Heritage Lofts
• Christmas •
After two long years enduring a global pandemic, I decided to embark upon a personal project in an effort to spread a bit of joy among the residents of the building in which I reside — The Heritage Lofts.
I replicated the front half of the structure in the form of a 180° (flat back) diorama.
Because of the time of year, I decided upon a Christmas theme so, after completing the structure itself, I created a front yard and sidewalk attachment which would serve as the landing pad for Santa and his reindeer.
The snow was a simple recipe of baking soda and mod podge sealant, careful sprinkled around the handmade scale model, as well as across the top of the structure in order to achieve the most realistic effect possible.
Then, a variety of 3D figures were prepared, including Jolly old St. Nick, his eight trusty reindeer, and a mud squad of helpful elves. The sleigh and costumes were painted a somewhat less traditional colour scheme more reminiscent of the Victorian age.
Medium = 180° Diorama
Scale = 1:70 (1 inch = 5 feet 9 inches)
Size = 19in. wide x 13in. high x 7in. deep
Material = Cardboard; Chipboard; Natural twigs; 3D Resin Prints; Multiple LED light strings
The making of the Heritage Lofts Diorama
Heritage Lofts
• Spring •
When I removed the Heritage Lofts diorama after the completion of the holidays, I was informed by the building manager that residents were quite disappointed to see it go.
I had only chosen to remove it since it was specifically designed with a Christmas theme. However, with that in mind, I had a thought…
The first day of spring was fast approaching so I got the crazy idea of updating the model to reflect the change of season.
I decided that it would not be too great a burden for me to repurpose the model for each of the four annual seasons.
The Christmas model had winter covered, so I worked fast to convert the landscape in time to coincide with the Vernal Equinox.
In the end, I managed to have everything ready just in time and returned the model to its place of honour on the lobby’s fireplace mantle, at the exact hour of the equinox on March 20.
Medium = 180° Diorama
Scale = 1:70 (1 inch = 5 feet 9 inches)
Size = 19in. wide x 13in. high x 7in. deep
Material = Cardboard; Chipboard; Natural twigs; felt; 3D Resin Prints; Multiple LED light strings
Updating the Heritage Lofts Diorama for Spring
Heritage Lofts
• Summer •
Now that I had established a precedent of changing the model to reflect the current season, it was time to upgrade my work in time for the Summer Solstice.
I set to work, deciding what iconic elements would be ubiquitous enough to set the stage for the summer season.
Having seen how popular the spring update had been, I prepared as much of the new material as possible ahead of my deadline.
Miniature figures, in particular, were chosen carefully to reflect the season. Although, some of the existing figures were suitable to be repurposed in the newly updated setting.
Nothing screams summer like the ubiquitous ice cream truck. It is around this iconic vehicle that much of the action initially takes place. I say initially because I will continue to add other small items and features throughout the season.
Needless to say, the updated model was received with a great deal of joy from my fellow residents. I am already thinking about the autumn update.
Medium = 180° Diorama
Scale = 1:70 (1 inch = 5 feet 9 inches)
Size = 19in. wide x 13in. high x 7in. deep
Material = Cardboard; Chipboard; Natural twigs; felt; 3D Resin Prints; Multiple LED light strings
Updating the Heritage Lofts Diorama for Summer
Stay Tuned
Coming Soon