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.

SALE    SALE      SALE     SALE
for
ICSC 2011 Vegas Tradeshow Scale Model Special

Archetype 3D is offering a special for updating, repairing and cleaning existing models for this years ICSC show. This sale will also apply to new construction as well. I am currently offering 20% off* or our normal shop rate for models to be displayed in the 2011 ICSC trade show in Las Vegas. Let us know if we can help you wow your customers at this years booth.

*Special Requirement: All projects will have to be bid and approved before the end of April to qualify.

Economic Indicators are Pointing Up for 
Shopping Center Business & Model Makers

Retail is on the rise. I am grabbing any good economic information I can find these days. If you believe the news reports or articles from the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), people are retuning to the stores for some retail therapy. As one reporter described it, there is a "burn out of frugality". 

What does this mean for us in the model making world. Surprisingly enough, shopping centers were at one point a good percentage of our business. Not much has been done with them in the last few years, and as of today I have yet to see a huge upswing in new shopping construction--but I do believe it is coming back even if it is slowly. 

With the giant ICSC show is opening in Las Vegas at the end of May, we are expecting to have new models represented on the shows floor as we have in the past. The Las Vegas ICSC show is the place were most major retail deals are made.  Attendees know, it is a great showcase for new construction. 

I would love to hear from the design and construction industry if you are seeing a change this year because personally, I am ready and looking forward to an economic boom any day now.

If I want your opinion, I'll ask for it. 
Regional Airport Under the Public’s Eye for Review

The Pierre Regional Airport scale model was built to ask for the public’s opinion. Our client’s at Coover Clark Architects were very particular about details and how their design were represented. Archetype 3D's expert team of model makers led by our art director worked with their airport architect & project manager to match the materials and colors on the model essential to their design specifications and requirements. 

Edward Balkin, Coover Clark’s architect & project manager describes the effect the model had after it was delivered. "The Model was presented to the City of Pierre with great excitement.  I think it was the first instance when the public actually understood the reality of a new Terminal, as well as its design.  Overall it enlightened the community as to the architecture of the Terminal, as well as its importance to the overall growth of the capital city and the State of South Dakota.  All were pleased with the use of regional granite materials, (Dakota Mahogany) and the references made to the area in the interior were used throughout the project."

The airport may be small but it was a meaningful project and a long time coming for the City of Pierre even though this in not an international terminal with thousands of jetliners coming in and out during the year. The Pierre, South Dakota airport is a regional hub for commuter flights and hunting trips featuring some unique amenities. The model features a dog enclosure to keep pets and hunting dogs busy while waiting for flights. Plus it features a special security sections where hunters are required to allow security to screen their hunting rifles. These unique features are an integral part of the airport--specifically designed for the location and the public that it services.

"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.

High School Musical “42^nd Street” gave us an opportunity to give back through Set Production

A few years back, I did a bit of acting and tech work while in high school. I was living in California then and I thought the shows we put on were pretty spectacular. Yet nothing compared to performances put on nearby Fairview High in Boulder, Colorado. With the huge talent pool they draw from at school and the amount of volunteer parents, they are able to put on a great show.  Honestly, I am flat out amazed with their production professionalism. I would be astonished to find another school with the dedicated commitment Fairview’s faculty and staff to their student’s theatrical program.  

These musicals play to packed houses with eager parents and friends of students acting in them. Like during my high school days the shows are performed for only two weekends each year about the same time. So even if I wanted there is no way I could ever find out how Fairview stacks up with other performances.  I have never lost my enthusiasm and love for acting and full on musical performances. Recently, I had an opportunity using our shop and talented craftsmen to help with the latest program at Fairview. It gave me a chance to be a part of Fairview’s set production.

"42nd Street" Set Design

"42nd Street" is a tap dancing extravaganza about a small time girl getting her big break in the big city. The set designer and artistic director were looking for five platforms to have the kids tap dance on for the number "I'm in the Money". Technically these were difficult platforms to make because they wanted them to light up and have images of dimes and quarters on the top. The artistic director came to me for help so I volunteered my time as long as they were willing to pay for the materials. This was not a cheap operation.

The Design Solution

My biggest concern were kids safety while dancing the platforms and that they felt secure as if they were dancing on something solid and not a spongy surface. Using polycarbonate for the tops, the shop created clear egg crate supports wrapped in wooden columns. The polycarbonate is a very dense and durable plastic and on the smaller platforms the egg crate supports were probably overkill. My feeling though is better safe than sorry when it comes to kids appearing to tap dance in mid-air. Some volunteers from the school to help for one afternoon but our office manager Bill Bercow and I ended up working over a weekend to finish them off as most of the kids and parent volunteers were working there own long weekends on the rest of the sets and the dozens of costumes. It is always fun to be involved in a large project that has so much support and commitment from so many people in our community. My own daughter graduated from Fairview High School years ago and I am happy to give a little back for all that she gained while attending there.

It is always fun to be involved in a large project that has so much support and commitment from so many people in our community. My own daughter graduated from Fairview High School years ago and I am happy to give a little back for all that she gained while attending there.

Craig Martin

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:

Computer graphics are often the instrument of choice for explaining events to a jury. Graphics are a great choice because they can show events over time by animating a situation to help clarify it. Models have their advantages as well, and will often complement the computer graphics that need to be done. One of the biggest advantages of a physical model is that it will often sit in front of a jury long after the CG has stopped playing. Depending on the size, a model can sometimes be put into a jury’s hands, which has the effect of reinforcing a point with tactile clarity. One more subtle quality of a physical model is that jury’s can see what they are looking for from different vantage points, views that the authors of the computer graphic may have missed. Computer graphics are always going to be a big part of complex court cases but models are making a resurgence as a necessary tool to help explain a scene or a medical condition to a jury. Most jury’s can instantly relate to a model on a very visceral level. I have been called to act as an expert witness but I usually don’t know anything about the case. I get deposed on the quality of the information I used to build the models and on the accuracy of the model itself. I have also sat in front of a jury to explain some of the model making processes. I figure if the legal experts can explain the case to me, I can find a way to show it to a jury. The images below show a medical model of the structure of a foot, a rollover accident model, a patent infringement model of a soda can top which is 4 feet in diameter and a model used in a mining case showing a waste cell and its component materials.

Craig Martin

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

So we just finished this project. It is a model of the Sun, showing the interior layers (or what we believe them to look like). We built this model for the Space Science Institute and it will be displayed in a traveling exhibit, shown in Libraries around the state of Colorado, and possibly the country. It was a fun, quick project that turned out really well. Just thought you might like to see what we have been up to. Of course we had to add a couple of pics with our model in space!! Enjoy!!

I enjoy seeing residences that take sustainable design and combine it with good architecture. Especially when the sustainable residence serves a purpose, like helping to sustain the surrounding environment. Check out this posting by Inhabitat. It’s a beautiful home in the middle of New Mexico’s ranch land. This development helps protect over 10,000 acres of previously used ranch land from becoming another suburbia wasteland. Preserving the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape for all to enjoy. Howard Williams – Director Sales/Marketing

A few years ago Archetype 3D built an architectural model of a residence in Arizona. Similar style architecture and another great example of building with the environment in mind. Check out some pictures: