Leaning Tower of Pisa in polystyrene

06-08-2022

The history of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

The construction of the bell tower of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta began on August 9, 1173, but it took two centuries to complete. The Pisa Tower was, in fact, finished only in 1372.

This famous tower started leaning as soon as construction began because it was built on clayey ground. Its tilt is approximately 4°, extending 3.9 meters from the vertical.

Step 1.

I have decided to create my foam model with a height of 2 meters, so the dimensions of the various pieces will be proportional to the height. The measurements can be adjusted according to your needs. You will find all the necessary measurements in the file attached above.

Let’s start by cutting the cylindrical bases of the tower.

Step 2.

Let’s proceed by cutting the arches and circles shown in fig. 3. To create the arches, I used the lathe of our hot wire CNC machine Cream 200.

Step 3.

Let’s finish the cuts with the columns, capitals, and other decorative elements in polystyrene.

Step 4.

I used a color very similar to taupe, which I created using dyes (black / brown) and a white acrylic base. The sandy lines on the base of the tower were created using acrylic paint, with the same white base and some dyes.

Step 5.

Start by gluing the upper arch of the cylindrical base of the tower, then place the large capitals, ensuring they are perfectly centered with the base of the arch. Place the large columns under the capitals, making sure to center them as well. After that, position the door, once assembled and painted, between two columns. Finally, add the decorative diamonds in the empty spaces of the arch.

Continue by placing the central cylinder on the base of the tower, then add the circle, divided into two pieces. We’re almost done, now it’s time to position the small arches on the central cylinder and begin assembling the small capitals and columns. Proceed all the way to the top.