Architectural models can be made from a variety of different materials depending upon skills, what the model is needed for, budget and time. Historically architectural models were created using materials like balsa wood, card, basswood and other types of wood whereas the modern architectural models used these days more often utilize materials like plastics, wood / plastic composite, urethane compounds, foam board and similar.
Some of the features used in the construction of architectural models can be ready-made – structural components like beams and girders for example, as well as trees and bushes, vehicles and people, street lights and other items of scenery. All of these figures and models help to add realism to urban architectural models although it is important that everything used is to the correct scale in order to make the models seem as real as possible.
Modern architectural models are increasingly designed and constructed using rapid prototyping and 3D printing which can automatically produce models from the Computer Aided Design (CAD) plans. Model makers use this technology because it has helped to revolutionize model production making it a much faster, more accurate and budget friendly procedure.
CNC carving is another revolutionary technology which helps the design and development of modern model making. CNC uses carving plotters which can carve out large boards of high density foam for using in the topography of urban and architectural models. Smaller CNC carving plotters can also be used allowing for rapid prototyping to be even more cost effective and can be used for model buildings, topography and other constructions.
One other type of material which can be used for the creation of architectural model making is quite simply paper. These are virtually origami constructions which do take a very high skill level in order to construct the model the correct way. The time and skill involved makes this a comparatively rare type of architectural model.
In fact the image below is an Architectural Model that we created for a coffee shop. If you want to find out more about how JH May did this then we have a great case study which goes into this project in more detail. Just click here to find out more.