Architectural Model Making – The Guide
Introduction
What is an architectural model?
Architectural model making is a tool often used to express a building design or masterplan. An architectural model represents architectural ideas and can be used at all stages of design. The model shows the scale and physical presence of a proposed design.
The architectural model is a 3-dimensional replica or expression of the design, usually at a scale much smaller than full size. Being able to physically construct and interact with models not only helps architects get a better understanding of their designs and test ideas, but it also helps them make informed decisions before moving on to the time-consuming construction phase.
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 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 still a firm place for the physical architectural model in the design process.
As an architecture 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 spatial awareness.
In this post we will be exploring the uses and different types of architectural models, along with how they can be used to enhance your design process. You will also learn about the essential materials and tools needed for model making, as well as how to select the appropriate scale and plan your model effectively. So, read on till the end!
Don’t forget you can download this post as a handy pdf, just scroll to the end to get the guide!!
What is an architectural model used for?
Model making has many uses in the architecture industry and its related fields.
Let’s explore some of these key uses:
Design Process
An architectural model is used to help architects and students physically represent their architectural designs, convey ideas, communicate concepts, and explore spatial relationships throughout their design process.
Architectural models play a pivotal role in the design process, serving various functions that can be classified into three distinct categories.
- Ideation and Experimentation
The first type of model is the conceptual model. This is used at the initial stage of design to generate and test out potential forms and shapes.
- Development
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 the client or the public but used to develop ideas and work on solutions.
- Final resolution
The third type of model is the presentation model, which is used to present your final design ideas to the client or public.
We will look at all of these types of models in more detail in the ‘What are the different types of architectural models?’ section.
Apart from aiding in the design process, architectural models can be used for the following:
Client communication
They help clients or investors envisage the design and are an effective communication tool between the architect and client, stakeholders, or perhaps even the general public. They allow non-experts to visualise the proposed building and provide feedback.
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, or perhaps a site map with buildings that displays historical information like in a museum or historic exhibition. 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.
Education and Research
Architectural models are valuable tools for teaching and learning architecture. They are used in architectural schools and universities to help students understand key design principles, construction techniques, materiality, and spatial relationships.
Now that we have covered some uses for architectural models, let us explore their different types.
What are the different types of architectural models?
Architectural models can come in various shapes, forms, and scales.
Here are some common types of architectural models:
Conceptual 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 progresses.
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.
The presentation models 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 is often used to highlight particular areas of a scheme. The illuminated model is particularly popular for demonstrating schemes that will be predominantly used at nighttime (restaurants, theatres, bars etc). The presentation model has numerous functions.
Some other types of architectural models include:
Massing Models (can come under conceptual)
Massing models give a general idea of the shape and volume of the building devoid of any details. They are great for testing and experimentation as multiple iterations can be produced in short amounts of time.
Site or Context Model
These models depict the wider context a building will be situated in. They are great to test different concept models and help to see how the different iterations interact with the surrounding buildings, vegetation etc.
Topographic Model
Topographic models show the terrain and contours of a site. These are typically used when designing on sites that are on a slope or gradient or are perhaps situated on some uneven land. They can come in handy when planning how to access these tricky sites.
Landscape Model
These models focus on the site’s vegetation and green spaces. They are often used to study how landscape features interact with architecture and how the spaces can be enhanced to have harmony with nature.
Case Study Model
Case study models are typically replica models of already existing or famous architectural buildings. They are used by students and architects to analyse the specific details, features, and components of a particular building. These could include building materials, structural systems, internal layouts and more.
Cross-sectional Model
These help give an understanding of the internal workings of the building. They typically focus on a part of the building that has some special intrigue, for instance a large atrium space. They can also be used to show the interior space set up, building structure and materials.
Detail Model
Detail Models provide a close-up representation of a select part of a building that may require further resolution and refining. They are often used by architects and students to understand how building materials come together and to explore the building’s structural systems.
All the types of architectural models mentioned above have unique applications and can be used to produce different outcomes. You also have the opportunity to create variations by combining two or more types of architectural models.
Ultimately your project requirements will determine the best choice of architectural model or models for you to create.
What are the benefits of making physical architectural models?
Physical architectural models are quite unique and advantageous in this highly digital world of ours. From providing a better understanding of scale and proportion to delivering a tactile and interactive experience, there are several benefits to making physical architectural models.
