Building a Model of San Francisco One Toothpick At a Time

Last night I was constructing an architectural model out of foam core. As I was procrastinating, I searched online for inspirational models. To my delight, I discovered Scott Weaver and his toothpick model of San Francisco. He started building the toothpick structure at age 17 and 3000 hours and over 30 years later he finished his brilliant creation.

The model alone had us impressed, but its functionality blows past any and all expectations. A ping pong ball is placed at entry points in the model and rolls along the streets of San Francisco. The structure stands 9 feet tall and is 7 feet wide. Scott explains in his You Tube video that he created the model to show people what can be accomplished from creativity and hard work.

I am definitely inspired from this fantastic work of art.

(Images: The Experts Agree)

Comments (16)

What's up with the little yellow balls?

@bether: really?

This would be amazing for a permanent collection at NY's M.A.D., but it looks like you'd have to tear down a wall to get it out. I wonder if this is a product of Asperger Syndrome? In any case, it is wondrous and inspiring.

so cool! i really like it. i was on a toothpick bridge building kick for a while. (well, 5 bridges started, 0 bridges finished)

This is some beautiful insanity.

I built stuff out of toothpicks when I was a kid - buildings, etc. No, I don't have Asperger's. This is much better and grander than what I made, of course.

I wonder, though, if he started it 30 years ago, did he change it as The City itself changed? If something in real life was torn down, did he remove it from his model?

That is amazing and takes major dedication. I am impressed!

"If something in real life was torn down, did he remove it from his model?"

You obviously don't know San Francisco.
Nothing gets torn down nowadays...

"If something in real life was torn down, did he remove it from his model?"

You obviously don't know San Francisco.
Nothing gets torn down nowadays...
...and very little gets built.

" "If something in real life was torn down, did he remove it from his model?"

You obviously don't know San Francisco.
Nothing gets torn down nowadays... "

Embarcadero Freeway? Maybe that's before your time, but falls within his construction period, I think. Actually, fell within his construction period.

Holy crap! This is amazing. It's awesome that he made it into a functional piece too, what with all the little ping-pong balls rolling around. But building over a 30-year period. That takes some pretty major dedication. Well done dude :)

this reminds me of italo calvinos book invisible cities.

I wonder how much profanity was used in the process?! Also, what kind of glue was used. I never had much luck with glue. Just some small thoughts on a gigantic project. That is one dedicated man!! AMAZING

Awesome! Kudos to Mr. Weaver for his dedication! I don't think this has to be a product of any kind of mental illness- I've been playing the piano and viola since I was 8- which means I've been playing over 23 years now. That's what you do with a hobby you love.

This artist has been in some kind of TV ad talking about how his hobby/obsession has now become his career. He has received commissions from all over the world. Just think about all of the communities that would desire such detailed architectural representations of their cities. Yay for him!