INDUSTRIAL ARCHITECTURAL MODEL MAKING: STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO FACTORY SCALE MODEL
An industrial architectural model is a detailed scale replica of a factory, manufacturing plant, warehouse, or industrial complex. It is a three-dimensional representation of the architectural drawings and site plans, enabling a better understanding of the entire project.
The model shown above was constructed on a large rectangular baseboard using medium-sized buildings. The image includes large industrial buildings, offices, loading zones, roads, parking, landscaping, storage, vehicles, fencing, and lights. This kind of model is useful for architectural presentations, client meetings, exhibitions, corporate displays, presentations of industrial projects, and more.
WHAT IS AN INDUSTRIAL ARCHITECTURAL MODEL?
An industrial model is a scale replica of the architectural plans for an industrial facility. It represents a factory with related buildings and structures such as warehouses, offices, parking lots, loading bays, roads, landscape elements, security gates, and storage facilities.
An industrial model is different from a building model in that it represents the entire site plan at a particular scale.
WHY INDUSTRIAL MODELS ARE IMPORTANT
Most industrial buildings have multiple structures interconnected together, which can sometimes be hard to imagine when looking at 2D drawings. A 3D model helps to get a realistic idea of the entire project. An industrial model can be used for the following purposes:
Factory and manufacturing plant presentations
Architectural model making
Industrial site planning and architecture
Client and investor presentations
Corporate displays and exhibitions
Engineering and educational projects
Project visualization and architectural communication
INDUSTRIAL MODEL ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS
MAIN BUILDING
The main industrial building or manufacturing plant is usually the biggest structure in the model. Large workshops often have complex roof details, so the roof, skylights, vents, windows, doors, rolling shutters, and service entries should be recreated in the model.
OFFICE AND ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
Office buildings or administration blocks are often located near the main building’s entrance. This is where the reception is located, along with offices, management spaces, and employee sections.
WAREHOUSES AND STORAGE
Depending on the architectural plans, separate warehouse and storage buildings or structures can be integrated into the model.
LOADING AND UNLOADING ZONES
Loading and unloading bays, cargo platforms, service roads, parking, and miniature vehicles can be added to represent the site’s functionality.
ROADS AND PARKING
Internal roads, gates, parking lots, sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, and road markings help to visualize the traffic flow around the complex.
LANDSCAPING
Landscaping elements such as trees, palms, shrubs, grass, lawns, flower beds, planters, and flowerboxes can be placed near the buildings, parking lots, roads, and site boundaries.
INDUSTRIAL MODEL MAKING STEP-BY-STEP
STEP 1: STUDYING THE ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS
The first step in industrial model making is to study the architectural drawings and site plans. The model maker analyzes the floor plans, sections, elevations, CAD drawings, dimensions, images, and other available information.
They identify the building’s footprint, site boundaries, entrances and exits, parking lots, loading and unloading zones, and other structures.
STEP 2: CHOOSING THE RIGHT SCALE
Based on the information identified in the drawings, the model maker chooses the right scale.
Common scales for architectural models are 1:50, 1:100, 1:200, 1:500, 1:1000. Large industrial complexes can be presented on a smaller scale so that the entire complex fits on a large rectangular baseboard.
STEP 3: MAKING THE MODEL LAYOUT
The model layout is created based on the architectural drawings and site plans. The model maker determines the building’s footprint, entrances and parking, roads, and other structures.
All elements should be arranged on the layout according to the chosen scale.
STEP 4: PREPARING THE BASEBOARD
A rectangular baseboard is prepared in accordance with the chosen architecture model scale.
The baseboard can be made of MDF, acrylic, plywood, or PVC sheet, foam board, or other materials.
The baseboard is the model’s foundation, on which all other structures and elements will be placed.
STEP 5: LASER-CUTTING BUILDING PARTS
The architectural model parts are cut using laser cutting technology.
Laser cutting is a precise and quick way to cut parts from sheets of MDF, PVC, acrylic, and other materials.
It is used to cut building facades, partitions, windows, doors, and other details. Laser cutting is ideal for architectural model making due to its accuracy and variety of materials.
STEP 6: CONSTRUCTING MAIN BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES
The main structures such as the factory building, warehouses, offices, and service buildings are constructed separately.
The model maker uses sheets of MDF, acrylic, or PVC, foam board, transparent acrylic, and other materials to recreate the architectural details of the building.
STEP 7: ADDING ROOFS
Since industrial buildings often have large roof surfaces, attention should be paid to roof details.
Roof details such as roof panels, skylights, vents, ridge caps, and exhaust hoods should be recreated using laser-cut parts.
STEP 8: ADDING LOADING AND SERVICE ZONES
Service and loading zones should also be constructed next to the main buildings or inside the complex using miniature vehicles, platforms, ramps, rolling shutters, and other details.
