Archetype 3D

Information is the key to building a great architectural scale model. At Archetype 3D as architectural scale model builders, we do not work in a vacuum, and even though it appears as though we can, we can not perform miracles with out some help. Architectural scale model making is a partnership between us, the architect who is designing the project and the developer, (residential, commercial or institutional) who needs the model. The key ingredient for making an architectural scale model is having good information from all parties at the beginning of the project.

Advancements in Architectural Scale Model Making

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.

Campus Architectural Scale Model Case Study

Recently, we were asked to create a model for the King Edward VII hospital in Bermuda. I emphasize the word "create." Our client Heery International was competing to win the job for a new wing of the hospital. They had all the information that we needed on the new wing except for images of the grounds surrounding area that illustrated the vegetation, landscape and maps showing changes in elevation. In years past we would have had to hire a consultant in Bermuda to do the necessary research to cut through bureaucratic red-tape, by culling through piles of public records and making photographs of the site. Finally, sending them to us by mail from a foreign destination, in hopes, they were able to collect everything we requested. This approach was a big problem back then, but not any longer.

Google Earth An Essential Tool for Architectual Scale Model Making

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. Google Earth is a fantastic tool for model makers and the one I use extensively on all projects. I can send a file with scaled images to clients with proposed boundaries for the model. I can often see street views of the surrounding buildings and site that wasn't possible before. I can get general information on topography and landscaping. Just a few years ago, to get this kind of information required going to planning departments and wading through red-tape only to end up with some sad approximation of the info we needed to get the job done. I still take pride in driving architects crazy by asking for colors and hidden elevations--everyone understands, "I am just doing my job."

My final word to all my architecture and engineering clients out there—keep THINKING BIG when it comes to design. It is  a lot easier to fill in the blanks when everything is provided up front and a whole lot more fun to be able to work with accurate information.

Craig Martin