Archetype 3D

Simple Objective--Delivery Your Model in One Piece

Delivering your 3D scale model projects as promised is as important to us as the information we receive from clients to build it. Once webegin to discuss the details about your scale model’s plans and vision for its use, we start thinking about how it’s going to be packed, shipped and delivered.

Is it going to be fixed in place on a pedestal at its destination or is it going to be moved from place to place for temporary display? First and foremost in our mind is delivering the model to you the way it left us —in one piece. Believe it or not, some of the largest models are split into multiple sections that require some complex crating and packing for shipment. So delivering a model in one piece takes on a completely new meaning.

The painted sign on the custom built plywood shipping container for the model says, “Warning: Handle with Care.” Models are fragile and must be “handled with care.”  When it comes to crating them for shipping we put a tremendous amount of time in building a suitably sized crate with foam padding all around and adequate support to enable it to survive in transit.  Nothing is guaranteed so we always make sure models are insured when being shipped by freight carrier.

Two Types of Crates

We do not advise standing on your model's crate!

There are two types models and crates to ship them. The most common are the durable and functional plywood crates built for models of all types and that can be reused if shipping to trade shows at multiple locations. The second is a rolling “roadie” style crate like the ones used for musical instruments and for models that will be moved from one viewing location to another by the client to promote their project. These are a more elegant and easier for many clients to handle. Often these are used for smaller models that have to be brought into meetings and conference rooms. 

 Enclosures are Made of Plexiglass

Plexiglas display enclosures are different from the shipping crates models are shipped in.  Custom Plexiglas enclosures protect the model for a longer life. People are curious and love to get their hands on the models in places like museums, showrooms or training centers. Enclosures keep “itchy fingers” from breaking them and altering their design. Practically speaking, enclosures keep dust off the models, or spills from staining them.  Enclosures assure a longer life for a model--especially if you anticipate making changes to it in the future.

Case Study: Doyle Drive Model--Shipped in Four Roadie Crates 

Last year, Dave Thorp, Manager of Design Visualization at Parsons Brinkerhoff, had us build a model for the proposed and planned changes along Doyle Drive from the Palace of Fine Arts to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California. It was a large model about four feet wide and twelve feet long with the designated purpose of being split into parts to be reviewed by different neighborhoods and stakeholders affected by the roadway changes. 

 

Thorp explains, “initially it was going to be a one piece model but once we discussed how the model was going to be used, we decided split it into four pieces. It made it easier to move segments from one site to the next. So we had it cut into four pieces along different stakeholder’s neighborhoods and locations. With it being a long model this was perfect for moving around whether in a van or someone's car.” The “roadie” style crate was built with deep foam padding to protect each segment while on the move. The model was delivered complete with video packing instructions on how to unpack and assemble it too. So far, so good, twelve months later and no problems.

Case Study: Special Packaging Instructions for Legal Model

Recently, Bryan N. DeMatteo, Associate Attorney at Dickstein Shapiro LLP in New York requested a model to defend a client’s patent infringement case.  Actually the project required two exact replicas of hospital nurses station pill picking systems to demonstrate the differences between his clients design compared to the claimants. The project was on a short time line to begin with but needed to be shipped overnight plus two models had to ship together. The utmost care was taken to assure the models would be delivered whole and on time to DeMatteo. This time instructions were built-into the crate in order that it could be unpacked and assembled quickly.  Ultimately, DeMatteo was able to assemble the model in court and win the case on his client’s behalf.  

Remember, the sign stamped on the outside suggested, “Handle with Care.” Crating our models for shipping is as important as building them.  Delivering your project in one piece as requested is our priority from the day you sign the contract with us to build your model.

"The scale model Archetype 3D of the rollover scene clarified facts the defenses counselmisrepresented and stated inaccurately. The physcial scale model set the record straight and we settled before going to court a second time."

-Mike McCort, Professional Expert/Owner--Ponderosa Associates, Ltd. 

Law firms that understand how to "make their case" visually have a distinct edge in the courtroom. Three-dimensional physical scale models can translate information in a way that adds clarity and allows a jury to see things "with their own eyes." If the visual information is shared accurately and adeptly, it goes a very long way in helping you make your argument to win the case.

Actual Case Study

In this fatal rollover accident there was disagreement about how fast the car was travelling and the number of rolls it took before being stopped. The plaintiff's counsel requested the construction of this model to represent the facts. The key argument in the plaintiff's case were illustrated, showing that the forces at work caused the seat belt worn by the victim to release during the accident. The first trial was thrown out due to juror misconduct, yet the use of a professional scale model had made an indelible impression with the defense’s counsel. The case settled prior to going to trial a second time around.  The plaintiff’s counsel are certain the 3D physical scale model demonstrated the facts about what happened and resolved any disagreements so a settlement could be reached.

