ቅራቅምቦ አሰራር

Model making
Milkyas A.
Architect(Msc.)
Introduction

Why do we make models?

Introduction

Architects make models as a means of exploring and presenting the

conception and development of ideas in three dimensions.
Introduction

What is the advantages of models?

Introduction

significant advantages of physical models is their immediacy, as they can

communicate ideas about material, shape, size and colour in a highly accessible
manner.
Introduction

Size vs Scale
Size and scale
Size is directly linked to
measurement and is therefore
quantitative in nature.

VS
Scale is relative – i.e. it refers to
a component being relationally
smaller or bigger than another
component – and, as a result, is
qualitative.
Size and scale

Understanding scale is essential to be

able to produce a correctly sized model
for your needs.

Useful scales
Actual size 1:1
Smaller than reality 1:2
Larger than reality 2:1
 Introduction

Members of the Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA), The team at the in-house modelmaking
with a design development model for the Universal facility at Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners
Headquarters, Los Angeles.
Introduction

1:20 model of a temporary pavilion by 6a A variety of explorative models by Grafton Architects

architects in the process of being made. for their Università Luigi Bocconi scheme in Milan.
Concept models?
Concept models

conceptual models are a medium of thought not only facilitates

the design process of the modelmaker but also enables his initial
creative impulses or intentions to be communicated to others.
Concept models

A key consequence of this development is that a student’s design often can begin
with a theoretical position or concept that is not necessarily related to the
functional programme of the building, or even its context, but is evidence of a novel
idea.
Application of models
1. Descriptive models
its purpose is to assist the
understanding of reality by
establishing the emergence of a
particular phenomenon and
describing relationships between
relevant factors. Put more
succinctly, its primary intention is
explanatory

eg. presentation model

Application of models
2. predictive models

The predictive model, by its very

nature, is used to forecast the
future. Predictive models are
based on the assumption that
the situation is an established
rather than an emergent one.
The design for the National
Bank of Kuwait (NBK) Tower
by Foster + Partners
Application of models
3. Evaluative models

explore or describe something such

as properties or experiences that
are not manifest in the model itself
but are related to it.

Note:Not to be confused with predictive

models, which produce quantitative data,
evaluative models are intended to provide This 3D printed model of the design by Foster
data of a qualitative + Partners for a winery
 Application of models
4. Explorative models

The main purpose of the explorative

model is to discover other realities by
speculation. This speculative process
involves systematically varying the
parameters used in the descriptive
model in order to identify those
alternatives that are logically possible. This 3D printed model of the design by Foster
+ Partners for a winery
Alebel Desta
The founder and the Lead Architect
Alebel Desta
Alebel Desta

urban art installation

Alebel Desta
Paper Architecture
Lab Experment
Paper Architecture
Class 2

The selection and

composition of media
The selection

The selection of the materials to be used to

make a model depends on
• its purpose
• the stage of the design process
• how quickly it needs to be constructed
The selection

In order to determine which materials are

appropriate, it is important, as described
above, to think about the level of abstraction
and the scale required.
The selection

A single material can often be manipulated and

treated in different ways, so this does not
necessarily limit the appearance or level of detail.

Monochromatic models are very common in

architecture, made from either wood or white
cardboard.
The selection

The combination of different surfaces, colours

and elements is a time-tested method of
making architectural models, but care should
be exercised to communicate the most
important features of the design and avoid
unnecessary information
Class 2

Model making
Materials
Paper and cardboard

For the designer new to modelling, the different

types of paper and cardboard that are easily
available and very economical make them great
materials with which to start. The versatility of uses
that can be achieved with these materials .
Paper and cardboard

One of the significant advantages of using thin sheets of material, such

as paper and cardboard, is their ability to permit the investigation of
different lighting conditions.Tracing paper makes a very effective
substitute for translucent glazing elements, and is easy to obtain.
Paper and cardboard

Perhaps a significant limitation of models made

from paper and cardboard is that they are usually far
Easily broken and perishable than those made from
more robust materials.

