Arckit

Since its launch 18 months ago, the architectural model building system Arckit has received many awards including The Red Dot Design Award, Parents’ Choice GoldMedal and has swept across the U.S. in all B&N stores.Meet the founder of the model kit that is transforming the way we design structures. Damien Murtagh is an Irish architect and founder of Arckit. He came up with the idea for an architectural model building kit while developing a real modular buildingconcept. This inspired a scaled system of interconnecting modular components thatarchitects could use to physically design and build working models faster then everbefore. The concept soon advanced into a new model system that was a massive improvementover traditional ‘cut and glue’ model making. The reusable components, which arebased on modern building techniques, were developed to interconnect without glue,making them cost-effective and highly practical for everyday use. This was somethingthat had never been done before. Today Arckit is being used to spontaneously build and modify structures with speed and precision, allowing users to create a wide variety of model structures. Originallydeveloped for architects, Arckit is now popular with everyone from interior designers,students, home builders, model hobbyists, universities, architecture enthusiasts, andeven budding young architects. One of the fastest growing areas for Arckit right nowis within education. The system is already used by hundreds of schools around theworld to teach practical STEM (science, technology, math, and engineering) skills. Damien says, “It was amazing to see how children took to Arckit straight away andused it to spontaneously build and create structures in a ‘Minecraft’ kind of way. Theybegan using the components in new and inventive ways, which was fascinating to see.It was almost like a natural graduation from other building block toys.” Being able to apply any finish to your structures using our Arckitexture sheets andonline materials library, is another element of the Arckit system which great appealsto users. Afterwards they can just peal it off and create something totally differentnext time. Arckit is opening up architecture to everyone in a way that wasn’t possible before.The system is so easy to use that it removes the difficulties and barriers. For the first time ever, anyone can make advanced and precise model structures – whether it’sarchitects sharing ideas with clients, home owners planning an extension or newbuild, or architecture students learning fundamental design skills. As an evolutionary system, Arckit is constantly looking to the future. With additional component packs already available on the website, plans are underway to create newadd-on components to integrate into the Arckit system. To have been chosen by Irish Design 2015 to be part of their Liminal Installation is awonderful honour and great recognition by an Irish Government backed organisation.The response so far at Dutch Design Week has been fantastic from children and adultsalike with many staying a while to physically explore their architectural ideas. In just 18 months, Arckit has won multiple awards including the coveted Red DotDesign Award and Parents’ Choice Award in The U.S. and is now available in iconicretailers such as Harrods of London and Barnes & Noble throughout the US, and isalso available online at www.arckit.com.www.arckit.com