As a student in ENC3310, I created a miniature Eiffel Tower model for a class project. The idea for this project was to create a model of our own choice to download for 3D printing. To make the process a bit easier for creative makers (like you), I have provided step by step instructions for digitally constructing a mini model of an iconic Parisian architectural masterpiece.

Before embarking on this project, our class instructor, Emily, gave us an in-class activity similar to the objective of this 3D printing project. For the activity, we used Play-Doh to mold a shape of an icon and have a partner read our written step by step instructions to create it and vice versa. This activity helped with envisioning the process of giving clear and concise instructions as well as with conceptualizing and visualizing the creation of 3D figures. I believe this activity helped prepare me for this project which involves an interesting combination of art and technology.

I chose to digitally create and 3D print this particular icon of the Eiffel Tower because I adore the charming city of Paris. I traveled to Paris, France with my family when I was young at twelve years old. When I was there, I marveled at the city’s art, from those seen in the Louvre to stylistic boulevards. The overall atmosphere of the romantic city sparked feelings of freedom and belonging. After taking a literature class at UF titled “Paris was/is a Woman”, I was reintroduced to the city again, but in a new light. In one semester, I have learned so much about the writers and artists of Paris of the 20th century and how women in particular contributed to the bustling salons and artistic community. I am in awe of the beautiful and artistic city of Paris and the intellectual catalyst it has provided for many. To keep my memories of this city close to heart, I chose to create a mini Eiffel Tower to have of my own and to give others a figurine reminding them of a place one can call home.

Step 1: Find an Image

Find an image online of the Eiffel Tower. Seeing an image of the actual architecture will help you understand the basic shapes that go into how you will construct your model.

Image here: https://goo.gl/images/XXa1QF

Step 2: Build a Model on the 3D Building Software Tinkercad

1. Log into your account on Tinkercad (or create a new account if you do not already have one).
2. Once this account is created click "Create New Design".
3. On the screen the first thing you should see is a blank gridded work plane. On the right-hand corner, identify a box to scroll through that says "Basic Shapes" with shapes to click on underneath.

Step 3: Create the First Piece (a Pyramid Shape)

1. Choose the pyramid shape and once this shape is clicked, drag it to the work plane and place it on the work plane by clicking anywhere on it.
2. Make the dimensions of this pyramid with a base of 65 x 65 mm, and a height of 138 mm.

Step 4: Create the Concaves in the Pyramid

1. Select the cylinder shape and drag it to the work plane next to either the right or left sides of the pyramid.
2. Rotate the cylinder 90 degrees horizontally so that each circle base is facing the front and back of the pyramid structure.
3. Make the dimensions of this cylinder with its base of 64 x 64 mm, and a height of 262 mm.
4. Duplicate the cylinders by clicking on the cylinder shape and then hold down “Control” and “d” keyboard buttons. Make four cylinder copies.
5. Keep two of the four duplicates to look exactly the same. For the other two cylinder copies, rotate each of them 90 degrees by its x-axis so that each of its circle bases are facing away from the pyramid.
6. Move the cylinder 0.0 on its y-axis and -1.0 on its x-axis for the west side of the pyramid and 0.0 on its y-axis and 1.0 on its x-axis for the east side of the pyramid.
7. Move the cylinder -1.0 on its y-axis and 0.0 on its x-axis for the south side of the pyramid and 1.0 on its y-axis and 0.0 on its x-axis for the north side of the pyramid.
8. Click on one of the cylinders. A pop up box should appear that describes how you want your shape to look. Select “hole.” Click on the other three cylinders and do the same for each.
9. Now, use your cursor and click on anywhere on the plane except on the shapes and create a box (a red dotted line box should appear) around the entire structure. Merge the shapes to create the concaves in the pyramid by holding down “Control” and “g” keyboard buttons.

Step 5: Create Half-Circle Arches Near the Base

1. Select the round roof shape and drag it to the work plane.
2. Change the dimensions so that the round roof has a length of 166 mm, width 33 mm, and a height of 20 mm.
3. Duplicate the round roof by clicking on the cylinder shape and then hold down “Control” and “d” keyboard buttons. You should have two round roof shapes in total.
4.Click on one of the round roofs. A pop up box should appear that describes how you want your shape to look. Select “hole.” Click on the second round roof and do the same.
5. Drag each of the round roofs to the center of the base of the pyramid, so that one crosses through the midpoint horizontally while the other crosses through the midpoint vertically.
6. Now, use your cursor and click on anywhere on the plane except on the shapes and create a box (a red dotted line box should appear) around the entire structure. Merge the shapes to create the half-circle arches by holding down “Control” and “g” keyboard buttons.

Step 6: Create a Molding Above the Half-Circle Arches

1. Select the cube shape and drag it to the work plane.
2. Make the dimensions of this cube 37 x 37 mm, and a height of 8 mm.
3. Place the cube in the center of the structure and move it slightly above the arches.
4. Now, use your cursor and click on anywhere on the plane except on the shapes and create a box (a red dotted line box should appear) around the entire structure. Merge the shapes by holding down “Control” and “g” keyboard buttons.

Step 7: Create Trapezoid Holes Above the First Molding

1. Select the roof shape and drag it to the work plane.
2. Change the roof into a trapezoid shape by bringing a cube shape into the work plane and adjusting it so its base has the same dimensions as that of the roof’s base.
3. Click on the cube and a pop up box should appear that describes how you want your shape to look. Select “hole.”
4. Place the cube directly on top of the roof and eye-ball the dimensions to create a trapezoid shape.
5. Now, use your cursor and click on anywhere on the plane except on the shapes and create a box (a red dotted line box should appear) around the entire structure. Merge the shapes by holding down “Control” and “g” keyboard buttons.
6. Now, with your trapezoid shape created, make the dimensions of the trapezoid with a width of 14 mm, length of 61 mm, and a height of 16 mm.
7. Duplicate the trapezoid by clicking on the trapezoid shape and then hold down “Control” and “d” keyboard buttons. You should have two trapezoid shapes in total.
8. Drag each of the trapezoids to the center right above the molding of the pyramid, so that one crosses through the midpoint horizontally while the other crosses through the midpoint vertically.

Step 8: Create a Molding Above the Trapezoid Holes

1. Select the cube shape and drag it to the work plane.
2. Make the dimensions of this cube 25 x 25 mm, and a height of 7 mm.
3. Place the cube in the center of the structure and move it slightly above the trapezoid holes.
4. Now, use your cursor and click on anywhere on the plane except on the shapes and create a box (a red dotted line box should appear) around the entire structure. Merge the shapes by holding down “Control” and “g” keyboard buttons.

Step 9: Create a Molding Near the Peak of the Tower

1. Select the cube shape and drag it to the work plane.
2. Make the dimensions of this cube 17 x 17 mm, and a height of 8 mm.
3. Place the cube in the center of the structure and move it near the peak of the tower so that it create a small pyramid shape near the tip.
4. Now, use your cursor and click on anywhere on the plane except on the shapes and create a box (a red dotted line box should appear) around the entire structure. Merge the shapes by holding down “Control” and “g” keyboard buttons.

Step 10: You Did It

Congrats! You have successfully created a 3D model of a mini Eiffel Tower.

Step 11: Time for 3D Printing!

Export your newly finished model to your computer. Download any necessary software if you are using your own 3-D printer and print your creation. If you do not have your own 3-D printer, search for any places that offer 3-D printing sources. I used my school's library for printing my creation. The picture shown above is my result. Bonne chance!