Case study: Building exercise

Case study: Building exercise

In this exercise participants worked in small groups to build small "floats" for a street parade. The objects were designed to be operated by one or two people, and so had to be light. Participants build floats based on notions of bugs/insects or their "dream cars". The exercise was designed to be a quick introduction to construction and group work.

Materials:

Cane
Cardboard
Wire
Tape
Assorted bits of foam and plastic

	This object used a cane frame. Larger bits of bamboo and polystyrene tubing can be combined to form strong but light weight frames. Lighter cane can be used to add strength to the frame.
	This car used cardboard in its construction.
	Papier mache can cover the frame. You can use greaseproof paper dipped in a mixture of one part PVA wood glue and one part water. When the paper dries it shrinks, forming a stiff surface.
	A backpack harness can be built using cane and strips of material. Make the harness on the performer so you'll know it will work before incorporating it into the full construction.
	Many recycled materials can be combined to produce the desired object. Here foam insulation was used to cover cane garden stakes to create insect legs for a construction.
	Gaff tape and wire can be used to create strong joints on a frame. Drill holes through the cane joints and wire them together. The tape covers the wire to prevent injury, and adds strength.
	Once built, it was time to parade the objects. Here an insect takes to the street.
	A large cardboard box became the fluffy dice car.