Subscribe
Are there any online stores that sell teaching aids for demonstrating principles of architectural engineering? I am wanting to buy model columns, arches, domes, trusses, cantilevers, and so forth, to use in architectural history classes that I am teaching. The goal is to demonstrate the physical forces that act on buildings, so I don't need models of finished buildings and bridges, but rather models that show how the structures work--preferably in an interactive way. Any leads would be most appreciated.
RLT.com has models for Warren trusses, a catenary arch, a self-supporting arch, and an earthquake tower.
Tufts University has instructions for building bridge models that demonstrate the qualities you're looking for, but not finished models for sale.
This place sells instructions and kits for popsicle stick bridges, including Warren trusses, Howe trusses, and suspension bridges.
My 11-year-old and I recently watched a Great Courses series that was a history of structures. The professor made most of his own models, and they seemed like they'd be quite simple for a handy type of person in general (and he supplemented his simple wooden models with things like stiffening trusses made from something that looked like K'nex to me). That course can be had for $40 during one of their many sales and might have some ideas for you.
I hope this is helpful. I don't think anything I've linked to is quite what you're looking for, except maybe some of the RLT stuff, but perhaps it will get you a step closer.
posted by not that girl at 4:08 PM on May 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
Tufts University has instructions for building bridge models that demonstrate the qualities you're looking for, but not finished models for sale.
This place sells instructions and kits for popsicle stick bridges, including Warren trusses, Howe trusses, and suspension bridges.
My 11-year-old and I recently watched a Great Courses series that was a history of structures. The professor made most of his own models, and they seemed like they'd be quite simple for a handy type of person in general (and he supplemented his simple wooden models with things like stiffening trusses made from something that looked like K'nex to me). That course can be had for $40 during one of their many sales and might have some ideas for you.
I hope this is helpful. I don't think anything I've linked to is quite what you're looking for, except maybe some of the RLT stuff, but perhaps it will get you a step closer.
posted by not that girl at 4:08 PM on May 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
Well, one of the old standbys is Froebel blocks, which were famously a childhood toy of Frank Lloyd Wright^ (and have connections to the original kindergarten movement and today's Montessori education).
posted by dhartung at 5:46 PM on May 19, 2013
posted by dhartung at 5:46 PM on May 19, 2013
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posted by BenPens at 3:58 PM on May 19, 2013