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Oct 26
2010
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Successful Scale Models for Large Civic Projects and Public Review
Successful Scale Models for Large Civic Projects as a title alone, this is a mouthful but civic models are what we making these days. More often than not, the economy determines the kind of work and scale models we build. Many of the developers and engineers we normally count on to keep us busy are themselves scrambling for work. When a project does go forward though, scale models are still the most effective way to explain to the public what is needed. Going through a cone zone on the highway is not something I enjoy nor do most of the drivers I know. It is hard to imagine when you are stuck in traffic how wonderful things will be when the construction is done. Our models are being used to spark the imagination to how exquisite the highway will be once the construction is done.
Case Study: Presidio – Doyle Street Drive Project
Recently we completed a scale model of the Presidio--Doyle Drive project in San Francisco, California. The drive off the Golden Gate Bridge and through the Presidio is used by tourists, residents and commuters alike. The highway was built a long time ago without the benefit of a model illustrating traffic flow solutions. When looking toward the bay, the existing busy highway is a bit of an eyesore bisecting vital parks, and open space, plus cutting off thoroughfares to neighborhoods and business areas. 
The Solution shown in a Scale Model
The solution is to lower parts of the highway through tunnels and redesign the interchanges using modern designs and engineering. As in many cases the best-laid plans aren’t so easy to understand conceptually and often times even harder to sell. Working closely with Parsons Brinkerhoff Engineering, the lead engineering firm directing the project, we came up with a 4’6” X 9’6” model design that takes a slight arc and is divided into 4 distinct sections. Each section demonstrates a different location along the planned drive and offers a clear engineering solution. Each section is enclosed in its own crate with casters so they can be wheeled around with ease and taken to separate meetings involving specific focus areas being considered for redevelopment.
This civic engineering scale model is being hauled all over San Francisco Bay Area for display to explain how the different phases of build-out are planned and to ease the public concerns over having been inconvenienced for as long as it takes to get the job done.
What makes the Client/Model Maker Relationship Special?
As much as the purpose of the Presidio model is clearly defined by the team of engineers, city planners, and public input, from a scale model builder’s perspective this was an interesting scale model to build. Along the way, we learned a bit about the history of the Presidio area and the politics at play affecting the project’s direction. One the coolest things for us was building the ramp leading up to and structure replicating the entrance to the Golden Gate bridge, and the elegant Palace of Fine Arts Buildings. We were able to solve problems associated with detaching and transporting the separate sections of this engineering scale model. On top of that, we had to figure out how to build hundreds of buildings and place the massive military cemetery. 
Our passion is making models and solving problems for clients like Parsons Brinkerhoff, who were the lead engineering team for the Presidio—Doyle Drive project. It was challenging, and historically fascinating even though it wasn’t the biggest model we’ve ever created. Projects like these push model makers to engage with a project beyond just reading the plans and building the scale model to suit the client. The special collaborative and cooperative juice between client and model maker often make the difference in a projects success like the Presidio—Doyle Drive.
Craig Martin
Information is the key to building a great architectural scale model. 
Today, information for a campus and architectural scale model site, building or part has gotten much easier to source. Compared to the not so distant past, when all things were stored in archives on paper or film, the advancement of computers, the internet, and GPS mapping technology has brought about an extraordinary change in how we gather information for a project. Files are stored and moved electronically to us. When design flaws are discovered, changes are made on-the-fly in AutoCAD, Photoshop, Illustrator, Sketch-Up and RHINO. Files are saved as a PDF then uploaded in cyberspace simply to be downloaded here to make adjustments to the model on the shop floor.
Recently, we were asked to create a model for the King Edward VII hospital in Bermuda. I emphasize the word "create." Our client 
Thanks to Google Earth, Bing maps, Yahoo maps and other services online, we can see what a site looks like online, fill in a building or landscaping without driving the architects crazy begging for information.