Architectural Model Making

The scale model is the most eye-catching aspect of all sale suites. The framework of the actual building appeals the most to a viewer. Architectural model making is a vital portion of any architectural course where students are taught to represent a replica of constructive structures. Architectural designs chalk out the proportion of the elements with accuracy. The physical size of each layout is depicted in semblance with the original project. Thus, the models explain us how the actual structure will look like. In this article, you will get the model making ideas that will help you to understand the concept with clarity.

Architectural Model Making Techniques

An architectural model is raised for some well-defined purposes. The ad hoc models help studying the interaction of volumes with ease. People get a neat idea about the appearance of the building from different angels. It's a practical method utilized for exploring different architectural styles. Perfectly built models help in efficient sell of a design. The small scale models act as substitute when huge 3D or 2D models cannot be viewed due to various problems. They are sometimes used as showpieces in exhibitions, sales and fundraising activities.

Types of Architectural Models
Before going into the techniques for making architectural models, I must tell you the different categories of architectural models. They are exterior, interior, landscape, urban and engineering/construction models. The civic spaces around the buildings are included in the exterior models while interior works like color, furniture, decoration are presented in the interior models. The landscape design is elaborated under landscape models and urban models use miniature scaling (min. 1:500) to demonstrate apartments, blocks, village or towns. Engineering construction models are quite complex as each element of the architectural style is explained in details.

Working on a Virtual Modeling
Usage of Computer Aided Designs (CAD) have solved the problem of designing a virtual house or any other structure. Earlier, a fixed arbitrary scale having specific measurements for lines and points was used to build an architectural model. With development of technology, the process has become much simple. Selection of the scale is one of the key factors to make the model appealing to viewers. The scales are kept easy. For example, the average scale used for constructing residential model is 1:50. The standard measurement (for 1:50) is 1/4th inch for 1 foot. The ratio is taken as, relative size of the model to that of the original thing i.e, 1:50 stands for one 50th of the actual size. The scales are dropped to maintain the size of model bases. Commercial scales have smaller measurements than 1:800 of 1/8th inch for 1 foot. Other popular scales are 1:20, 1:100, 1:200, etc. Models for large structure utilize the millimeter scale which although very efficient is comparatively a complex measurement.

Architectural Model Making Tools
The supplies include the construction materials for architectural drafting and design. The commonly employed modeling tools in early centuries were basswood, balsa wood and card stock. Present age architecture employ task board, urethane compounds, composites, foams, plastics and wooden plastics for creating different types of architectural models. Ready-made pieces and kits are produced by many companies today. They offer supplies like furniture, figure, structural components, vehicles, scenery elements (bushes, lights, trees, etc) and other elements of the original location and structure. It helps the observer to get the correct feel of the real location. The accuracy of the final product is more important, irrespective of the basic material used for construction. To enhance the visual appeal, automated software like solid freeform fabrication and rapid prototyping are employed to construct the CAD plans. CAD file formatting is challenging for taking out exact prints 3D models, that primarily accept stereolithography.

The process is complex and is performed only by people who have specialized in this field having considerable hands-on experience.