Architectural models hold an indispensable place in the world of design, often serving as the bridge between concept and reality. They enable architects to communicate ideas, test designs, and improve spatial awareness, ultimately guiding the evolution of a proposed building. JH May have been architectural model makers for many years now and have prepared this piece to enable you to unlock the secrets to mastering this essential craft?
The Essence of Architectural Models
Architectural models are three-dimensional representations of proposed building designs that serve a multitude of purposes in the design process. Architects find these tools invaluable for evaluating designs, expressing concepts, and enhancing spatial understanding. Physical model construction allows architects to better understand their designs, experiment with concepts, and make informed decisions before moving to the construction stage.
These models offer numerous advantages, such as spatial comprehension, encouraging experimentation, allowing for interaction, supporting problem-solving, and promoting collaboration. Architectural model making encompasses various types, including concept presentation models, scale models, architectural design models, interior models, urban design models, landscape models, and study models, each serving a unique purpose and requiring specific materials and techniques.
Model makers typically employ a variety of materials, such as foam boards, balsa wood, and laser cutting to achieve building models that effectively communicate their design ideas from different angles and scales. For architecture students and professionals alike, achieving proficiency in architectural model making is key to success in the field. It empowers you to create models that accurately embody your vision and enrich the overall design process.
Materials Matter: Choosing the Right Supplies
The choice of appropriate materials for architectural models plays a pivotal role in achieving the desired presentation and functionality. Base materials, detailing materials, and landscaping elements all contribute significantly to this end. Concept presentation models, for instance, enable designers to formulate initial concepts and ideas by utilising rudimentary models and shapes to construct a form.
Architectural design models, including the architecture model, can be classified into conceptual, working, and presentation models, each with varying levels of detail and materials employed. Among these, architecture models play a crucial role in the design process. Working with a company like JH May means that they will advise the best materials depending on the purpose, structure itself and where you are in the design process.
Base Materials
Foam, cardboard, wood, and metal are common base materials for architectural models, each presenting unique opportunities and constraints depending on the model’s purpose.
- Foam and polystyrene are frequently employed for constructing massing models or topography.
- Cardboard is often used for creating quick and inexpensive prototypes.
- Wood is a versatile material that can be carved, sanded, and painted to create detailed models.
- Metal is typically used for creating structural elements or for adding a realistic touch to the model.
Utilising sharp blades is effective in achieving highly accurate cuts when working with foam boards.
Architectural model making often involves the use of base materials such as foam boards, wood (e.g. balsa wood), and paper. Depending on the particular needs of the model, other materials including cardboard, cork, and metal may also be employed.
Detailing Materials
Detailing materials refer to materials utilised to augment the aesthetic and verisimilitude of an architectural model. Enhancing your model’s appearance and realism by using materials like printed bitmaps, corrugated paper, and balsa wood strips for walls, roofs, and screens can make a significant impact.
Red modelling clay cut into cuboids, for instance, can be used to create brickwork detail, while small rocks can be employed to simulate stone walls. Solvent-based glue is ideal for materials such as clear acrylic, as it dries clear and leaves no residue for a polished and professional outcome.
Landscaping Elements
Incorporating landscaping elements in your architectural model can elevate its design and provide a more comprehensive representation. Some common landscaping elements to consider include:
- Grass
- Trees
- Scale people
- Vehicles
- Furniture
Landscape architectural models, for example, focus on elements such as gardens, parks, or the landscape design of a building and often include typical landscaping elements such as grass, sand, or trees.
The most frequent landscaping elements in architectural model making are:
- Gardens
- Walkways
- Pools
- Fountains
- Water features
By incorporating these elements into your model, you can enhance its overall presentation and better convey your design concept to clients or collaborators.
Model Types: From Concept to Presentation
Architectural models can be categorised into conceptual, working, and presentation models, each with different levels of detail and materials used. Conceptual models enable designers to formulate initial concepts and ideas by utilising rudimentary models and shapes to construct a form, often constructed using boards and glue. Balsa wood and foam are great materials to use for assembling models. They are also cost-effective, so it’s possible to construct them quickly and easily.
Working models, on the other hand, are functional prototypes that enable architects to address issues and propose novel solutions. These models are an advanced iteration of the design concept, featuring materials that more accurately reflect the specifications of the design.
Presentation models, including exterior models, are employed to demonstrate the final product to potential investors or clients, accurately reflecting the proposed materials of the scheme. While digital renderings offer a greater level of interior detail and aesthetic understanding of spaces compared to physical models, the latter remains an essential tool for architects.
Understanding the different types of architectural models and their unique purposes can help you choose the right materials and techniques for your project, whether you’re working on a concept presentation model or a detailed scale model of an interior space.
Achieving the Perfect Scale
The choice of scale for your architectural model is pivotal since it governs the level of detail and project scope being represented. Architectural models typically range from a smaller scale of 1:10 for room details to 1:200 for larger projects, while urban models usually range between 1:500 and 1:2500. It is generally recommended to use a scale of 1:10 for room details and 1:2500 for urban plans when constructing architectural models.
