Introducing objects for which we understand the scale will make a model appear more realistic and help the viewer to understand the proportions of the architecture. These objects might be model figures, cars or trees – any elements that are immediately accessible to the viewer.
The finish should be an important consideration at all stages of the model’s construction. Time needs to be taken when cutting materials to ensure that they are cut accurately, and care taken when assembling the pieces. This care will ensure that the model is considered as an important part of the whole design presentation.
Notes on adhesives
Different materials will require different adhesives to allow them to fix properly. Always ensure that the appropriate glues are used, if not the model will not stick together or the glue may mark or even dissolve the material of the model.
Some adhesives will dry to a transparent finish, which may be important.
Adhesive spray allows pieces to be stuck together and then repositioned. This is useful for fixing paper and thin card.
PVA (polyvinyl acetate) glue is general-purpose glue that is good for porous materials such as wood.
Glue dots can be placed on pieces of material that are then pushed together producing a clean finish.
Contact adhesives, as the name suggests, affix materials on contact.
Specialist glues are needed for certain materials. Balsa cement, for example, is good for balsa and other lightweight woods.
Tape is a useful tool for holding glued pieces together while they fix. Masking tape won’t leave marks on the modelling materials and double-sided tape allows two materials to fix together quickly.
Glue guns give a quick, fast-drying effect.
Although some physical models take an abstract form and so are not to scale (similarly initial architectural models, such as concept models, explore ideas of material and form and these models may not use scale), the use of scale can offer an advantage in model making as it allows an appreciation of the real or perceived size of a proposed building or space.
As an architectural idea develops the scale at which it is investigated changes:
• An urban model showing the masterplan of a city will be produced at 1:2500 or 1:1250 scale. This is roughly the same scale as a map and allows aspects of the city to be read in connection with one another.
• A model of a large building will relate to its site at 1:500 scale and as the idea develops the scale of investigation changes until it becomes a model at 1:50 or 1:20 scale, which is approximately the size of a standard room.
• Models produced at 1:10, 1:5 or 1:2 scale are normally used to describe the material details of a building or space or how its component parts will join and fit together.
• Some physical models are made at actual or real size. If a building component, for example a window, frame or roof, has to be specially tested then it may be manufactured and reproduced as a full-size prototype. Real-size models allow close examination of the proposed building component in its ‘true’ form.
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Project: John Roan School Location: London, UK Architect: Architecture Plb (model by David Grandorge)
Date: 2007
This model outlines a proposal for a school project in London. The school will form the focus of an urban masterplan combining community, residential and commercial developments.
The model uses different types of timber to differentiate between the existing and the proposed buildings.
The various types of wood also identify with the proposed
construction materials for the elevation cladding and the roof.
Modelling
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Model scales |
Photographing models
Although a model may well be intended to be viewed and investigated in three-dimensional form, if it is photographed then it can also be included in a portfolio of work, or in the creation of CAD images or photomontage and collage images. Important considerations when photographing models are:
Stage the views and use a neutral background such as a white or black sheet that will contrast with the model.
If possible, try and photograph your model outdoors using the sky as a backdrop. This can add to the overall realism of the piece.
Consider light and shadow falling on the model. Orientate it as it should be in reality and this will make the model a truer representation of the scheme.
Ensure that there aren’t any objects or elements in the frame of the photograph that will affect the scale illusion of the model.
Photograph the model from all angles, as overview images and then zoom in to capture details.
This will provide a range of views of the model for use in other presentations.
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Project: Emsworth Activity Centre Location: Emsworth, UK Designer: Khalid Saleh Date 2007 The site for this activity centre is on the water’s edge and is adjacent to a relatively dense residential area. This CAD site model offers an important description of the site and explains its critical location. The model also describes the surrounding landscape and the variable water depth, which is an important factor for this design. |
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Model scales |
In some cases it can be useful to photograph the different stages of the model’s construction as this will show the stages of development of the idea.
Computer aided design (CAD) assists the generation of two-dimensional plan, section and elevation drawings as well as the creation of three-dimensional interactive models.
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Project: Wire frame models Architects: Piercy Connor Architects Date: 2006 |
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These images represent architectural ideas in the form of wire frame models. The buildings appear as a series of transparent frames, without any surrounding cladding or material. A wire frame model is a useful device when developing a design idea, and can also create an impressive presentation image. |
Originally developed in the 1960s for commercial application in the aerospace and electronic industries, CAD was further developed for desktop computer use during the 1980s. Autodesk and AutoCAD were the first CAD software programmes developed for PCs (in 1981). Macintosh-based systems were developed and made available later in the decade. Today most CAD software programmes work across both platforms
Generally CAD schemes are ‘drawn’ on screen using a mouse, but some systems use a pen and graphics tablet.
In such systems the CAD software renders lines and points made by the stylus onto the computer screen.
Creating CAD models offers the architect the possibility to show the scheme at any stage during its development, to quickly adapt a design and respond to changes in the project brief, and to show impressive graphics and a range of interior and exterior views of a building or space.