Let’s dive into them:
Spatial Understanding
Physical models can give a sense of scale and help the client envision what the built space would look like. Since you get to see different angles and perspectives, they are great for understanding how different spaces connect with one another.
Iteration
As mentioned earlier in this post, physical models are awesome for testing out ideas. They offer a more flexible way of getting ideas out thus helping the creative process to flow. You are also not confined by the limitations of digital modelling.
Interaction
As these models exist in the real world they can be interacted with and this tactile experience that they provide can be used to keep the client engaged and interested.
If a model has some special intrigue, like a dynamic moving part showing let’s say a retracting roof, the clients will be able to build a better connection with the design. The interactive elements could even be sensory relating to lighting, acoustics, and materiality.
Not only do you get the chance to highlight the design you worked hard to develop but you also help the client build a deeper understanding of it.
Problem solving
Producing a model physically helps you envision how it would exist in the real world. This makes it easier to spot any design flaws or issues that may raise concerns in the construction phase.
Collaboration
Physical models can be used by teams to generate ideas and refine details in a collaborative manner. As the model is perceived by various members of the team, there will be different perspectives and angles to explore that will in turn lead to better discussions to help progress the design.
Material exploration
With physical models, you get to use real materials and understand their physical properties.
Depending on the finish and aesthetic you are opting for, you can experiment with different material choices.
We will expand a bit more on materials in the ‘Materials for architectural models’ section of this post.
Deciding on your model style and scale
One of the key factors to ensuring a successful architectural model is the preparation. Some of the following questions will lead to some important decisions about your model’s style.
- What is the model for?
- What am I trying to communicate?
- What is the budget for the model?
- What is the time scale?
- Do I want to show proposed materials?
- Is the context and surrounding site important?
- Do I want to show the whole model, or a section?
Scale
The scale of your model will depend on what you are representing. If you are looking to demonstrate the interior of one room, then the scale would need to be something like 1:10 in order to allow the viewer to see the detail of the room.
However, if you are demonstrating an urban plan, then the scale would need to be quite different, at about 1:1000 or up to 1:2500 depending on the scope of the project.
In some cases, models will be produced at scales of 1:2 or 1:5, which usually look at very detailed components or material details.
Sometimes your project brief will dictate a scale, but if not, have a good think about it. Also remember you don’t always have to produce the entire building and context, sometimes a section through the building can work really well.
We recommend making use of your entourage elements like scale people and trees to really emphasise the scale and show the relationship between your design and its context.
The following table gives a good indication of recommended scales for architectural models.
Materials for architectural models
Materials play a vital role in model making as they affect the model’s final presentation. Different materials will offer different finishes and outcomes.
The material selection for your architectural model will depend on a few factors:
- Are you making a conceptual model, or final presentation?
- Will you want to represent the materials of the design?
- Do you want to produce a more neutral model that represents the building’s form?
- Is budget important?
- Is time a determining factor?
Materials used for an early concept model do not need to be quite so robust. However, materials used for presentation models will need to be relatively durable, stable and not fade when exposed to sunlight.
It is important you take the time to understand the materials and tools you chose to work with. Spending the time to explore the opportunities and limitations of each material will help you make the best choices for your model.
Learning to work with a variety of materials will teach you the various techniques to bring out the best from each material. For instance, in our experience, using sharp blades helps create super clean cuts when working with foam boards. Additionally, to seamlessly bond acrylic together, you will need to use a solvent based glue. There will be many more things like this that you will pick up on during your model making journey.
Common materials
Neutral materials are often used to represent a building design. They typically have a simple appearance and allow the main focus to be on the architectural concept.
If you are building a neutral style model, consider whether to differentiate the proposed scheme with the surrounding context by using two different materials.
Some options for materials are listed below:
Card and cardboard
Cardboard and card are available in many different weights, colours, and finishes. It is a relatively cheap option for model making and a versatile choice for making both conceptual models along with working models too.
Cardboard is often used to show roads, paths, and terrain by building up layer upon layer of card. Given the strength of cardboard it is also able to support itself well.
Foam board
Foamboard is a piece of foam that is sandwiched between two thin pieces of card. It is usually white (although can be found in different colours) and comes in a variety of weights and thicknesses. It is a very useful material for creating a clean white context model.
It is easy to cut, and the nature of the build-up allows for very neat junctions and corners. It is also a pretty sturdy material and can support itself well. It is very lightweight, which is great when modelling anything large as it is easy to transport.
