About Architectural Model Making

building concept design

Architectural Model Making

Architectural models are scaled models of new developments or buildings and give the architect and clients a tangible representation of the finished product. They can be used to communicate the ideas to committees, clients and the public for approval and planning application purposes – they are a very useful tool for showing, presentations, obtaining permits, marketing, fundraising and more.

Although it’s relatively simple to make a rough copy using wooden blocks, cardboard, foam boards, polystyrene and such like, nothing quite gets the message across like a thoroughly modern architectural model made using modern laser cutting machinery, rapid prototyping and CNC machining skills – this technology used with a combination of skilled workers can produce fantastic architects models of the very highest quality.

Some types of architectural models include;

Exterior Model – to give the impression of the outer design of the building or complex. This type of model will usually include landscaping, roads etc surrounding the building to create an overall effect

Interior models – showing finishes, space planning, colours, layouts etc

Landscaping models – which are, as the heading suggests representative of landscaping and development design. These architectural models may include features such as small bridges, walkways, vegetation, pergolas and more. This type of model may also include buildings.

Urban architectural models – are often built to a significantly smaller scale to encompass an entire development, town or area. This type of model may be a representation including industrial facilities, tower blocks, military bases, or whole town and villages. These are a vital part of the town planning and development process.

Engineering models – an show isolated portions of buildings and structures with the interaction of such components.

Modern architectural model making techniques mean that designers can see the fruits of their labour in a tangible form relatively quickly, easily and cost effectively.