Models are Easy to View

A model allows the viewer to see what they want, when they want and from there own personal perspective. There is no other type of display that allows this kind of interaction.

A model creates a personal relationship with the jury.

Jury members young and old can easily relate to a model. When the subject is uncomfortable, gruesome or complicated a model bridges the emotional gap connecting the jury in a personal way to the perspective you are presenting. A model clearly explains difficult points and subjects in a comfortable and easy to grasp format.

A model creates a lasting impression

Models are a defining presence in the courtroom. After all other presentations are complete and materials are put away, the model is still present and in front of the jury. The model becomes an easy reference tool throughout the case clarifying and enhancing testimony without having to find a document or visual.

Complex ideas and designs are clarified.

Complex ideas and designs are more understandable and accessible to the general public with a model. A model is essential where understanding complex equipment is the key to winning the case. Attention spans are short. Not only do you need clarity, but also showmanship to make your points stick in the jury’s minds. A model is often the single best device to amplify critical case points and reinforce complex concepts.

 

With a model, the case may end in discovery.

We have delivered models only to hear days later that the case is settled and not going to trial. Settlement out of court is the preferred outcome for many cases and a model can become significant leverage in the settlement negotiations.

Archetype 3D—Thirty Years of Model Making Experience

With thirty years of model making experience, and a fully equipped 7500 square foot shop in Louisville Colorado, Archetype 3D will make it easy for you to get familiar with model making techniques, and technology. We advise and guide you to the best construction process for your particular display. Call Archetype 3D for a quote on models for your upcoming cases.

A client recently commented that maybe physical models are being replaced by virtual worlds. The truth is that 3D model making is enhanced by computer graphics (CG) and physical models provide a completely different and unique experience from computer images.

COMPUTER GRAPHICS: Film shown on a screen that can be sent over the Internet and great for showing details and specific information, if it is done well.

PHYSICAL MODELS: An architectural display, showing scale and depth, offering the opportunity to have people come to see it. A great tool for the real estate developer’s sales office, to aid with client questions about what the finished project will be, by showing a vast amount of useful information to scale and at once.

Bachelor Gultch Colorado

The physical model experience is more museum-like, in its grandness, and yet personal, offering a sense of closeness, while showing features and the complete picture, in one view.

A sales office can put up TV screens and show animations, but it is hard to gather 10 people around it, talk to them, and show everyone what they want to see simultaneously. No matter how cool the animation, it is still 2D pictures showing one view at a time.

In a sales office the physical model will generate the most amount of attention and can answer 10 people’s most immediate questions. If someone is trying to see the relationship between their unit and the pool, (or the garden, or the golf course) you might be able to find it on the 3D graphic, but it is always right there on the model so that the question is often answered before it is asked.

Landmark Tower - Interactive with CG

The ideal sales center uses a dramatic 3d model as a center piece and enhances the experience with just the right amount of computer illustrations and fly-through images to give a full understanding of the project. Any complete sales office will also use printed brochures, illustrations, material samples, and a welcoming environment. It takes a lot of tools to make a client comfortable enough to buy something that will not be developed for months.

Archetype 3D enjoys presenting our architectural scale models along side CG and other marketing materials. The combination of computer graphics and 3D models enhance the experience, while offering a level of comfort, to the buyers.

I would love to hear from sales people about how they use models and graphics differently to create the sale. Feel free to post a comment below or contact me directly.

Wow, my Hawthorne tree out front has a few yellow leaves on it. It is getting close to the time to watch the Elk bugling and rutting in Rocky Mountain National Park. The local stores have isles of costumes and scary decorations. It must be fall and time to start marketing to the passionate skiing community. I am amazed at the fervor and dedication some people express about skiing.

The first year I came to Colorado I hiked up to St Mary’s Glacier in the middle of July. I was shocked to see hikers, carrying skis, coming down the trail. When I got to the glacier in 80 degree weather, I watched people herringbone up the snow for half an hour in order to experience about 30 seconds of heart jumping skiing.

Passionate skiers going to winter resorts are still going to want to see marketing models this year. I recommend that 3D model requests get sent in as early as possible. I look forward to hearing from our stalwart clients and I am excited about the possibility of attracting some new resort communities to our architectural scale models.

Any resort developers and sales people please comment and let me know how the season is shaping up. There is good news in some sectors and it would be great to hear if you are seeing some heated up activity on the horizon.

Also, if you have any fun ski related stories to share, either contact us or use the comment section at the bottom of this post! We’d love to trade stories with you.