Care also needs to be taken when using a glue to fix

and connect components made from paper and
cardboard,
Paper and cardboard

Always remember to use a cutting

mat when working with sheets of
paper and cardboard; this will prevent
damage to both furniture and to you,
as it will minimize slippage when
cutting out components.
Paper and cardboard

The contrasting nature of different corrugated cardboard can be

paper-based materials can offer in evoking a sense of mass.
new insight into design ideas.
Step by step Developing a design
using paper models

1 2 3 4
Wood
Unlike paper and cardboard, working with wood is
typically more labour-intensive but the investment of
additional time, effort and cost is often rewarded
with the impressive results
Wood

Although a considerable spectrum of different types

of wood is available, they all fit into two basic categories.
The more familiar is naturally grown and dried wood that
is taken and manufactured directly from trees. The other
category consists of products that are manufactured from
waste wood produced by timber-processing industries;
these are wood-based and usually produced in sheets.
 Wood

An important factor when deciding which

type of natural wood to use in a model is
ensuring that the grain is appropriate for
its scale. In most cases, it is preferable
to use a wood with a smooth and
relatively plain surface.
Wood

A wide variety of different woods is

available and, whilst it is not
necessary to list every potential
type, the main ones are described
here along with their properties.
 Wood
One of the benefits of wood-based
materials is that because they are
produced in sheets, model layers
can be built up quickly and with
minimal waste. In these examples,
CAD/CAM software has been used
to design the overall form, which
is subsequently cut as a series of
pieces that are then assembled
as shown.
Styrofoam, acrylic and plastics

There is such a variety of different

plastic products available that it is
difficult to generalize about their
properties and aesthetics.However, the
majority of plastics are malleable,
synthetic materials made of
macromolecules.
Styrofoam, acrylic and plastics

One of the most common plastics used in modelling

is polystyrene, as it is mass-produced and inexpensive.
Some architects and modelmakers only work with
polystyrene, particularly when developing ideas, as the
material can be worked with quickly and easily.

Polystyrene is typically white and smooth, although

blue styrofoam and pink rigid foam insulation are also
common
Styrofoam, acrylic and plastics

It typically comes in either sheet or strip

form. As a sheet material, styrene can be
used to construct model facades, landscape
and details.
Styrofoam, acrylic and plastics

Another frequently used plastic in

architectural modelmaking is acrylic glass
often just referred to as acrylic.
Styrofoam, acrylic and plastics

The accuracy that can be gained using

plastics is clearly demonstrated in this
concept model, which consists of a
series of similar parts carefully mounted
so that, whilst it may be possible to read
some spatial qualities into the model,
Styrofoam, acrylic and plastics

Using plastics and styrofoam

to convey sculptural
forms,
Resin, clay and cast materials

This category includes materials such as clay,

plasticine and plaster – the latter also commonly
known as gypsum.

Moldeing Gypusm,involves producing a mould for

the liquid plaster to be poured into. Although this can
sometimes be a time-consuming activity, the benefit is
that once the mould has been produced it can be used
over and over again as necessary.
Resin, clay and cast materials

Cast materials, such as plaster, allow relationships between

solid and void to be investigated in a different manner to
sheet-based materials, such as paper and cardboard.
Resin, clay and cast materials
The transparent properties of resin facilitate the
use of coloured pigments to produce component
variants
Resin, clay and cast materials

Further to these materials, plasticine and

air-drying modelling clay are also used in
architectural models. Plasticine (also
known as plastic modelling clay), unlike
the previous materials, remains formable
and can be continuously reworked as it
does not dry out or harden.
Steel and other metalwork
For the purpose of architectural models,
metal is typically used in sheet form to
represent cladding or other building
finishes, although metal rods, sections
and mesh may be incorporated to
model structural elements and other
components.
Aluminium, Brass. Copper Nickel silver
 CAD/CAM

Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided

Manufacture (CAD/CAM) is used in industry
and for modelmaking more extensively than
ever before, because of the very nature of
the digital format it has become more cost
effective and efficient to manufacture model
components.
 CAD/CAM
CNC-Computer Numerical Control is the process of
cutting material with a computerised milling or
router machines.

