These are models of the final scheme. They may be used for the purposes of public consultation before a scheme starts or they may provide an overview of the finished building for a client.
The scale of the presentation model and the volume of surrounding architecture or landscape that it displays needs to be carefully considered. If, for example, a project relates to particular reference points in the surrounding area, such as an important building, road or route, then these should be included in the model as they will affect the development of the design.
The materials used to construct the model, and information about how these relate to the finished scheme, will provide a greater sense of realism to a presentation model.
Contrary to what you may think, you don’t require complicated specialist tools or materials to make physical models. Professional model makers may use sophisticated machinery to obtain impressive and highly accurate finished models, but most architects use slightly more rudimentary tools to construct their own models.