Local Projects | Freedom Tower Miami
Client: Miami Dade College
Production Company: Local Projects
Role: Creative Director for Diorama Mianiatures
Process
Big Object Studio was approached by Local Projects to produce six historical dioramas for a larger exhibit at the Miami Freedom Tower. Initially brought on to lead the creation of digital assets for fabrication, I quickly expanded into managing the full diorama pipeline from concept through final delivery.
The core objective was to distill complex historical moments into clear, readable miniature environments that could live within a broader immersive installation.
First a digital mockup for each set needed to be created.
Every single piece needs to be 3D printed in resin or FDM or hand crafted.
This particular Cupola required a lot of forethought into how we could break it down into pieces to make it printable, paintable and structural.
I separated into 4 pieces and created registration points.
Pieces are mocked up on the base to see if any redesigns are required.
Internal Lighting has to be made and wired.
Exterior lighting needs to be setup and timed to the video animations.
Everything needs to be tested In Situation.
Final Models
This project quickly evolved into a complex, multi-layered challenge. Hundreds of individual components had to be designed, printed, crafted, painted, lit, and assembled—each one contributing to a series of miniature dioramas representing key historical moments of the Miami Freedom Tower. Maintaining period accuracy was critical, and strong archival references helped guide those decisions. Beyond building the models, everything needed to integrate smoothly into a larger installation produced by multiple teams, making consistent communication a key part of the process.
Finished Model
Finished Model
Kinda finished Model (the tape if for temporary safety
Details
I was responsible for leading the creation and execution of all 3D assets, guiding the process from digital design through fabrication and final installation. My role spanned modeling, preparing files for 3D printing, overseeing fabrication, and coordinating paint and assembly to ensure each element functioned within the larger diorama.
I developed full 3D mockups of each scene, which served as a production blueprint—informing everything from structural builds to hidden lighting and internal wiring. This allowed the team to plan proactively and avoid issues during fabrication.
The work was made possible by a small, exceptionally talented team of artists and technicians across modeling, fabrication, painting, and lighting. My role was to keep those efforts aligned and moving toward a unified vision.
Trees had to be designed, easily printable and paintable. It was tricky.
Just for some scale reference
Closeup detail of some of the painted figures.
Closeup detail of some of the models.
Installation
Each piece packed carefully for NYC to Miami transport
David glu down pieces as a gentleman works on an enclosure in the back.
Bil finalizing the wiring for one of the dioramas.
Meticulous
Joe and Kacie finalizing last placements.
Local Projects folk being cool. Thanks y’all!
Images by Tsubi, Local Projects and Myself