Foam and polystyrene
Foam and polystyrene are often used to create massing models or topography. They are lightweight and easy to cut and shape. The foam can be quite fragile and easy to damage so generally is not used for presentation models.
Wood
There are a few wood options used in model making:
- Basswood
Basswood has a good workability and finishes well. It is light and has a fine grain. - Balsa Wood
Balsa Wood is probably the most popular wood product for model making. It has a good finish and is available in varying weights and dimensions. It is easy to cut and creates a very accurate model.
Cork
Cork is sometimes used to give surface finishes; it is easy to cut and work with but can stain and is susceptible to damage. It is also quite lightweight.
MDF (Medium-density Fiberboard)
This works as a really sturdy material for the base of a model due to its density. It has a smooth surface and can be used in a laser cutting machine.
Metal
Metal can be used to demonstrate building finishes using a sheet form. Sheets can be obtained in aluminium, copper, brass, or steel. You can also get metal in wire form to create conceptual designs and entourage like trees.
It is a material that has strength, durability, and malleability and has the ability to represent detailed structural elements, facades, and even interior features.
Modelling Clay
This is a very pliable material that you can shape and form quite easily. It does tend to dry out when left in the open, which can be used to your advantage.
Transparent Materials
Perspex and acrylic are used to create transparent materials, to good effect. It is possible to get coloured and semi opaque acrylics which can also be quite effective. They create sleek and visually appealing models.
Entourage Materials
Adding entourage and landscaping elements to the model can be the finishing touch that elevates the model to presentation standard. It allows the proposed scheme to look more natural in its surrounding context.
Landscaping
It is possible to get bags of course turf, which is like a green sand to give the effect of grass and general ground cover. You can also get trees, bushes, and shrubs. Flocking is another option for the grass effect. Another option is to use green felt.
Scale people and vehicles
You will find these come in various colours and materials. We would suggest selecting something that complements the other materials you have used quite well. You even have the option to spray paint them in the colour of your choice.
Furniture and accessories
You can include street furniture, such as benches, streetlights, mailboxes, trash cans and street signs. If working with an interior space you can include the appropriate furniture such as tables, chairs, sofas, and desks.
Lighting
You can use LED lights, tea light candles, fairy lights etc to illuminate your model and simulate realistic lighting. You will also be able to play with shadows and highlights. Test with both warm and cool light to see what creates the effect you are trying to achieve.
You can experiment with these as much as your imagination will allow! Introducing elements such as these allow the viewer a concept of scale which otherwise might be lost.
Model Making Tools and Methods
Some commonly used model making tools and methods include:
Cutting tools
There are a few different cutting tools available, and people tend to have their favourites. The key here is that the blade is sharp and precise. If you are new to using sharp blades and cutting tools, take some careful practice getting used to working with the cutting tool. It is important you replace the blades often to ensure easy cutting, accidents often happen with blunt blades because unnecessary pressure is put on the blade, and it makes it easier to slip.
Scalpel
This is our blade of choice when working on models. It is super sharp and accurate allowing for really intricate and detailed cutting. Be careful with this!
Olfa Knife
For a more all-round utility knife use the Olfa knife. Not quite so dangerous as the other two, and the blades can be snapped off when blunt to reveal a nice sharp new one.
X-Acto Knife
Another popular choice for precision cutting, sharp like scalpel and easy to get extra blades.
Cutting mat
A cutting mat is essential for protecting your desk or table from scratches and cuts, but also prevents the blade from becoming blunt quickly.
Cutting ruler
A metal ruler is useful for cutting straight lines. A cutting ruler usually has grooves that help protect your fingers. Worth investing in one particularly if you are accident prone.
Hot wire cutter
This is best used to make clean and precise cuts on foam and polystyrene. If you wish to go for a more jagged and carved out look, you should stick to a blunt knife.
Guillotine cutter
You can use this to efficiently cut stacks of paper or card.
Wire cutter
A wire cutter helps you precisely snip wires.
Shaping tools
Sandpaper
Sandpaper comes in handy when your model has rough edges that you would like to smooth down. You can also intentionally sand parts of your model down to highlight certain surfaces of your design.
Files
These can be used to shape metal, wood and even plastic.
Pliers
Pliers are useful when you wish to bend, twist, and cut wires or pliable metals with ease.
Sculpting tools
These come in kits that have a variety of shapes and sizes. They can be used to carve, smooth, etch into materials like clay, wax, or stone. They are great for adding intricate details and textures to your model.
