Choosing the right materials for an architectural model depends on several factors. Here are just a few questions to answer:
- Will it be a conceptual model or a final presentation?
- Would you rather have a neutral architecture model which represents the shape of the buildings?
- How fast do you need the architectural model?
- Do you want to accurately represent the project materials?
- Do you have to fit within a certain budget?
The answers to these questions will guide us in choosing the best materials. However, the materials used in any model must be relatively solid, stable and they should not be affected by sunlight.
For early conceptual models, the materials used do not necessarily have to be so solid. Neutral materials are usually used.
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The answers to these questions will guide us in choosing the best materials. However, the materials used in any model must be relatively solid, stable and they should not be affected by sunlight. For early conceptual models, the materials used do not necessarily have to be so solid. Neutral materials are usually used.
The most common materials used for models:
1. Foam boards
A foam board involves a layer of foam caught between two thin pieces of plywood. Usually, these boards are white, with different degrees of weight and thickness. Foam is by its nature a very useful material for making white, clean architectural models.
Foam is easy to cut and allows joints and corners with a beautiful finish. Also, foam is a fairly robust material with good support. It is also very light, which is a positive point if we are talking about a portable architectural model, which must be transported or moved from one place to another.
2. Transparent material / Plexiglas
Plexiglas and acrylic are used to create transparent materials with a very beautiful effect. You can also use colored or semi-opaque acrylic tiles, which have a very good degree of efficiency.
3. Plywood and cardboard
Cardboard and plywood can have different weights, colors and finishes. They are relatively cheap materials and a versatile choice to make architectural models of any kind. We often use cardboard for roads, access roads and land. We always pay attention to the strength of the cardboard and we use layer by layer for the best resistance where necessary.
4. Wood
Here is another material often used in the representation of architectural models. There are several types of wood, but there is a preference for those with good finishes, available with different weights, easy to cut and shape, to create precise models. Even cork is sometimes used for surface finishes. Likewise, cork has the advantage of being easy to cut and work. However, cork can be stained and damaged quite easily.
5. Foam and polystyrene
These materials are used to create topographic models. They are easy and simple to cut, to shape. However, foam can be quite fragile, which is why we do not necessarily recommend it for presentation models, because it can be easily damaged.
6. Metal
Even metal can be integrated in the structure of an architectural model. Architects, together with their customers, can choose sheets of aluminum, copper, brass or steel.
7. Surrounding elements
These elements have a very important role because they highlight the realism of a model. This category includes:
- cars
- trees
- vegetation (flowers)
- people
- grass
- street furniture
- street lighting elements (such as lighting poles)
- outdoor elements: swimming pools, playgrounds and relaxation areas, benches, etc.
The introduction of these elements allows the viewer to enjoy an image that is as complete, natural and beautiful as possible. All kinds of materials are used for the surrounding elements, but many of them exist in their final form and are not built from scratch.
