The blocks were constructed over a period of about 2 weeks during which the students of Professor Ben Nicholson's Visual Training course coordinated a cooperative system of tasks and shifts for production. After debating and discussing materials and finishes based on cost, appearance, and durability (we noticed that this was interestingly or humorously close to the Vitruvian triad of “commodity, firmness and delight") we decided to use 1/4 inch plywood with a dark "espresso" stain). First the wood had to be cut into 1ft panels, and the sides beveled at 45 degee angles for assembly. Next each panel was taped and masked before being sprayed with the stain and several coats of laquer finish.