Below are just a few samples of 3D models we have created for ski resort developers:

It is sad to realize your limitations. Recently I’ve been seeing my limitation in tennis when I can’t get past the semi-finals in a tournament. In model making my limitation is time. My clients are under a deadline and I am working within their framework to get a project out. Most of our complex architectural scale models take four to six weeks to complete. I have never had the client or the passion to take thirty years to build a model. Here is a 3D model worth mentioning:

Alec Garrard’s masterpiece – the model of Herod’s Temple.

To see more images and read the story about how this retired farmer built this magnificent project, click here to the slide show about Alec Garrard’s model of Herod’s Temple.

Alec hand-baked every tile and stone before adding them to his diorama. My 3D models might look like stone construction but they certainly aren’t built stone by stone. We created a representative three dimensional Mayan temple once for Disney’s Coronado Springs resort but we cheated on the individual stones and we completed the model in five weeks.

The passion for creating unique things is what brought me to model making in the first place. I love to see others who are willing to spend their lives working towards their passions. If you find unique characters like Alec Garrard please let me know (you can comment below or contact me directly). These are the people who make this world an interesting place to live.

Build a highway and they will come? Usually the problem is that they are already here and there isn’t enough room for all of them. How do you tell people that you have to disrupt their commute while you make the Highway better then ever? Milwaukee has faced this problem for years and hired us to help solve it. When bad news has to be delivered, good communication is the answer. As our client Jeff Bauer with CH2M Hill says “The models will be taken to many public informational meetings over the next several years. The models are excellent tools to help everyone better understand what the proposed roadways will look like when the projects are complete.”

Models of highways and roads are the best way to show the inevitable and to give the public the information they crave. Milwaukee is updating several sections of their highway system and we are currently working on the fourth model showing the improvement being made. Now with the economic stimulus, many roads are being built or improved. Because changes are happening so fast it is critical that planning and communication keep up with the pace of change.

Tags: communication, construction, highway model, model example

Craig Martin – President – Archetype 3D

Does anyone still make kit models? I built so many as a child but I was always wondering who made these cool parts that fit together so nicely. So now I am a 3D model maker which I describe as “Building the kit – and then assembling it”. So here are some of the kit elements of our current project the Vail Ritz Carlton Resort Model. Realize of course that I personally had little to do with making this model. Mike Johnson and Lydia Brown are my key managers / model makers and Micheal Steinkoenig and Austin Hein did much of the construction. I just take the credit.

Craig Martin – President of Archetype 3D

Laser cutters and 3D printers along with computers and specific software are now the tools of the modern model maker. When I was in school building models for stage sets that I designed, it was all about Exacto Knives, illustration board and bass wood. I developed a blister on my index finger and later had to build myself a splint to protect my knuckle against hyperextension when cutting through tough material. Now I draw the shape in Illustrator or CAD and send it to the laser to be cut from acrylic. My models back then looked great when finished but the process was much different. We still use Exacto Knives, bass wood and even illustration board on occasion but the process is unrecognizable from my college days. There is no point to this except to say “Good Luck” to all the students in studio classes right now. Here are a few images of my first college models. We all have to start somewhere; remember to take and keep pictures of ALL your work.

model for the play "Street Scene"

The white models are for a Tennessee Williams and Noel Coward plays

Craig Martin - President - Archetype 3D

I’ve been making models of buildings for a long time but had little experience in moving into actual new construction until now. Moving into a building that doesn’t yet exist has distinct advantages, the most obvious being that we were able to design our space to be a model shop instead of modifying an existing space. Although I got a full set of plans from the architect, electrician, engineer, and lighting consultant, this place is still full of surprises. One of these surprises is a series of small mysterious buttons placed on several walls in key locations. The electrician explained that they are to turn the lights back on after the timer shuts them off. I come to find out that the city of Louisville, Colorado, in an attempt to be green, plays the role of the Dad who yells at his kids “Don’t leave the lights on. What, do you think, that I am made of non-renewable energy?” The timer is programmed to shut off the lights after all employees leave the building. The guys who thought this up obviously never worked in a model shop. Employees have been known to work at all hours and even though I do my best to keep my people on a regular schedule, things come up that require late night model making. The electrician explained that if people are working late and the lights go out you just hit one of these mysterious buttons and you will get a couple of more hours of light. “Great” I said. “Does the timer also cut the power to the table saw, band saw and joiner?” “No”. “Huh, so I am risking cutting off a finger in the middle of the night because the lights go out while we are working?”

We never set the timer. This means I have the difficult task of telling my employees “would the last person out of the building please turn out the lights?” I know it is a huge task and honestly not every employee I have ever hired is up for the responsibility. But I don’t allow power tool use unless there is more than one person in the shop. Hopefully one of them would have the sense to turn off the lights before locking up. If they don’t? Oh well, that at least is an acceptable risk.