Incorporating entourage elements, such as scale people and trees, can help emphasise scale and demonstrate the relationship between the design and its context. By carefully selecting the right scale for your model, you can ensure accurate representation and effective communication of your design concept.
Model Making Tools and Techniques
A combination of diverse cutting, shaping, and adhesive tools, along with digital methods like laser cutting and 3D printing, facilitates the creation of precise and detailed architectural models.
Essential cutting tools for architectural model making include:
- Scalpel
- Olfa Knife
- X-Acto Knife
- Cutting mat
- Cutting ruler
- Hot wire cutter
- Guillotine cutter
- Wire cutter
Adhesives play a significant role in model making, with options such as:
- Acrylic resin glue
- Wood glue
- PVA
- Solvent-based glue
- Clear synthetic resin
- Spray mount
- Glue syringe
- Glue guns
- Masking tape
- Double-sided tape
Digital advancements in model making, such as laser cutters, provide efficiency in cutting intricate pieces with precision and accuracy, primarily useful for the final stages of model construction. By mastering various tools and techniques, you can create impressive architectural models that showcase your design skills and communicate your vision effectively.
Building Your Architectural Model Step-by-Step
Adopting a systematic approach to model making means adhering to a methodical plan of action. This plan typically begins with:
- Planning and base construction
- Detailing
- Landscaping
- Completion
Planning is essential for those unfamiliar with model making, as it ensures a successful modelling experience and takes into account the model’s scale, materials, and tools. It is recommended to work on models with complex shapes part by part. Cut and paste the sections onto the stand for a better outcome. Doing so will help you tackle the structural components separately.
Urban design models are large-scale models, typically encompassing a city or a neighbourhood, featuring block models of buildings and detailed design responses to urban sprawl. By progressing through each stage of model construction methodically, you can ensure the accuracy and effectiveness of your architectural model while minimizing errors and setbacks.
Incorporating the tips and techniques discussed throughout this blog post can help you navigate the process of building your architectural model, whether you’re an architecture student working on a design project or a professional seeking to refine your model-making skills. If however, you are an Architect then working with a company such as JH May will ensure you achieve the end result you desire in a professional and timely manner.
Tips for a Successful Architectural Model
For a successful model-making process, the following steps are integral:
- Maintain a clean workspace: It is essential to avoid clutter and clean up after each step of the model-making process.
- Adhere to safety precautions: Wear protective gear such as gloves and safety glasses, and keep sharp tools out of reach of children and pets.
- Create templates for repetitive tasks: Templates can help streamline the model-making process and ensure consistency.
- Relish the creative journey: Enjoy the process of model-making and embrace the opportunity for creativity.
Establishing templates and guides is an effective way to prevent the need for repeated measurements, thus saving time and improving accuracy. Don’t forget to take your time and savour the creative process, experimenting and exploring new techniques along the way. By implementing these general tips, you can enhance your architectural model making experience and create models that effectively represent your design concepts.
The Future of Architectural Models: Digital Advancements
Digital advancements like virtual reality and live digital modelling are replete with potential, serving to enhance communication and design exploration in architectural model making. Laser cutters, for instance, offer efficiency in cutting intricate pieces with precision and accuracy and are primarily useful for the final stages of model construction.
As technology continues to evolve, it’s likely that the world of architectural model making will see even more innovative tools and techniques emerge, further expanding the possibilities for architects and designers in their quest to create compelling and accurate representations of their visions.
Architectural model making is an essential skill for architects and designers, enabling them to communicate their design concepts and bring their visions to life. The key to mastering this craft lies in understanding the different types of models, selecting the right materials and tools, and following a systematic approach to building your model. By incorporating the tips and techniques discussed you can create impressive architectural models that showcase your design skills and effectively communicate your vision. Embrace the creative journey and explore the endless possibilities that architectural model making has to offer.
If you are seeking to create an architectural model on a professional basis, then it’s always wise to seek support from a company such as JH May with a track record in architectural modelling alongside, experience, expertise and the technology and equipment to achieve the desired results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are architect’s models made of?
Architectural models are typically made from materials such as paper, plaster, plastic, resin, wood, glass, metal, balsa wood, card, basswood, wood/plastic composite, urethane compounds, foam board and similar.
What do architects use to make models?
Architects use materials such as balsa wood and basswood to make models, due to their workability, weight, ease of cutting, and affordability. Foam and polystyrene are also used for more basic models like massing models or topography, although they can be fragile and prone to damage.
How do architects make 3D models?
Architects create 3D models by using architectural CAD software such as BIM (Revit and ArchiCAD), Rhino 3D or SketchUp to design the digital CAD files, which then need to be printed with a 3D printer.
What are the main types of architectural models?
Architectural models come in three main types: conceptual, working, and presentation models, which differ in the level of detail and materials used.
How do I choose the right scale for my architectural model?
When choosing the right scale for your architectural model, consider both the scope of the project and the level of detail you wish to achieve. As a general guide, room details require a scale of 1:10 while larger projects may require 1:200, urban models typically range between 1:500 to 1:2500.