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The architectural model is a tool often used to express a building design or masterplan. The model represents architectural ideas, and can be used at all stages of design. An architectural model shows the scale and physical presence of a proposed design.
The model is a 3 dimensional replica or expression of the design, usually at a scale much smaller than full size. Traditionally, architectural models were made exclusively by hand using materials such as foam board, balsa wood and card, but more recent developments in technologies have seen the use of digital methods such as laser cutting and 3D printing.
The architectural model can be seen in many forms, created out of a multitude of materials and traditional or modern techniques. These modern techniques now allow for faster and more detailed model production, with fast model making becoming a strong requirement.
Despite the development of 3D modelling and photo-realistic rendering, there is a still a firm place for the architectural model in the design process.
As a student, it is likely you will be asked to build a model at least once, and it is a great skill to develop and embrace during your studies. Not only will architectural model making serve to improve your design critique, but give you new skills in critical thinking and spacial awareness.

What is an architectural model used for?

The architectural model serves many functions, which can be broken down into three categories.
The first type of model is the conceptual model. This is used at the initial stage of design to look at forms and shape.
The second is the use of the architectural model to inform and develop a design, the working model. This type of model is not seen by a client or the public but used to develop ideas and work on solutions.
The third type of model is the presentation model, that is used to present the architects design ideas to the client or public.
We will look at all of these types of model in more detail.

Conceputal Model

The conceptual model allows the designer to develop initial concepts and ideas using basic models and shapes to develop a form. It is an early approach to the design, describing an idea in simple terms. Although sketching is often used as a starting point for development, the physical model allows us to explore our ideas in 3d form.  The materials used for this type of model tend to be more basic, and a looser approach is taken to the construction process. They are usually made quickly, and easy to adjust and tweak as the design is progressed.

Working model

Working models go a step further in developing design ideas and solutions. The working model will have higher quality materials that reflect specification in design  They help us understand and communicate scale, form and materials. The physical model has a presence, and texture that is difficult to represent in drawings or digital work, and allows for exploration of its materiality and form. At this stage it is possible that the client will be able to see these early models and they will be used as a communication device for the early design.

Presentation Model

The presentation model are far more detailed than the previous models, and reflect the proposed materials of the scheme. The context of the site and surroundings are often included in presentation models to demonstrate how the design fits with the context of the surrounding architecture and landscape. In some cases the presentation model is illuminated, which creates an impressive effect and are often used to highlight particular areas of a scheme. The illuminated model is particularly popular for demonstrating schemes that will be predominantly used at night time (restaurants, theatres, bars etc). The presentation model has numerous functions.

Client communication

It can be used to help clients or investors envisage the design, it is used as a communication method between the architect and the client.

Sales and Marketing

Architectural models can be used as a method of marketing developments. It is quite common to see a scale model of a new housing development, or mixed used development in the sales and marketing area while the project is under construction. This allows potential purchasers to imagine the project as a completed development.

Public information

Sometimes architectural models are used to provide information to the public. These could be a 3d map that allows visitors to navigate more easily, perhaps a site map with buildings that displays historical information. It could also be providing the public with a visual sense of an urban planning development that is under progress.

Planning

For larger developments architectural models are sometimes used to demonstrate the scheme in order to win planning approval, or win the confidence of the public. It allows people to understand the project better than looking at 2d drawings, particularly when under public consultation, as often people find it far more difficult to read plans and elevations than they do a physical model.

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