Arckit Play Cityscape Architectural Model Building Design Tool A10047

It was a few weeks ago while wandering the halls of the Los Angeles Convention Center during the annual Dwell On Design show when we happened upon what we believe might become the next best gift to give to anyone in the architectural field…or any imaginative child with the makings of becoming the next Renzo Piano or Zaha Hadid. The yet-to-be released Arckit Cityscape, Arckit Masterplan and Arckit Masterplan Pro sets are miniature architectural building blocks elevated beyond playthings – a conceptualizing tool that permits designers to walk away from from the screen to imagine cities, towns, and streets yet realized.

Launching this autumn, the Arckit Cityscape, Arckit Masterplan and Arckit Masterplan Pro are designed to appeal to specific – but not exclusively – different demographics. The Cityscape's playful and pleasing block colors hint of the younger demographic it may most appeal to:

Arckit Cityscape is designed to inspire dreamers of all ages with a variety of unique kits & components finished in a choice of 'architect's' white & soft pastel colours. The kits are easy-to-use and follows similar principles to other building toys. First you design your layout, then position your buildings before finishing them off with a choice of iconic roof shapes. Suitable for 6 years+

Bump up a few levels in the intricate detailing department, strip out the pastel colors, and you've got the Arckit Masterplan, a professional-level system offering designers, planners, and architects to build and visualize vertically into the realm of skyscrapers or span imagined expanses with bridges. These kits aren't just for adults nor professionals, rated for anyone 12 years or older.

All Arckit components are available in digital model format at the SketchUp Make 3D Warehouse, allowing users to plan their next skyline in CAD software.

Originally conceived by architect and Arckit founder, Damien Murtagh, the click and connect modular building system kits were imagined as a way for designers to reconnect with the tactile, spatial, and imagination-sparking benefits of 'cut and glue' models without befalling to the time demands associated with traditional model building.

Future plans include Arckit Infiniti 3D, a new channel for Arckit users to tap the capabilities of 3D-printing for compatible accessories created on demand – custom walls, archways, roofs, columns, stairs, dormers, figurines, vehicles are all planned as additions to expand the object palette.

Gregory Han is Tech Editor of Design Milk. A Los Angeles native with a profound love and curiosity for design, hiking, tide pools, and road trips, a selection of his adventures and musings can be found at gregoryhan.com.