About Architecture Model Construction

Scaled models of architecture have been in use for hundreds of years. Originally constructed of simple paper and wooden supports, many ancient buildings were first realized as a small scaled model before construction was permitted to begin in order to catch any potential problems in construction or building placement. Today, architectural models are used in everything from city planning, recreation, movie sets and structural testing.

Methods and Materials:

With the aid of a blueprint and a little rubber cement, practically any Styrofoam, card stock or foam core might be used to construct a low detail architectural model. However, projects destined for higher visibility are constructed of professional grade materials such as vinyl, polystyrene and resin.

In many cases, pre-made building kits constructed from laser cut styrene, acrylic sheet or heart-shaped vinyl are utilized for filling areas requiring a large volume of medium-to-low detailed nondescript buildings. This practice serves to both save time and to guide the eye of the onlooker to the figure of the primary model or area of interest. 

Highly detailed or focal models such as those used in pre-construction visualizations are often constructed by the model maker twice. The first construction is to make a master building, which is then used to create a latex mould. The model maker then fills the mould with resin and once cast, the model is then reconstructed a second time and detailed with paint, fabric textures, etched brass, acrylic windows and wood panelling for additional realism.

Use and Applications for Architectural Models:

An architectural model provides a readily understandable means of visual communication that serves as a bridge between project professionals and their often layman clients.

For this reason, highly-detailed models are often utilized as pre-construction displays wherein potential clients have the opportunity to purchase real estate lots based on the model layout.

Architectural models are equally effective as fundraising displays, construction guides and court room presentations. They have also proven popular subjects for wind tunnel structural safety tests.