Glue and adhesives
There are different adhesives available for the different materials you may be using. Selecting the incorrect glue for a material could result in the material not sticking properly or worse, the glue can even dissolve some materials. Some glues dry clear, while others have a white semi opaque finish.
Acrylic resin glue – sometimes known as superglue
This is a very fast acting glue, very strong bonding, and not the kind of stuff you want on your hands. Care needs to be taken when using this glue, which isn’t suitable for paper or card.
Wood glue
There are various types of wood glue available which works well for the woods mentioned above, with some wood glues being suitable for card, foam, and paper. Wood glue tends not to be suitable for metal or plastic.
PVA
PVA is an all-purpose glue, not as strong as wood glue but works well with card, paper, and foam board.
Solvent based glue
This is best for materials like clear acrylic, where you would want the glue to dry clear and leave no residue for that clean and professional finish.
Clear synthetic resin – like UHU
This glue dries clear and is suitable for paper, card and foam.
Spray mount
Used for card or paper, this is a sprayable glue that makes for easy fixing of card onto card. It is possible to peel off and reposition with care. This can get everywhere so be careful where it is used, ideally in a workspace or outside.
Glue syringe
Sometimes your glue may come in a large bottle, which doesn’t lend itself to precision gluing! The syringe allows you to have just a smaller amount as you work and make it easier to work on more intricate areas of the model.
Glue Gun
Glue guns allow for quick drying, not suited to metals. Not my favourite, tend to be a bit stringy and messy unless you have a real skill for using them.
Masking tape
Perfect for conceptual or sketch models. It can also be used to hold the model in place when the applied glue is drying.
Double sided tape
This can also be useful for bonding pieces together while the glue dries. Be careful when using it with card or paper as it will tear away if you try to remove it.
Digital methods
With the advancement of technology, you can take your virtual 3D models and convert them into physical ones. This is especially beneficial for architects and students as they allow for faster prototyping, design exploration and communication.
Laser cutting
If you have the facility, it is worth giving laser cutting a try. The laser cutter can cut wood, cardboard, paper, foam, polystyrene, acrylics and many more materials. It allows for very accurate cutting very quickly, meaning you can focus on the assembly of the model. There is some preparation required as you develop your cad drawing for the laser cutting machine. You can use a 2d cad drawing to essentially lay out the pieces of the puzzle that will need to be cut out.
For more information on laser cutting we found a useful tutorial walking you through the process of preparing your design for laser cutting from the Instructables website:
https://www.instructables.com/id/Architectural-Model-Making-Using-A-Laser-Cutter/
3D printing
3D printing is an exciting new world for architectural models. The technology has already been adopted by professional model makers to provide clients with fast, accurate, cost effective models. The output is clean and contemporary, extracted from CAD.
This video demonstrates some of the types of 3D printing and finishes that can be obtained.
You can also incorporate these methods into your physical model making workflow to make a hybrid workflow that will help you speed up the production of your model.
General tips for architectural model making
Make a base
Don’t forget to use a solid base for your model, one that is clean and has neat edges. Also make sure it is a good size relevant to your model, it could be difficult to trim or extend it once you have a half completed model stuck to it!
Plan
Make sure you plan plan plan! Especially if you are new to model making, it is well worth taking some time to plan out each section of the model, how you are going to assemble it and what is the quickest and cleanest way to do so. Your model will always take longer than you think. So, try to get the scale of your model, materials and tools you will be working with all planned out for a smooth modelling process.
Keep it clean and bright
Firstly, keep your hands clean as much as possible! Gluey hands make for messy models. Make sure your workspace has good lighting so you aren’t straining to see the details of the model.
Safety
Make sure that when you are working with tools and materials, you take the appropriate safety precautions. Check that you have the appropriate protective gear, such as safety glasses and gloves. We recommend you are extra cautious when using sharp tools and cutting materials. Additionally we suggest that you work in a well-ventilated area when using adhesives and paints.
Take shortcuts where possible with templates
Creating templates and guides is a great way to avoid measuring the same thing again and again. Anything repetitive in your model can be templated in some way. For example, you could create a template for sill heights, or for doors, for regular spacing perhaps. You could create a template for cutting out curves, or specific details that will need to be cut out numerous times. It is a big time saver to do this, and also makes your model more precise.
Print materials
You can print materials to scale and stick to your foam board or card to give a representation of material without spending too much.
