Architectural Model Making Tips + Tricks - An Architect's Guide (Part 1)

An inside look at architecture models and part one in a how-to guide for building your own scale models. Part one of this model making guide gives an overview of the types of models architects, intern architects and architecture students build and two tips for planning your next modeling project.
For detailed information on the models shown in the video, follow my Pinterest board: / model-making
Model types discussed:
- Study models + parti models
- Presentation
- Daylighting
- Detail
- Material
Each video in the series conveys both macro and (at least one) micro concept along to help you as you design and build your architecture models.
Macro concept: Define the model's purpose.
The first step, one you take before building a model is to determine its purpose.
Micro concept: Use your models to narrate a story.
I use models to tell a story and speak for me when I'm not presenting. To do this I use scale figures in motion, add furniture and interior objects, lighting, and other entourage. A narrative model can be a useful design tool too, revealing possibilities not previously explored.
In the next video I'll discuss model making materials, tips for cutting and shortcuts I use in the construction of models.
// GEAR I USE //
DSLR CAMERA:
* Canon 70D: amzn.to/29klz7k
LENSES:
* Canon 24mm f2.8 Lens: amzn.to/29l7ac5
* Canon 40mm f2.8 Lens: amzn.to/29x2QcI
AUDIO:
* Rode VideoMic Pro (hotshoe mtd.): amzn.to/29qlNM3
* ATR-2100 USB (dynamic mic): amzn.to/2dFDaKp
ARCHITECTURE GEAR:
* Prismacolor Markers: thirtybyforty.com/markers
* Timelapse Camera: thirtybyforty.com/brinno
* AutoCAD LT: amzn.to/2dxjMDH
* SketchUp PRO: amzn.to/2cRcojz
* HP T120 Plotter: amzn.to/2dBGf1O
* Adobe CC Photography (Photoshop/Lightroom) Plan: amzn.to/2dhq5ap
STARTUP TOOLKIT:
* Architect + Entrepreneur Startup Toolkit: thirtybyforty.com/SPL
~-~~-~~~-~~-~
Please watch: "Making a Site Model - The Outpost Project"
• Making a Site Model - ...
~-~~-~~~-~~-~

[@30by40]

Watch part 2, "Choose your model making materials" kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmnYZK2eebp3sKc

[@juancarloscanales411]

EXCELLENT VIDEOS, ALREADY A FAN OF YOUR WORK GREETINGS FROM A FELLOW ARCHITECT FROM MEXICO

[@nawfeladib]

Thanks alot for these excellent and well made videos

[@gameyybuilds]

As someone who builds scale models and dioramas simply for the joy and the art of it, this was so interesting. I think, going forward, I'll be approaching projects from a very different standpoint. In just seven minutes you really changed the way I'll be doing this craft going forward. Subbed!

[@LTV_inc]

Excellent video! I'm a retired Mechanical Designer and remember taking a model building class in college back in the late 70s. It applied to making a well pad module for my job at SOHIO Petroleum later on. I am well trained on 3D cad too but the mind sees a model differently, our ability to comprehend a physical thing is invaluable. I think this is why 3D printers are so popular now. Keep up the good work!

[@BraiNCollecter]

I'm really looking forward to the next episodes! With my presentation getting closer and closer I might be able to use some of your modeling tips

[@Kjleed13]

Great video. I can't wait to watch the rest of the series.

[@ArchitecturalAesthetics2046]

Excellent intro video.The "highly representational model isn't all that helpful" part resonates with me a lot. Also the "modeling 101 doesn't exist" is very true, at least in my school. Looking forward to upcoming parts. Very intrigued to discover what your signature style looks like.

