subject: Tips On Architectural Model Building [print this page] Architectural models are required for visual representation of building sites and building before its creation. A model gives an insight to the designing details, showing every angle of the building that the builder has conceptualized. In other words, a model provides a three-dimensional view of the design that makes the design visible from every angle. An effectively done model makes your vision come to life. Rough study models can be quickly made using materials such as polystyrene, foam, wooden blocks, but a detailed presentation model would need the inputs of a professional architectural model maker or a model making company.
An architectural model makers dream is to make the model realistic using different techniques as far as the scale allows. Scale is very important. You should find a suitable scale for the building that will show the design details preciously. If landscaping feature is to be included, the size of the scale can be dropped to keep the base size of the model manageable. Smaller scales are also used for commercial buildings for meeting the same purpose, allowing the viewers to see the major architectural features while still being able to view the complete building. Larger scales are only used to show textures or specific patterns in interior design.
Different materials are used in building an architectural model. Materials that are used commonly for centuries are balsa wood, card stock, basswood and many others. However, modern architectural model makers take the advantage of contemporary and 21st century materials. However, it doesnt mean that using only latest and expensive material will yield excellent results. A model done using less expensive material based on a good design is often better than model put together with high end material using a poor design. Today Task board, wooden-plastic composites, urethane compounds and foam boards are used. Companies are also coming up with handy pieces for structural components. Nowadays both professionals and students are using high-impact polystyrene. These materials are known for their ease of use.
There are several ways to increase visual appeal of your model. Include extraneous objects such as people or car; these objects help to entry and exit areas as well as help to provide scale comparison for your model. For instance, if you want to show parking areas you can include cars for your model. It is always better to include landscaping. This helps the viewer relate to the model as a representation of a real object.
Today most architects are working with large-format drawings on 24 by 36-inch paper or a larger size. Most architectural firms are using large format printing of their computer-generated images and drawings. Today there are several companies that offer three-dimensional computer generated images CGIs and animation for the architects.
