I became interested in Archimedean solids after watching a video with Adam Savage and Matt Parker. In the video, Adam talked about making models of these solids to hang from the ceiling when he worked at a toy company. I had never heard of Archimedean solids before, but after doing some research, I became fascinated by them and wanted to make my own models. I started with a rhombic dodecahedron, which is one of the solids featured in the video. As I gained more experience, I moved on to creating more complex solids. I discovered that adding pyramids to the faces of Archimedean solids, created even more intricate shapes. Despite the increased number of faces in these solids, they were still relatively easy to create. The result was a number of spikey-looking models that you can see below.
Geometric Solids
Snub Dodecahedron
Truncated Icosidodecahedron
Modified Icosahedron
Modified Cuboctahedron
Rhombic Dodecahedron
Truncated Dodecahedron
Modified Snub Dodecahedron
Notice I have pictures of 7 solids which is less than the actual number I have made. I like this project because it is simple, calming, and predictable unlike most of the things I make. That makes these really lovely to construct after a long day of school or robotics. Slowly, my collection of these solids hanging from my ceiling started to grow. I like how my approach to making these solids has also changed over time. At first, I used 3D printed panels like in the truncated icosidodecahedron model, joining them with my 3D pen. At some point I figured out that using paper panels cut by my Cricut cutting machine was faster and cleaner looking, After that, I discovered the pyramid technique I used in the video and in the modified snub dodecahedron which produces really stunning models, something that I tried to accentuate in the modified snub dodecahedron model.