what material do architects use to build their mock-ups?if you know...where do i find it?

Question

my son likes to build cities, i would like to encourage him by providing some of the right tools.

Answer 1

You can also use foam core, which has a thickness of 1/4", and a higher rigidity and tensile strength than mat or posterboard. Make sure you use a either a very sharp X-acto knife, with a #11 blade, or better yet, a woodburning pen with an X-acto blade attachment, which not only cuts the foam cleanly, it also seals it, giving you a nice smooth cut. Dull blades make the foam look like a tiger was chewing it. If you also use a steel rule, as opposed to an aluminum rule, you can angle the cut to make mitered corners. Use low melt hot glue for an instant and very strong bond. If you need to reinforce corners or supporting walls, you can use straight pins as dowels. You can also buy a brand of paint that has sand mixed in, called Patio Paint, for texture. All the above materials are available at most craft stores. I worked at Michaels, so I know they at least have them. In the glass painting section, they have thin plastic sheets which can be cut with a craft knife, for windows, and if you need trim, they also carry strips of basswood and balsa. In the wood aisle, you'll find things like wooden flower pots, for planters, turned pieces for bannisters, woodsie squares and rectangles for bricks and pavers, etc. He can use his imagination and have a great time.

Answer 2

Posterboard, a type of thick, stiff cardboard, available at art supply stores. Also an Xacto knife set or its equivalent, also available at those stores or at a hardware store. He will need a piece of plywood to cut the cardboard on, to avoid damaging his desk or work table. Glue, of course, and rollerball pens to draw doors & windows, a ruler, a geometry set.

Answer 3

if your a student on a budget try reverse garbage warehouses

they sell good quality items that people have thrown away