[@yukiding7309]

Thank you so much for creating this series of model making video. I am a scene design student... and my school rarely teach model making skills which I totally get it from your videos ! super helpful

[@fabroc8]

Awesome and looking forward to these videos!! They are of special interest to me because this last semester I had a profesor who pushed me to the limit in every aspect of the graphic representation of an architectural idea. We started by building a piece in real size scale which could have no use at all or if it were to have one we had to define it and it had to work. I built a public bench for the faculty made out of wood, it was made of several small and slim pieces of pine wood glued and screwed together into a pattern that left voids for light to pass through. It supported the weight of 3 people. Then we had to take the material we used and apply it in some way into the design of a client's studio, luckily my client was an architect so I designed my own studio! And I don't care if I sound cocky but this is the best thing I've designed so far LOL. He required 3 models for the final deadline, one in the scale of the town we were building it on and to see how it was related to its environment, and 2 of them to see the scale of the building (1:50 we use the metric system), one of which was a structural model, made to see the detail of the structure, what it was made of, how the unions were resolved, etc. And to make it even harder, he requested to have all the drawings by hand and in the fashion of "Morphosis Architecture", where everything is kind of artistic but very detailed and precise. All in the space of a 1.8 square meter area. This guy really squeezed us but I have to say I feel like I learned life. I kept looking for new ways to represent my ideas because he was right, it has to represent the idea first, then and only then you can focus on representing reality. And in drawing by hand you solve things quicker than with the computer, he thinks kind of like Glenn Murcutt... So yeah, I'm looking forward to see what I can learn from these videos :)

[@zach4220]

These videos are amazing! I can't wait to learn more next video. With this information I can get a further understanding and not be overwhelmed and confused my first year.

[@Made2hack]

Waiting "patiently" for part 2!

[@matthewroberts8429]

Really good video buddy. Has made me rethink why I normally build models for crits at uni.

[@jojocrowley3933]

Loved the video and am excited for the next one!

[@mrnowayhoza]

awesome video, as a first year these videos are ideal. Cannot wait for more:)

[@kevaantaya3304]

One more year to graduate bro. Keep it up

[@aykaa0]

I can't wait to watch the 2nd part!! :D

[@estebanvivas7441]

Great video, espcially the way of taking abroad onto a subject with such importance to us, as architects. I'll keep seeing your videos, great, really great channel!

[@stereOsitie]

Amazing presentation style. What a finish. 🏆

[@SwooKSuh]

I find your video most helpful in teaching students in all levels but especially the first year students.I appreciate your straight forward explanation and very clear examples. Appreciate all your video series. Thank you.

[@30by40]

you're quite welcome...thanks for sharing your thoughts +서수경 ...I enjoy curating the model collections as it give me a chance to look at the breadth and depth of craft there is out there in the model-making world... ...cheers...

[@MaZEEZaM]

WAHOO, really looking forward to the rest of this series. One of my biggest issues is knowing what thickness of material to use for particular elements of the model. For me this is probably the most fun aspect of designing Architectural plans.

[@30by40]

I often use architecture as an excuse to build models...agree that it's one of the most enjoyable aspects of our profession...

[@Olliesmither]

i am currently studing model making at uni !!!! it is a thing. great video !

[@Taaaah2010]

Ollie smither so was i! i study architecture in brazil and we started learning how to make models as soon as uni started. it was a 6-month long "model making crash course" - i say crash course because we learned only the very basics in a relatively short period of time. But it's amazing how far the knowledge on this can go!

[@proberts84]

Well articulated and useful video. Well done.

[@mynoralucard]

What a great video, love it.

[@edercamilocastillosierra9699]

I´ve never don't liked his buildings but I have to recognize those models are masterpieces.

[@samelliot9186]

Loved this video it really made me think on the aspect how to approach the model concept.

[@30by40]

keep making things my friend...

[@dickeseo6283]

Thank you for sharing your skills and ideas in architecture and presentation good job...

[@roohinakhanum6125]

I'm in second year and honestly I don't even know how I learnt model making because they never taught us that and yet, true to your statement, I've developed a signature style I can't get out of!

[@grungemax]

I love your videos. Thanks for sharing your knowledge

[@30by40]

glad to...cheers my friend...