Architectural model making resources
Videos:
From Eric at 30×40 Design Workshop, this video is a really great walkthrough of architectural model making – I would highly recommend a watch, plus subscribe to Eric’s YouTube channel as his videos are excellent.
Books:
Architectural Model Making – Nick Dunn
https://amzn.to/3uZhUY5
This book is great for giving you ideas on styles and materials that you can use for your model making. It is a good introduction and starting point. I would suggest having this book to hand when you start to consider the 3D representation of your design studio models.
Folding Techniques for Designers
https://amzn.to/3r5cSIH
Although this isn’t really a model making book, it is an interesting look at shape and form, and structures created through folding. It can encourage us to think outside the model making box….
Model-making: Materials and Methods
Model Making (The Architecture Brief Series)
Architectural Model Building: Tools, Techniques & Materials
Modelmaking – A Basic Guide (Norton Professional Books for Architects & Designers)
Advanced Architectural Modelmaking
A History of Architectural Modelmaking in Britain: The Unseen Masters of Scale and Vision
Modelling Grassland, and Landscape Detailing: Featuring Weeds, Wildflowers, Hedges, Roads & Pavements, Mud, Puddles and Rivers
Landscape Modelling
Websites:
For a little inspiration take a look at some of these professional model maker websites. They show you a good variety and hopefully will give you some ideas on how to approach your own model making.
RJ Models
https://www.rjmodels.com.hk
Model makers Ltd
http://www.modelmakers-uk.co.uk/scale-model-buildings-illuminated
Architectural Models Blog
http://architecturalmodels.tumblr.com
Kandor
http://kandor.co.uk/index.html
Pinterest Board:
We also have a board on Pinterest dedicated to architectural models so feel free to check it out if you are looking for some inspiration:
You might also be interested in:
We also have lots of other architecture content. Be sure to check it out:
Download the Guide!
Download this helpful article as a pdf to keep for reference later.
Conclusion
In conclusion, architectural model making plays a very crucial role in the communication of architectural designs and ideas. With the interactive experience these models provide they make it possible for clients and the general public to connect with and understand our concepts. They are also great tools that promote design discussions among fellow architects and architecture students for the development of ideas. All in all they are incredible tools that help us translate our creative ideas into reality.
We hope you found this article helpful, and would love to hear from you! Comment below and let us know some of your thoughts on architectural model making.
Also, feel free to share this with a friend 🙂
Thank you for reading!
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Image Credits
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very good
Hi team,
I am Rehman from iKix Model Makers. Thank you for providing such a knowledgeable information about architectural model making and its advantages. We are in this industry for over 15 years and has served several of our fortune 500 clients with magnificent scale models. Please visit our website to see some of our work, https://ikix.in/
Thank you.
This is such an amazing website. It was so useful! Thank you.
I once saw an architectural model of a town centre being viewed with a simple endoscope which gave the viewer the feeling of standing in the town square. What are these architectural endoscopes called ? Are they commercially available ? I presume that nowadays they can be coupled to a mobile phone or tablet to take photos. The cheap endoscopes used for inspecting drains etc are not much good because the image quality is poor and fisheyed.
This is such an awesome website. It was so useful! Thank you.
Very,Very, Very useful. Thanks
Thank you Suresh 🙂
WHY MODEL MAKING?
This is a question which is asked very often as in this age of technologies, we can do with computer generated 3 D Models, but has anyone ever thought, how effective is that tool for marketing? Models have a proven ability to sell faster, persuade quicker and inform more accurately. A model affects the client’s mindset so as to clearly envision the project’s future.
I just happened upon your article while looking for inspiration for an art class focused of cardboard sculpture. I just wanted to comment that your presentation was well written, simply stated and beautifully laid out. It helped me organize my approach to the assignment and I thank you.
Thank you Maryann, much appreciated.
Your article is really great. Thanks for sharing valuable information with us. We Also provide the best architectural 3d visualization designs, 3d rendering services, and physical scale. For more information, you can visit our site: https://studiofov.com/
Hi, I wonder if you can help me – I am an architecture student for a independent course and will need architectural models to be done since I won’t have the time and would like to know what is the process if I had a project and want a model done.
Many thanks ,
Paris
Are there any in person (hands on), one-off, classes available for beginners to learn model making in -or near – New York City? I know there are some in London, but I can’t seem to find anything like that here in NYC.
It’s so detailed. I like some of the articles posted by Fia. I’ll read them carefully.