Inspiration to Creation
Photo of the Beaver Mill geographical area from the Big Art Show. The material used is eucalyptus matt board, an environmentally friendly product as compared to traditional acrylic or MDF, and it was laser cut in the Science Shop on an Epilog Laser Helix machine.
The first time the digital blueprint of the Beaver Mill appeared on my computer screen, I could hardly imagine it becoming real. This historic site, standing quietly in North Adams, was about to transform from a mere collection of pixels into a tangible piece of art. As part of Grace Espinosa’s ’26 ARTS 222 – Critical Practice of Architecture course, our mission was bold yet simple: craft a detailed 3D printed model for the Williams College Big Art Show. Beyond being an academic project, our process and production turned out to be a dynamic intersection of art, technology, architecture, and history.
Grace, the stakeholder and driving artistic force behind this project, shared her vision clearly: “We were inspired to create a 3D printed model of the Beaver Mill to introduce in the architecture section of the Big Art Show.” She wanted viewers to vividly experience the historical site students had been exploring all semester, bringing their classroom discussions to life in a practical, memorable way.
ARTS 222, taught by Assistant Professor of Architecture and Environmental Studies Giuseppina Forte, challenges students to transform architectural spaces through innovative design interventions. Throughout the semester, students develop skills in architectural drawing, graphic design, and digital and physical 3D modeling. They also engage deeply with design strategies such as spatial hijacking and détournement, learning to rethink conventional ideas of space and time. This Beaver Mill project has become a practical demonstration of these powerful ideas.
Navigating Challenges with Creativity
This is a 3D rendering of a split-section of the Beaver Mill that we printed so as to be able to test the internal structural integrity.
Our biggest challenge? The size limitations of the Makerspace’s 3D printers. The solution was as simple as it was elegant: we used the Prusa Slicer to split the model into three parts. While this meant a careful, precise assembly with glue afterward, it allowed us to maximize scale and achieve a stunning 24-inch model. Grace noted, with satisfaction, that splitting the model “didn’t impact the final presentation much,” making this strategic decision effective in the end.
Collaboration: Art Meets Technology
This is one of three printed parts of the Beaver Mill. We printed it with “organic tree supports” that are designed to support overhanging structures (like the roof overhangs). We later removed these supports and the result was a cleanly printed section of the building.
Grace had never attempted 3D printing before, making the Makerspace’s role in the project essential. She described this collaboration as transformative: “Working with the Makerspace made the project possible… your facilities and technical knowledge brought the model to a much higher level.”
David Keiser-Clark, Makerspace Program Manager, explains how the Beaver Mill project perfectly embodies the Makerspace’s mission of providing practical, hands-on experience with digital fabrication. “This project directly supported the architectural course goals by giving students real-world experience in modeling and computer-aided design software,” David stated.
David firmly believes in interdisciplinary learning, emphasizing that projects like the Beaver Mill offer students invaluable skills. “Interdisciplinary collaboration encourages critical thinking and practical problem-solving skills students carry forward into their careers and lives beyond Williams,” he explained. This project perfectly encapsulated the blending of creative artistry and technical proficiency.
The Spirit of the Beaver Mill
Grace envisioned visitors observing and actively engaging with the model, appreciating the Beaver Mill’s distinctive texture and structure. The carefully chosen scale and attention to detail turned the model into an interactive experience, inspiring curiosity and exploration about the site’s potential as an artistic hub.
This is the left-most section of the Beaver Mill building with most of the external tree supports removed.
This is the final 3D printed object with all three sections glued together, using cyanoacrylate (CA) glue!
The Magic Moment
This is the finished Beaver Mill model, as it appeared in the Big Art Show. This model shows the post-processing acrylic painting that Grace Espinosa ’26 applied!
For Grace, the project’s highlight was unmistakable: “Seeing the model printed for the first time was incredibly rewarding.” After countless hours of refining the digital design, watching the Beaver Mill physically materialize felt almost magical. This moment embodies the Makerspace spirit: turning ambitious ideas into real, tangible outcomes through creativity, technology, and collaboration.
Projects like the Beaver Mill not only captivate participants and viewers but also shape the Makerspace’s future. David highlighted that “each new project fosters deeper connections and opens doors to innovative ideas across the campus.” Events like the Big Art Show and reflecting on these stories inspire future ambitious projects, encouraging faculty and students alike to imagine what’s possible.
Reflecting on the Beaver Mill project, it’s clear that the Makerspace is more than a lab—it’s a space where creativity and technology meet, where collaboration flourishes, and where students like Grace (and myself!) can transform dreams into realities!
Who knows what we’ll create next?
