Chapter 3
The Dying Trade of Architecture
Model making, some of us hate it and some of us don’t mind it, I don’t know if any of us love it. The craft of architectural model making seems to be more and more uncommon in the professional world. There has only been one job in my professional career where a client actually wanted a physical model. As one of the few people who genuinely enjoy model making I will say I wish it was something that would make a reappearance. Most of us were first introduced to model making during school. As a young, inexperienced student the 3D printers and the laser cutters were something I steered clear from for the first 2 years of school. I wish I could say this forced me to perfect my hand crafting skills, but it didn’t. There were always the occasional fingerprints or extra glue seeping through the cracks maybe even blood and that would make my model look a little messy. The number of blades I went through by hand cutting and not to mention the hand cramps and occasional deep cuts were extremely exhausting by the end of those two years. Just a quick word of advice, work smarter, not harder.
You are going to make models all throughout school, there’s no getting around it. However, it’s a great way of showcasing your project from a different perspective. There are some things that a drawing just simply cannot capture. Use your model to show materials and the function of different spaces. Populate them, trees and scale figures can do wonders to a model, plus, they can help hide those spots that maybe weren’t crafted as carefully or that one little mistake you just didn’t have the time to redo. Personally, models that used different building materials always appealed more to me than a model made out of a single colored material or all of the same type of materials. That doesn’t mean it’s wrong to do it that way but sometimes the contrast between different materials can make it stand out. Some may agree “Less is more” but I combat that with “less is a bore.” Sometimes it’s hard to get those nitty gritty details in your model, especially depending on what scale you’re building at, but I’ve always thought the more the better. Your professor will always appreciate it, I can promise you that. Sometimes, it doesn’t hurt to go above and beyond.
Let’s break down the different techniques of architectural model building and how one can achieve a well-crafted model. To begin, I highly suggest writing out the goal of your model and what you want it to achieve. Think about what materials you want to use and make a list of them. This helps you to stay organized as well as keep your model on track with a cohesive theme. Decide how you’re going to build your model beforehand. What tools will you use and how much lead time will you need if you plan on using something like a 3D printer or laser cutter. These machines typically have sign up sheets/queues if you’re in school and require for files to be put together by using a computer program and that can take a while. Don’t be afraid to make massing models. It might sound like we’re taking a few steps back but massing models can also be a tool to determine building methods, materials, and how those complicated pieces will fit together, you can even use them to determine scale.
Throughout school the laser cutter and 3D printers ended up becoming my most utilized tools. For my personal process I would start by building a simplified version of my project in Rhino, this would allow me to see what I needed to model, how much time I needed to spend and what parts were going to be the most difficult. From there, I would then determine what materials I was going to use. Having an idea of this will allow you to lot for time to source and locate where you can purchase these materials and what resources you will require to manipulate them. Common options include foam board, cardboard, wood, plastic, and even 3D-printed elements. Each material offers unique properties that can influence the appearance and durability of the final model. Experimenting with different materials allows model makers to achieve the desired texture, color, and structural integrity for their projects.
Are you a hand crafter or are you driven by technology? Precision cutting is essential for creating clean lines and accurate shapes in architectural models. Sharp cutting tools such as precision knives, scissors, or laser cutters are used to cut materials with utmost accuracy. Whether it's carving intricate details or assembling precise components, mastering the art of cutting is fundamental to the craft of model making. When using a laser cutter make sure to take the time to set up your files and check to make sure lines are on the right layers and they are placed where needed. When hand cutting, this takes a bit more time and precision to make sure your edges are straight and your measurements are correct. These clean cuts will go along way in your final product.
Layering is a technique used to create depth and dimension in architectural models. By constructing the model in layers, designers can represent different floors, sections, and architectural features with clarity and detail. Precision assembly is essential to ensure that each layer fits together seamlessly, creating a cohesive and visually appealing model. Detailing adds realism and authenticity to architectural models. From windows and doors to landscaping and interior furnishings, every element must be meticulously crafted to accurately represent the intended design. Fine-tipped tools, paints, decals, and other embellishments are used to add texture, color, and depth to the model, bringing it to life in vivid detail. A great method to achieving intricate detail is to use a 3D printer. This tool will allow you to print scale figures, vegetation, interior details such as stairs and furniture and so much more. These levels of details will allow you to populate your models to add that extra bit of pizazz, not to mention this method can also help cover any imperfections. The more the better I always say.
Lastly, be creative. That’s part of the reason most of us chose this profession. We’re all creative individuals who showcase our personalities and techniques through design and art. Model making is a creative endeavor that encourages experimentation and innovation. Whether it's exploring new materials, techniques, or design concepts, model makers are constantly pushing the boundaries of their craft. Embracing creativity and thinking outside the box are essential for creating truly unique and captivating architectural models.