Architecture Department
Reflection Paper
(Scale Model)
Enabling Activity in ATHEORY1
Group Members:
Canlas, Noela Mae Z.
Caraig, Cherine Vivien B.
Dela Cruz, Jeriza M.
Pineda, Cyle Gracen S.
Professor:
Ar. Aldrene C. Quirat, PIA, UAP
GRADE:
Architecture Department
Creating geometric shapes with materials that can be found locally—like clay, cardboard,
yarn, and sticks—was an enjoyable way to explore geometry together with architectural
principles. Building a pyramid from clay, a cube from cardboard, a cylinder from yarn, and a
cone from sticks helped us understand the properties of these shapes more deeply and see
how mathematical concepts apply to the real world.
The project taught us several key concepts, including the significance of symmetry and
proportions, just like how one millimeter of inaccuracy could affect the entire shape.
Building the clay pyramid required extra attention to balance and precision to ensure the
triangular faces and square-shaped base are aligned properly. To add an extra touch, we
incorporated small clay "bricks" to resemble the traditional clay artistry in the Philippines,
which played a big role in the prehistoric times of the Filipinos. Constructing the cube from
cardboard, on the other hand, taught us how to carefully detach the surface part of the
cardboard to use its wavy texture, which paved the way for us to make it look like bamboo
trees, which are native trees and an integral part of our country. While creating the cylinder
with yarn taught us about the concept of a curved surface—how a simple and flexible
material can be used to form a precise shape. The use of yarn helped us to depict the texture
of a rice straw, which Filipinos frequently utilize as an alternative to concrete and also in
making the iconic traditional bahay kubo. And finally, the cone was made using
broomsticks, a material that symbolizes the classic yet functional resources found in our
environment. Broomsticks, though simple, represent the practicality and beauty of nature’s
offerings, showing how even the most basic materials that almost every Filipino household
has can be shaped into something both functional and artistic.
This project proved that geometry can be both practical and fun. Our patience and creativity
were put to the test, particularly when we had to attach the yarn and thin sticks one at a time
and when we had to come up with options for combining the shapes we had chosen. By
stacking the pyramid on the cube and the cone on the cylinder, we are able to design forms
that resemble Filipino homes made of materials that highlight the pride of being Filipino. In
our country, we have a deep appreciation for indigenous materials, and the use of these
various materials that helped us to create the shapes reflected that connection to our cultural
heritage.
Architecture Department
DAY 1
DAY 2
DAY 3
DAY 1: On day one we began with planning our geometric shapes and dividing the work.
We then bought the necessary materials, like clay, popsicle sticks, and yarn. Finally, each of
us went home and started creating the shapes we had chosen.
DAY 2: Day two was all about construction. Jeriza crafted a cylinder with yarn, while Cyle
shaped a pyramid from clay. Noela built her cube using a card board, and Cherine created
her cone with a carton base, adding some sparkle with glitter.
DAY 3: On our last day, we met up at Cherine’s house to assemble all our geometric shapes
into a final piece. To fit the theme, certain changes were also made, such as using
broomsticks to replace the materials used in the cone. We also wrote the reflection paper and
organized all our project’s documents.