Archetype 3D

"If a picture is worth a thousand words then in this ,case the model was worth a 1,000 pictures."                              

  --Rich Wolfe, Lead Architect Heery International

Once or twice a month, we invite clients to Archetype 3D for a shop tour or visit them at their offices to present everything about scale models and how it applies to their projects. Site and campus specific scale models are perfect to improve client communications about design, public review and fundraising. During the course of one of our “Lunch and Learn” presentations with architects at Heery International, Rich Wolfe, the lead architect came forward with a hospital campus project in Aspen.  As it turned out, Aspen Valley Hospital was undergoing a major multi-phase project change to accommodate their needs the next 10 to 15 years. It was as if a light was switched on when Rich realized how a scale model would fit the Aspen Valley Hospital’s project.

The Scenario

Several important items were at play in moving the Aspen Valley Hospital project forward. A model would serve this purpose in a number of ways.  The public would be easily able to preview proposed changes in the buildings height and location at site through the next two phases. It could be used as a training tool for employees and emergency planning.  It could raise community awareness about the project prior to an election for bond issuance. Finally, the use of a model tends to decrease the cost in design and construction ultimately minimizing lengthy delays.

The Solution

Produce a model to reside at the hospital in a semi-permanent location where the hospital BOD and managers could meet with the community. The model served to meet key project objectives in the planning and funding process. First, it illustrated and demonstrated the design in physical form for public and city planners review. Second, it gave the hospital administration, staff, and architects a place and centerpiece to gather around to talk about and envision the future of the campus. Ultimately, the model was helpful to the Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation in pursuing fundraising.

The Process

We received the site plans, architectural renderings and elevations to develop a bid. We understood from working with Rich he would need some flexibility to make some changes on the fly as the model was built. We assured Rich as the project manager he would be able to track the project as it was being built on a regular basis by viewing photographic posts made by our shop manager. Equally important, we have an open-door policy for project managers like Rich to drop in and work with the  model makers to adjust small changes in design and to remedy any unforeseen design problems as the model was built. 

"Archetype 3D has a sophisticated operation with the latest technology like using 2D CAD drawings converting them into 3d physical pieces. It was easy to work with Archetype 3D team. They have an open door policy so I was able to visit while the model was being built and when I wasn't able to drop in I could track progress on line through daily photos of the job."

                                     --Rich Wolfe, Lead Architect Heery International

The Model Exceeded Expectations

According to Rich the model has smoothed the process on all fronts and revitalized the community around a vital part of its everyday existence—the hospital. “The low profile design illustrated by the model answered all their questions. The PUD process with the city planners was easier because we were armed with a model that illustrated near and long term changes to the campus.  It’s gratifying to see a model work and convey so much information to a wide range of different people in so many different situations.”

                                     --Rich Wolfe, Lead Architect Heery International.