Models have been the most useful tool in the field of applied sciences. In architecture, they physically represent a certain structure to be studied and display different elements of architectural designs and ideas. This representation uses variety of materials like blocks, papers, and woods, depending on the purpose.
Being a neophyte in the architectural world is a great challenge. You can be good in drawing but not so in mounting them into replicas, or vice versa. But with proper skill trainings and diligent practices incorporated with the application of appropriate tools, building great architectural models is not impossible.
Create a clear objective for model making. It is the first step that you must take. Without an objective, you’ll find yourself lost in the middle of constructing your model.
Practicing building architectural models is difficult without the use of appropriate tools. So the second step is Being Ready and Prepared with Right Tools and Materials. You must have the following 6 major tools to start on:
- Measurement tools that include triangular ruler, rulers (6”, 12” and 18” long) and architectural scale;
- Writing tools like sharp pencil (size 2B is recommended), double-side marker, thick marker, and micron (01, 03 and 08);
- Cutting tools that include X-acto knife, utility knife, and ciser;
- OLFA or ALVIN Cutting Mat;
- Glues like rubber cement, quick dry tacky glue, glue gun and tape; and
- Board materials that include thick black and white foam board, thin black and white foam board, chip board, thin plywood and clear sheet print.
Make sure to be careful in using and storing the tools especially the cutting tools and the glue guns. Always check the safety of your working place all the time and have a first-aid kit prepared.
The third step is to set a Scale of your Model. This will help you decide how big your actual model is. This will guide you to the fourth step which is the Floor Planning and Section Cut Drawing. In this step, you can define the size of each piece of your model and assign pieces on the different parts of the floor plan. After this, Adding Dimensions of your Drawing will follow. This makes assembling your model easier.
The next step is Cutting and Gluing the Pieces. In this step, you can use already the tools. You can use the cutting tools to shape your materials, glue to attach them together, and the triangular ruler to measure the angles of your models. After finishing cutting and gluing together the pieces, you can now put them on the floor plan and check if they matched on it.
Then, Build Your Interiors and Structural Model Separately. In this step, make sure that what you are doing is correct before sticking all of them together. Fixing the mistake after sticking all of the models is very difficult to do and may cause unpleasant output.
And lastly, Adding Colors and Textures to Finish Your Model. This will add more colors and life, and provide more details to your project.
