Architectural Model Making: Complete Guide to Scale, Materials, Design, Presentation
Introduction
An architectural model, sometimes referred to as a construction model, is a scaled physical representation of an architectural building, interior space, landscape, master plan or urban development. It enables a building design, expressed in drawings, computer aided design (CAD) and 3D modeling to take a three-dimensional shape that can be examined from all sides. It is often more informative to study a physical model in terms of scale, massing and other architectural elements.
Currently, architectural model making is utilized not only by architecture students but also by architects, real estate developers, contractors, interior designers and planners to develop designs, present proposals or market projects.
What is Architectural Model Making?
Architectural model making involves constructing a model of a proposed or existing building which can be in the scale of a single structure or a housing development. The primary objective of architectural model making is to convey design information, in scale and dimension, using a miniature replica of a building or structure.
A good model is characterized by accuracy in terms of scale, presentation, materials and other relevant elements. Depending on the purpose, an architectural model can be as simple as a concept model or as elaborate as a presentation model.
Why are Architectural Models Important?
While drawings and renderings can be used to communicate design information, a physical model can help understand the building layout and location of other structures on a site. Having a model can be important in the following areas:
Design and massing
Client and stakeholder presentation
Real estate projects
Master planning and urban development
Architecture competitions and exhibitions
Interior and spatial design
Design review
It is always important to create a physical model to understand the relationship between a building, space, open space and other structures on the site.
Types Of Architectural Models
Conceptual Architectural Model
This is a miniature replica of the designed building or structure. It is constructed in an appropriate scale to demonstrate basic form and massing. Conceptual models are mostly constructed when exploring various design options.
Presentation Model
Unlike conceptual models, presentation models are accurate and have intricate detailing. They can be constructed to include façade, windows, doors, landscaping, furniture, road and traffic details, people, and other relevant elements. Presentation models can be used for displaying and presenting the design to clients.
Master Plan Model
This model is appropriate for displaying large scale developments such as residential towers, commercial developments, and other related structures on a certain site.
Interior Architectural Model
These are models that depict interior spaces and structures. Interior design models can also help display furniture, partitions, lighting, ceiling, materials, and spatial development.
Landscape & Site Model
These models are constructed with a focus on the site, its land formations, water and vegetation. They can also include the relationship between the built and natural environment.
Choosing the Right Scale for Architectural Models
One of the most important considerations when constructing an architectural model is choosing the most appropriate scale. The scale of a model is determined by the size of the building or structures on the site, display area, intended purpose and level of detail. Commonly used scales include 1:500, 1:200, 1:100 and 1:50. In general, a smaller scale is appropriate for site and master plan models while a larger scale is ideal for building and interior architectural models. It is always important to choose the most appropriate scale for a specific project.
Materials Used In Architectural Models
The choice of material is often determined by the model’s scale, intended purpose and finishing. Some of the commonly used materials in architectural model making include:
Foam board – useful for massing
Mount board – used for model boards
Grey board – used in model boards
Acrylic – used for glazing
Balsa or Bass wood – commonly used for constructing intricate wooden parts
MDF – ideal for making strong base boards
Cork – useful for making landscape models
3D printed parts – useful for intricate and custom model parts
It is important to choose the most appropriate materials for a specific model.
Modern Technology In Architectural Model Making
Architectural model making has evolved over the years with advances in technology. Computer aided design (CAD), 3D modeling and other related technologies are now used in architectural model making. These modern technologies are useful in cutting parts to size with utmost precision.
A typical modern day architectural model making process involves:
CAD/3D Design
Scale planning
Material selection
Cutting with precision
Assembling
Finishing
Landscaping
Lighting & presentation
With the combination of modern technology and traditional hand tools, model makers can construct intricate and elaborate models with ease.
New Trends In Architectural Model Making
One of the new trends in architectural model making involves the use of LED lighting and other special effects to construct interactive models. An interactive model includes removable parts, lighting effects and other special effects to highlight a feature, for instance, in a real estate development, an interactive model can be used to show or identify specific buildings, towers, and landscape features. This is a good way to market a real estate development project.
How To Make An Architectural Model (Professional)
A good professional model always begins with good drawings, CAD or 3D design files. The first step in model making involves studying the design drawings and determining an appropriate scale. Other initial steps include preparing materials, cutting parts and assembling them into frames.
The next step involves adding the façade, glazing, landscaping, roads, sidewalks and other relevant parts to complete the model. Other finishing steps include attaching the model to a base board, reviewing the overall look, checking for dirt, scale accuracy, presentation and quality of materials used.
Architectural Models For Real Estate
Architectural model making is an important aspect of real estate marketing. Real estate developers utilize these physical models to market developments such as residential and commercial buildings.
A professional model can help display a large scale real estate development that cannot be fully visualized on a computer screen. Using a well made scale model, a sales agent can assist a potential buyer to better understand the project layout.
How To Choose An Architectural Model Maker
When looking for a model making company, it is always important to consider the following:
Experience working on similar projects
Quality of previous model making work
Scale accuracy
Material finishing
Elaborate model making skills
Mount board and other presentation aspects
Lighting requirements
Packaging and installation services
Ability to work with CAD designs, drawings and 3D design files
Fast delivery and communication
Common Mistakes When Making Architectural Models
A number of mistakes are commonly made when constructing architectural models. For instance, incorrect scale, too much detailing, inadequate joints and connections and poor landscaping or base board can ruin a good model. Another common mistake is trying to show too much in a model without adhering to the main objective.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that architectural model making is a vital aspect of architectural design, construction and real estate development. From conceptual to presentation models, a good combination of scale, materials, advanced technology and hand tools can help construct a good model that accurately represents a building structure. In addition to that, these physical replicas can be vital in helping stakeholders understand the intended project.
