Project Overview

Arckit is a ground breaking architectural model kit of parts that enables everyone to physically bring their ideas to life. Arckit is based on modern building techniques consisting of a series of inter connecting components that allow the user to easily and quickly create and modify advanced scaled architectural structures.
Arckit has been described by global architect Sir David Chipperfield as a 'sophisticated lego' and by budding architects as 'reality Minecraft'.
Any parent who sees Arckit believes that it should be in every school such are Arckit's educational qualities.
Unlike traditional model making methods, Arckit requires no measuring, gluing, cutting or sticking. Now everyone can make advanced models using a professional design too.

Organisation

Arckit

 

Team

Damien Murtagh

Project Brief

We wanted to develop a sophisticated reusable scaled modelling system for architects yet one that was easy enough for anyone to use. Imagine being able to pull your designs from the screen and making them a reality right before your eyes. Now you can with Arckit.

Arckit is a revolutionary scaled architectural model building kit of parts that enables everyone to physically design and bring their ideas to life easier and radically faster than ever before. It consists of a series of inter connecting components based on modern building techniques. Arckit removes the difficulties associated with traditional model making and so opens up the possibility for everyone to create beautiful precision models of multiple building types.
So whether you are a budding architect, a professional architect who'd like a fast affordable way to build and communicate your ideas, someone with a real or aspirational project, a teacher looking for an inspirational product or a hobbyist looking for the next level, next generation in scaled model building kits, Arckit is for you.

Arckit is also available digitally within SketchUp and you can apply the surface finishes you desire using Arckitexture sheets and our online Arckitexture library.

Project Innovation/Need

Arckit advances physical architectural model making as never before. Until now the only method of making architectural models is by measuring, cutting, gluing and sticking materials together for one time usage. This is notoriously time consuming, difficult and wasteful.
Arckit was developed as a professional physical design tool yet easy enough for budding architects as young a 10 years of age to use. It's radically faster and more flexible than anything in the market place, in fact Arckit is the only product of its kind in the world.
Think of Arckit as a new platform to 'build off' not only with our components which we intend to develop on an ongoing basis, but also with your own bespoke 3d printed components that you can integrate into our system. The possibilities are literally endless in terms component range and capability.
Arckit is a product for life, we envisage a young student using the same kit in first year and throughout their entire professional design career.
When people see Arckit for the first time they wonder why it wasn't developed before.
Arckit is a totally freeform advanced system based on real modern building techniques and limited only by your imagination.

Design Challenge

To come up with a series of components that would enable numerous design possibilities

To develop a method of linking those components together

To create a fast, affordable, easy to use and modifiable systems that was continuously reusable and therefore saving time, cost and waste.

To develop a new architectural modelling system that architects would embrace and endorse.

To develop a system that could continually evolve

To develop a system that was literally as fast to physically build as it would be to digitally draw the equivalent on screen.

Architects have always made models to understand and communicate their ideas. Unfortunately with the dawning of the digital era, physical model model making has taken a back seat due to time, complexities and cost constraints involved.
I believed that if I could create an affordable modelling system that encapsulated all of the above, that architects and the wider design community and the education sector, would embrace it. And I am delighted to say that they are.

Sustainability

Arckit is for life. Its reusability is what makes it a brilliant product. Whoever purchases Arckit will continue to use that same product throughout their entire lives. That is simply what Arckit is for, to reuse over and over again, creating something entirely different every time. Think of the savings Arckit will have in comparison to buying card, foam board and glue throughout the life of a design student.


Arckit is made from recyclable materials.
The Arckit box is of very high quality to house the components for life and so is not a throw away item.