Make a 2D Pop Up Building
Create a 2D pop-up building using paper, scissors, and glue; design facades, fold tabs, and assemble a flat pop-up scene to explore paper engineering.
About this activity
Create a 2D pop-up building using paper, scissors, and glue; design facades, fold tabs, and assemble a flat pop-up scene to explore paper engineering.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Pick a fun building type like a house shop or skyscraper and decide how many buildings you want in your scene.
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Step 2
Fold one sheet of paper in half to make the pop-up base.
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Step 3
Use your pencil to mark evenly spaced positions along the folded edge where each building will pop up.
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Step 4
Draw two short parallel lines at each pencil mark to show where you will cut the tabs.
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Step 5
Cut along the drawn lines carefully to create each tab.
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Step 6
Push each cut strip toward the inside along the center fold so the strip pops out when you open the base.
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Step 7
Crease each popped-out strip flat to make a sturdy pop-up tab.
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Step 8
Cut building facades from cardstock sized to match the width of each tab.
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Step 9
Decorate each facade and the ground area using your coloring materials.
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Step 10
Apply a thin layer of glue to the back of one decorated facade.
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Step 11
Place the glued facade onto a pop-up tab aligning the bottom edges.
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Step 12
Press the facade onto the tab so it sticks firmly.
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Step 13
Close the base and let all glue dry flat for a few minutes.
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Step 14
Open your 2D pop-up building scene and share your finished creation on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do you make a 2D pop-up building?
Start by sketching a simple building facade on sturdy paper, marking fold lines for tabs at the base. Cut out the facade and score the fold lines (use a blunt edge to pre-fold). Fold tabs to 90 degrees and attach them to a flat background strip with glue or double-sided tape, spacing buildings along the strip. Add windows, doors and decorative details, test folds so the scene collapses flat, and let glue dry before displaying.
What materials do I need to make a 2D pop-up building?
You’ll need: sturdy cardstock or lightweight cardboard for facades, plain paper for the background base, scissors and a craft knife (use with adult supervision), a ruler and pencil for measuring and scoring, a bone folder or blunt tool for crisp folds, glue stick or PVA glue, double-sided tape, markers/paints and colored paper for decoration, plus a cutting mat and optional embellishments like washi tape, stickers, or scrap cardboard.
What ages is a 2D pop-up building suitable for?
Suitable for ages: 5–7 with adult help for cutting, measuring, and gluing; 8–12 can plan and assemble most pop-up buildings independently, developing fine motor and spatial skills; 13+ can design complex facades and mechanical tabs. Adjust difficulty by choosing simpler shapes or pre-cut templates. Always supervise young children when using scissors or craft knives and choose child-safe tools for preschoolers.
What are some variations I can try with a 2D pop-up building?
Try variations: make a street scene by joining several facades on a long base strip; add moving elements like hinged doors or pull-tabs for windows; layer buildings with staggered tabs to create depth; use recycled boxes for sturdier models; turn facades into a pop-up book page; experiment with architectural styles (houses, skyscrapers, shops); or add LED tea lights behind windows for a night scene. Adjust complexity to age and materials.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can I use if I don't have cardstock or craft glue for the building facades?
Cut facades from a cereal box or thin cardboard and use a glue stick or double-sided tape in the step 'Apply a thin layer of glue to the back of one decorated facade' to attach them.
My pop-up tabs won't pop out or won't lay flat—what should I check?
Make sure your 'Draw two short parallel lines' cuts are clean and deep enough, re-cut if needed, then firmly re-crease the center fold and 'Crease each popped-out strip flat' with a ruler so the strips pop and lay flat.
How can I change the activity for younger kids or make it more challenging for older kids?
For younger children, pre-cut the 'tabs', simplify decorating with stickers, and guide the 'Push each cut strip toward the inside' step, while older kids can measure tab spacing with a ruler, add multiple facades per tab, or use a craft knife (with supervision) for precise cuts.
What are some fun ways to enhance or personalize the 2D pop-up building scene?
Enhance the scene by adding layered backdrops glued behind tabs, cutting windows that open on your 'building facades', decorating the 'ground area' with roads or trees, or placing a small battery tea-light behind the base for lighting effects.