Laser cutting – this is a similar process to CNC

but instead of using a cutter to profile the materials it
uses a laser to cut a design from sheet materials.

3D Printing- quite simply is a process by which a 3D

computer model is printed with a powder, resin or ABS
plastic material so as to generate a rapid prototype three
dimensional models or finished object.
Types of Models
Type
s
CONCEPT MODELS
SITE/CITY MODELS
BLOCK/MASSING MODELS
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT MODELS
SPATIAL MODELS
STRUCTURAL MODELS
INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE MODELS
LIGHTING MODELS
PRESENTATION/EXHIBITION MODELS
FULL-SIZED PROTOTYPES
Introduction

The influence on the choice of media, scale and degree of

abstraction within the model leads us on to the topic of
different types of models

Depending on the scale, and the level of abstraction required,

there exist a number of model types, which will be explained
below.
Concept models
• it is a very useful tool of communication,
mediating as it does between the
theoretical ideas and the ‘concrete facts’
of architecture such as structure and
functional requirements.

• One particular feature unique to these types of

model is that they are not necessarily made to scale,
being representative of initial creative impulses that
do not seek to communicate actual spatial
relationships.
Site/city models
• This type of model represents urban or
natural environments. it shows the
design’s relationship with the existing
environment.
• This type of model is often characterized by
one of the highest levels of abstraction( a
process of removing characteristics from
something to reduce essential character ).
• Buildings are reduced to ‘building blocks’
abstract structures that reproduce to
simplified manner .With urban contexts, it is
often useful to make a model at 1:2000 or
1:1250
 Site/city models
• the first step in building it is to conceive
of the irregular natural terrain as a stack
of horizontal strata.

• The development of a project might result in

several designs, and urban design models
are often constructed as ‘inserts’ or group
models to reduce the amount of work
required to present them.
Block/massing
models
• it provides a simplified communication of
a design’s various components rather than
detailed information.
• This type of model is similar to the site and
city models described above. The main
distinction is that they communicate the
relationship of that building’s elements or its
whole only in relation to itself rather than the
surrounding context.
• This enables a designer to investigate the
formal qualities of a design such as
proportion, shape and mass
Design development
models
• Design development or ‘process’ models are
effectively three-dimensional sketches
through which novel ideas are explored and
tested but not necessarily concluded.

• in some cases a presentation model is a

design development model that has reached
a critical point in the design process.

• design development models communicate a

‘journey’ rather than a ‘destination’,
Spatial models
• These are specific spatial-study models, i.e.
complete or part models specifically built to
explore certain issues by working directly in
space.
• they may only focus on the relevant
attributes of a design that are critical to a
particular space or sequence of spaces.

• In this sense, they may appear similar to

interior architecture models but are typically
made at an earlier stage in the design process
when internal qualities are less defined.
Structural models
• these models are primarily concerned
with testing ideas for a project’s
structure.
• simply indicate different loadbearing
elements such as walls and frames, to
considerably more detailed examples that
investigate the structural systems of a design
with a higher degree of architectural analysis.
Interior architecture models
• useful for architects to make models
of interior space for both design
development and communication purposes.

• Such models are solely produced to explore

the internal characteristics of space(s); as
such, they are not necessarily interested in
the overall design but focus on a particular
part of it rather than the composite whole.
Interior architecture models
• The need to investigate a space in detail
usually leads to these models being built at
1:20, 1:10 or 1:5 scales

• This type of model typically incorporates

detailed components such as staircases,
furniture and miniature people

• the intention is to provide an accurate

and detailed simulation of the real internal
environment,
Lighting models

• they may allow the designer to perceive

the effects of daylight or artificial light
throughout the spaces modelled

• Lighting incorporated into them in order to add

drama and atmosphere to the design – or to
emphasize the formal qualities of a project.
presentation/exhibition
models
• typically describes a whole building or project
design and signifies a point in the design process
at which the designer is ready to communicate
the proposal to external audiences such as clients
and public.
• A presentation model provides a clear and
coherent description of a design, and
functions as a representation of the building
• models may be built specifically or an exhibition.
This is particularly common for examples of
historical architecture, for which no model may
actually exist
Full-sized
prototypes

