Unusual professions: Creating iconic structures using 3D models.

"Amateurs" Enter the Graphic Design World

In mid-August, during a meeting with Sioux Technologies Group, the Secretary of the Da Nang City Party Committee, Nguyen Van Quang, presented Mr. Hans Duisters – the founder of the group – with an elegant box wrapped in acrylic, containing pieces of wood carved with symbolic images of the coastal city of Da Nang. The "creator" of this meaningful souvenir is Mr. Nguyen Van Binh (38 years old, from Ha Nam province, residing in Thanh Khe Dong Ward, Thanh Khe District, Da Nang City). "The 2D and 3D wooden models I designed were chosen by the city leaders as a gift, which is a great source of pride after nearly 10 years of dedication to this profession," Mr. Binh shared.

The Dragon Bridge – an iconic symbol of Da Nang City – was recreated by Mr. Binh using a 3D wooden model.

Binh considers himself an "outsider" when he entered the wood carving and 3D modeling profession, which inherently requires extensive knowledge of design and graphics. Before moving to Da Nang in 2015, he pursued various unrelated professions, such as dancer, watch and phone sales. "At that time, I was in Hanoi and a friend in Da Nang asked me to carve a wooden box. When I went to the workshop, I witnessed the machine burning the wood surface to create very interesting images. Meanwhile, in Da Nang, souvenir models only had rudimentary, uninteresting carvings," Binh recounted.

Mr. Binh started his craft literally from scratch, so from choosing a laser wood engraving machine, learning how to operate it, to designing models, he figured everything out on his own. Learning as he went, his initial products were simple items like keychains and pen holders. Gradually, as he gained experience, he moved on to designing 2D display boxes. It took him nearly two years to create his first 3D wooden designs. These products quickly gained a foothold in the souvenir market due to their uniqueness. Viewers are captivated by the intricate details and precise proportions of Mr. Binh's models.

“In Da Nang, I designed 3D wooden models such as the Dragon Bridge, the Han River Swing Bridge, the Golden Bridge (Ba Na Hill)… As for the 2D display boxes, viewers can easily find many other iconic images of Da Nang, such as the city's administrative building, the Tran Thi Ly Bridge, the Ferris wheel, the statue of Quan The Am Linh Ung…”, Mr. Binh introduced.

PASSION FOR IMPROVING WORKS

After nearly 10 years of making models, Mr. Binh confidently claims to be the only person in Da Nang who possesses the technology and methods for designing 2D and 3D wood carvings. Currently, many businesses are imitating and copying his products, but when sharing the steps to create a product, Mr. Binh readily states that there are four basic steps. First, he studies the architecture of the planned project through observation, images, and video clips. Next, he draws the details of the model on a computer. After obtaining the design, all images and materials are fed into a laser machine to cut and engrave the image onto each piece of wood. Finally, the details are arranged, assembled, glued together, painted, and packaged in a clear acrylic box.

A vivid image of Notre Dame Cathedral in Saigon is displayed on a 3D wooden model. PHOTO: HOANG SON

“Achieving the correct proportions to create a balanced model requires meticulous research into the overall structure. The pieces must also be carved with the characteristic lines and patterns of each structure to resemble the original model and inspire viewers. Therefore, the most difficult step is drawing each small detail on the computer. With a 2D model, it only takes a few days to design, just cutting and carving on the wood. But for a 3D model, it can take a whole month to complete,” Mr. Binh said, adding that among all the 3D models, the Golden Bridge model is the largest. However, this model is simpler because it has fewer details compared to architectural models such as the Dragon Bridge, Da Nang Cathedral, Notre Dame Cathedral (Saigon), Ben Thanh Market, Independence Palace (Ho Chi Minh City), the Japanese Bridge (Hoi An), the old train station, the Chicken Church (Da Lat), the Imperial Citadel of Hue…

Highly regarded by the market for their aesthetics and high quality, Mr. Binh's 2D and 3D wooden model products are sold nationwide at prices ranging from tens of thousands of dong to over 3 million dong. In each locality, Mr. Binh researches and designs symbolic models to promote that area. In Da Nang – where he started his business – his designs of numerous 2D and 3D boxes reflecting the city's unique character have made him a partner to many souvenir shops. Notably, his products are trusted as gifts by the Da Nang City Party Committee, People's Committee, and various departments, districts, and communes for many events, especially when hosting foreign delegations.

“In my free time, instead of looking for something to entertain myself with, I enjoy admiring my models. Each time, I notice something that needs improvement. Then I roll up my sleeves and make adjustments. Each new model is more beautiful than the last, and the level of perfection increases. The souvenir-making profession also contributes to promoting the tourism image of Da Nang and other localities, so I believe that models must be beautiful, sophisticated, and evoke emotions in the viewer,” Mr. Binh shared. (to be continued)

Thanhnien.vn

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nhung-nghe-doc-la-dung-cong-trinh-bieu-tuong-bang-mo-hinh-3d-185241015223207916.htm