Since its launch 18 months ago, the architectural model building system Arckit has received many awards including The Red Dot Design Award, Parents’ Choice Gold Medal 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 building concept. This inspired a scaled system of interconnecting modular components that architects could use to physically design and build working models faster then ever before.
The concept soon advanced into a new model system that was a radical improvement over traditional ‘cut and glue’ model making. The reusable components, which are based on modern building techniques, were developed to interconnect without glue, making them cost-effective and highly practical for everyday use. This was something that 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. Originally developed for architects, Arckit is now popular with everyone from interior designers, students, home builders, model hobbyists, universities, architecture enthusiasts, and even budding young architects. One of the fastest growing areas for Arckit right now is within education. The system is already used by hundreds of schools around the world to teach practical STEM (science, technology, math, and engineering) skills.
Damien says, “It was amazing to see how children took to Arckit straight away and used it to spontaneously build and create structures in a ‘Minecraft’ kind of way. They began 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 and online materials library, is another element of the Arckit system which great appeals to users. Afterwards they can just peal it off and create something totally different next 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’s architects sharing ideas with clients, home owners planning an extension or new build, 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 new add-on components to integrate into the Arckit system, including a host of bespoke printed components.
To have been chosen by Irish Design 2015 to be part of their Liminal Installation is a wonderful honour and great recognition by an Irish Government backed initiative. The response so far at Dutch Design Week was fantastic from children and adults alike with many staying a while to physically explore their architectural ideas. Now The Liminal Exhibition has moved back home to Dublin Castle in Ireland.
In just 18 months, Arckit has won multiple awards including the coveted Red Dot Design Award and Parents’ Choice Award in The U.S. and is now available in iconic retailers such as Harrods of London and Barnes & Noble throughout the US, and is also available online at www.arckit.com.
