We're building Lagann out of a cardboard box! Help much appreciated.

[RaddaX2]

So my friends and I are trying to build a cardboard Lagann but are unsure on how to approach it. Like are there certain techniques I should know about when working with cardboard?  Such as different ways to sturdily bond pieces of cardboard without glue?  Or if we had to use glue is there a specific type that works best on cardboard?

I'm pretty sure none of us have ever built anything so we're lost at what to do right now.  We have the box but we don't know where to start.

We were inspired to make Lagann after seeing the one on BoredHorror's profile which she brought to Sakuracon.  Hopefully we'll be able to debut ours at Fanime.

[laganndriller]

 the first thing u need to do is get a big space to build it

[Evangelion Xgouki]

From what I've seen done before many use a ton of hot glue to hold it together.  The thickness of the cardboard should vary so places will have thicker in some (like main body for strength of structure) and thinner in others (jointed areas for easier movement/lighter).  Also I would suggest cutting long strips of cardboard to line larger segments' interiors to help support the structure and keep it rigid.

[obakester]

Oh man, I have so much experience with building sculptures and the like out of cardboard. It's kinda hard to explain some things, but I agree with many points Xgouki has brought up.
One question: How large are you planning on building it? Like the actual size from the anime kinda...size?

Considering you have something to reference from you don't really have to wing it with designs. But just because you have a reference, doesn't mean you won't need to wing some parts.
Since you're going to be painting it, you don't have to worry about where the cardboard comes from or what is on it. I used cardboard from various sized boxes around for the stuff I made. But considering my question of how large it'll be, you might need to scout out grocery stores, or even Costco if you have one around, or the like for large, flat, unbent cardboard for large areas that should be one piece (like take for example, refrigerator boxes).

If you need some areas to be strengthened, hot glue some cardboard to the back of the panel, and have it overlap that part. The more surface area/edges that have contact with other parts = strength, like in all crafts, like welding and wood working.

If you still aren't sure what to do, you should probably contact the people who did the other Lagann and ask for tips from them.