• These models can be made to a scale of up

to 1:1, in which case it would probably be
more accurate to call them ‘porotypes’.
Final project
1. Concept models of ________
2. Site/city models of ________
3. Block/massing model of ________
4. Design development models of ________
5. Spatial models of ________
6. Structural models of ________
7. Interior architecture models of________
8. Lighting models of________
9. Presentation/exhibition model of________
Final
project
• Concept models of New gate
• Site/city models of Arch Dept
• Block/massing models Admin Bld and
• Design development models of Admin
( with 3 stages )
• Spatial models of Research center
• Structural models of admin Bld
• Interior architecture models of Oda Nebe
hall
• Lighting models of New hall
• Presentation/exhibition model of Admin
Finishing
techniques
 Finishing
techniques
• When it comes to finishing presentation models
the highest standard is often expected to convey
the level of professionalism

This means careful consideration to the finished

look of a model.
Finishing techniques

Material color
• When the natural state of a chosen
material is used as the finished color.

• This means care must be taken in cutting and

preparing components to maintain the
desired finish
Finishing techniques

Artificial color

• When a desired color is applied to

a chosen material when its desired
shape or form has been achieved.
Finishing techniques

Using fillers
• Fillers are widely used in modelmaking, the
type of filler applied is largely dependent on
the material you are working with.

• When applying filler, make sure you cover

the desired area but ensure any excess is
removed before it cures to reduce
prolonged finishing work.
Technical processes: Sanding
preparation
• Rough finished materials can be worked up to a fine,
smooth finish in preparation for artificial color finishing
or as a final finish.

Sanding paper types are graded low to high

• These grade levels refer to the coarseness of the paper
e.g. Low grade: 80 abrasive pieces of grit per cm squared.
High grade: 1000 abrasive pieces of grit per cm squared.
Technical processes: Paint
process
• Painting is a very individual skill to master, and it is
likely that personal preferences and skill will combine
to develop a modelmaker’s particular approach of
achieving the desired finish through practice.
Technical processes: Paint
process
Here is an outline of a basic spraying process applicable to both spray cans and
guns:

• Apply a primer coat to get an initial covering

• Sand this coat lightly
• Fill if necessary and refine surface through sanding
• Re-prime and refine if required
• Build up top coat as required
Photography and
film
 Photography
and film
• The photographing of a model is a transformation
into another medium that in some ways is even
more critical than the physical construction itself.

• Therefore, a well-conceived and carefully

taken photograph can enhance a model and
translate it into a more ‘realistic’ experience.
 Photography
and film
• the modelmaker becomes a film director,
controlling and editing the views of the model
and its spaces. The use of different lighting
techniques, camera angles and framing permits
specific images to be taken, and can have a
powerful influence on how the project is
communicated to others.
• One significant application of photography is its
ability to produce large images of what may be a
comparatively small model.
 Photography
and film
• Photographing models is an important part of
documenting the design process through which a
project has evolved. In both a professional and
educational context, such images can be included in a
portfolio
• The angle or viewpoint of the camera can play a
crucial role in convincing the viewer that the
scale of a small model is closer to reality.

• NB. Photographs taken directly above a model should

be avoided unless it is a city or urban model
Tips-
Background
Always think carefully about the view
of the model that you wish to capture.

Neutral backgrounds make a model

the focus of the viewer’s attention, and
make it much easier to test different
lighting conditions upon and within it as
required. Avoid having any objects in the
background that will instantly reveal a
model’s real scale
 Tips-Photomontage
Photomontages may be highly effective representational tools as they enable the
designer to incorporate large amounts of information and atmosphere, and
communicate this to the viewer
Tips-Digital and camera
technology
A very useful piece of equipment for negotiating the scale barrier is the
endoscope, also known as a model scope, which brings the eye directly into the
spaces within a model.
Tips-Black background
The End