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Rethinking structural engineering education
through qualitative physical models
Our mission is to put the core structural principles at the fingertips of every engineering and architecture student in the world.
We create new ways to study, teach and design structures.
Our goal when designing Mola is to assist the teaching and learning of structures, in a more playful and intuitive way, expanding the knowledge of students, professionals, and laypeople on the functioning of the structural systems that surround us.
We believe in enhancing and complementing traditional methods rather than replacing them. Mola products are designed to seamlessly integrate with both new and established approaches to studying, teaching, and designing structures. It can assist and enhance everything from simple sketching and hand calculations to computational parametric design.
Despite the remarkable advances in digital technology, the structural engineering education has remained largely unchanged for close to a century. We recognize there is lack of in-depth knowledge among engineers and architects regarding structural behavior and this qualitative understanding is paramount for both professions.
At Mola we create tools for hands-on interactions and three-dimensional experiences that digital technology simply cannot replicate. By combining traditional methods with technology and design, we allow users to grasp basic and complex structural concepts with unparalleled clarity and depth.
Mola has touched the hearts and minds of architects and engineers, especially the young ones. It’s very interesting to note how, in a time of sophisticated and powerful numerical models, physical models continue to have a vital and irreplaceable role.
— Dr. Eng. Henrique Lindenberg Neto, Prof. University of São Paulo - USP, Brazil.
Mola team
A team dedicated to delivering our vision.
We work hard with constant care for every detail to deliver the best possible experience with the Mola Structural System.
Our journey
The initial idea for Mola emerged in 2004, when its founder, Marcio Sequeira, as an architect student, was concerned about the abstract approach to the topics related to structures.
To assist his studies, Marcio started building wooden models, with magnetic connections, to simulate the structural systems he was studying at the university.
After ten years of design development and validation tests, Marcio successfully launched the first version of his educational tool on a crowdfunding campaign.
This is how our company started.
We use the power of design to improve the quality of structural engineering education.
— Marcio Sequeira, creator and founder of Mola Structural System.
Mola history
Mola's 20 years timeline overview
2004
Wooden models
As a student, Marcio Sequeira starts making wooden models to assist his studies on structural behavior. During experiments, Marcio realizes he would need a flexible material to visually understand more structural concepts. Going from plastic to rubber, he finds out that using a spring could be a good solution.
2005
First presentation
Marcio presents his structural model for the first time in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. With positive feedback, he realizes the potential of his invention. In the following year, Marcio joins a civil engineering master’s program, on structures, at the Federal University of Ouro Preto to further his studies on the subject.
2008
Scientific validation
Marcio presents his master’s thesis at the Federal University of Ouro Preto, Brazil. The research focused on the model's scientific validation. This was crucial in ensuring the credibility and effectiveness of the model. It also demonstrates his commitment to providing a reliable and quality product. Learn more >
2014
Mola 1 on crowdfunding
After ten years of struggling to find investment, Marcio launches a crowdfunding campaign to run a pilot production of Mola Structural Kit 1. The project became Brazil’s largest crowdfunding campaign with more than 1,500 backers from 30 countries worldwide. This is how our company started. Learn more >
2016
Mola 2 and accessories
We crowdfunded Mola 2, the Adjustable Length Bars, and the Lightweight Connections. From this point, we started viewing crowdfunding not just as a means of raising funds, but as a way to directly involve those who have been with us every step of the way. Crowdfunding becomes part of Mola’s DNA. Learn more >
2019
Mola 3 on Kickstarter
Aiming for a greater global outreach, we launched Mola Structural Kit 3 on Kickstarter (an international crowdfunding platform). This marked an important step towards our goal to connect with a more extensive audience worldwide. Mola 3 becomes our biggest crowdfunding campaign yet. Learn more >
2022
Global expansion
We continue our global expansion by opening a Mola Store on Amazon.com. At the end of 2023, Mola reaches a significant milestone: shipping Mola products to 100 countries. By this point, the Mola Structural System has already been adopted by renowned universities worldwide, such as MIT, EPFL, TU Delft, USP, UPM, etc.
2024
10 years, 20 years
2024 marks 10 years of our company and 20 years of dedication to the Mola Structural System. We are committed to improving structural engineering education worldwide. Join us as we continue to push the boundaries of what's possible with Mola to develop the next generation of engineers and architects. Stay tuned >
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