STEP 9: CONSTRUCTING ROADS AND PARKING LOTS
Roads are constructed according to the plans, using road markings, sidewalks, parking lots, vehicle crossings, and other structures. This will show the road traffic organization within the complex.
Miniature vehicles can also be added to show the scale.
STEP 10: ADDING LANDSCAPING ELEMENTS
Landscaping elements can be added to the model once the buildings, parking lots, and roads are ready.
Trees, shrubs, grass, and flowers can be placed around the buildings, parking lots, and along the road.
STEP 11: ADDING STREET LIGHTS AND OTHER DETAILS
Smaller details such as street lights, fences, security gates, signs, barriers, and other structures can also be added to the model.
Although these details might seem insignificant, they make the architectural model look more realistic and complete.
STEP 12: ADDING 3D-PRINTED ELEMENTS
Some model elements such as industrial equipment, vehicles, tanks, and other details can be 3D printed.
Thanks to 3D printing, it is possible to print miniature vehicles, tanks, industrial buildings, and other equipment of various shapes and sizes. 3D printing can also be used to print signs, logos, and various architectural details.
Industrial models can also combine 3D-printed and laser-cut elements for a better appearance and finer details.
STEP 13: ADDING LIGHTS
Lights can be added to emphasize certain parts of the model and create the right atmosphere. Warm white lights can be used to light up the interior of the buildings, while other lights can be used to highlight roads, parking lots, and other structures.
Adding the right lighting is a great way to make the model look dramatic and impressive, especially for corporate presentations and exhibitions.
STEP 14: ASSEMBLING THE MODEL
Other model parts should also be added to create a more realistic model. The model maker ensures that all buildings, parking lots, roads, landscaping, vehicles, lights, and other structures are placed correctly on the baseboard.
STEP 15: QUALITY CHECK
A final quality check ensures that the model meets all requirements. Particular attention should be paid to the following details:
The building’s location and size
Overall model scale
Accuracy of building details
Roof and facade details
Roads and parking lots
Landscaping details
Vehicle location and size
Lighting and other model elements
The baseboard and its details
INDUSTRIAL MODEL-MAKING MATERIALS
Industrial model making materials can vary greatly for different projects. MDF, acrylic, PVC sheets, foam board, plywood, transparent acrylic sheets, ABS sheets, metal wire, miniatures trees and plants, LED lights, and 3D-printed details can be used for model making.
The right material choice ensures realistic facades and glass effects and allows to create fine details for industrial buildings and structures.
LASER CUTTING FOR INDUSTRIAL ARCHITECTURAL MODEL-MAKING
Laser cutting is a great technique for architectural model making. It allows to cut all kinds of materials with a high degree of accuracy. Laser cutting is often used to cut parts for building facades, walls, and partitions, windows, doors, and other building elements. Laser cutting can also be used to make site plan elements.
The model maker prepares the CAD geometry for laser cutting in the chosen scale and cuts the material to create the required shape.
3D PRINTING FOR INDUSTRIAL ARCHITECTURAL MODEL-MAKING
3D printing can be used to create unique elements for an architectural model. It is a great option for creating miniature vehicles, industrial equipment, tanks, various signs and logos, and other details.
HOW TO MAKE AN INDUSTRIAL MODEL LOOK PROFESSIONAL
Making an architectural model that looks profesional is not just about adding many tiny accessories. It is about presenting the entire site plan clearly and realistically. An industrial model should have the right scale, accurate building proportions, and realistic details.
An industrial model should also have well-defined roads and parking lots and realistic landscaping. Attention should also be paid to other small details such as lights and signs.
A large rectangular baseboard can be used for an industrial model since it is more practical than a square baseboard. A low overall model height is also desirable so that the entire project is clearly visible. Using a large rectangular baseboard is also more practical since it can be used for banners, websites, blog posts, presentations, and more.
The model’s background should also be taken into consideration so that the entire model is well-lit and presented.
USES OF AN INDUSTRIAL ARCHITECTURAL MODEL
Industrial models can be used for various purposes, including:
Corporate presentations: Industrial architectural models are often used to present new projects to clients and investors. Using a model makes it easier to explain the key features of the development.
Architectural and engineering purposes: Industrial models can be used by architects and engineers to demonstrate the site organization, building relationships, and other architectural solutions.
Exhibitions and trade shows: An architectural model can be used as an exhibition stand centerpiece.
Educational purposes: Industrial architectural models can be used in education to better understand industrial building planning and construction.
CONCLUSION
Industrial architectural model making requires a lot of precision and attention to detail. An industrial model enables a clearer understanding of the project and serves as an effective tool for its presentation.
Creating such a model requires accurate information about the building, choosing the right scale, laser-cutting and assembling model parts, selecting the right materials, and adding various details.
A wide rectangular-base presentation is more practical for large-scale industrial developments as it allows to see the entire project at once. By paying attention to every detail and choosing the right materials, it is possible to create a high-quality model that can serve for various purposes.