[@hadrianerosalejos1084]

Thanks for the tips,really usefull

[@Cheekeong2483]

hi watching from Singapore..Great Tips! i really liked it..

[@radhikapatil1986]

We did have model making class but yes cut fingers are part of it. AND the class was less about architectural projects but more about basics of material and technical knowledge of how to make 2d into 3d

[@sylviahung3511]

really helpful :) thanks your awesome video!!!

[@30by40]

glad to help...

[@olimpiagalatolo4273]

Very interesting and well done!

[@30by40]

cheers +Olimpia Galatolo , releasing the next installment in the series this week...make sure you're sub'd, it's a good one...

[@smoeki106]

Great stuff. I've been making models professionally for over 18 years, mostly commercial detailed models. Indeed, that is not the kind of model that is is required (or even as you say, not very useful) during the design process. When i studied architecture in Belgium (1990-'95) there was no "101 on model making" either. One last thing: As you said it, the human figure is crucial in a model as a reference to "read" the scale!

[@30by40]

you have my dream job: professional model maker. if only someone had told me it were possible when I was in high school... thanks for your comment...

[@yukiding7309]

so cool...If you could post some video recording of your model making process, that will be amazing hehe!

[@birdboxvisuals6114]

Amazing Videos.😊

[@alexsmilansky9420]

Fantastically informative video. Has anyone here tried modelling curved glasswork?

[@perth45]

great video....

[@jijupc6624]

I like ur videos very much.....

[@sarapearce5357]

Great series of videos! Are there any books about model making you would recommend?

[@ZTRCTGuy]

The nice thing about models is that you can walk around them, usually lift them up, and see it from all sides. Now a model does not in any way represent reality, but they are very usefull to see flaws in the design that do not stand out if you'd make them with a computer.

[@alexsmilansky9420]

This is a superb guide. Has anyone tried working with vacuum forming in modelmaking? We've been doing a bunch recently with the Mayku FormBox.

[@alihandrik]

спасибо - thanks !

[@jawn_man]

1:56 Burchard Hall at Virginia Tech!! I spend a whole lot of time there and in the floors above

[@barryhuffer8542]

Looks like chaos lol

[@03214360964]

awesome

[@kellymoran5409]

I wish you would come to Montgomery College, to do a modeling demo for all the Architecture students!! We could use you!! Are you ever in the Washington, DC area???

[@cristianfernandezberrios6965]

Soy latino y estudio arquitectura....no se porque o como pero me motivas a darle con todo a la carrera

[@vestfoldify]

Again, great video. Do you have a link to the project that your model is from? the one at the end, it looks really interesting

[@30by40]

thanks +vestfoldify ...haven't uploaded the final imagery and docs for that one yet, but will be sure to post here when it's ready. cheers...

[@H3DG3HOG3796]

Hi great video. I’m an architecture student and wanted to know about the model at 5:20, and whether it’s yours and if there are more pictures of it

[@roxelbr]

Awesome video as always... Does any body knows who built the sculpture in 2:35? Thanks!

[@andersdenkend]

I am not even an architect and these videos are very interesting. I am mainly building scale models of space ships and the likes, but these architectural models look fascinating to me. So clean, so basic, without any weathering, etc. and yet it looks like a real building. It's kinda weird.

[@Nina-856]

Right now all of this sounds giberish, but one day (in a few years) I'll be able to understand this, lol.

[@salmachi9836]

But how to fight the jurers arguments and non satisfaction ? I mean how to build the confidence in yourself ? and how you should reset your mind before applying to the architecture school ?

[@WadWizard]

What would you suggest to help someone learn to think in 3 dimentions, i find i can think with shapes much more comfortably than 3d forms or spaces.

[@user-qm6nr7lj7p]

Hello. I had a question regarding architectural model making. With the recent revolution of accessible 3D printing, would you say the art of architectural model making will soon be somewhat obsolete? What is your take?

[@30by40]

model making for me is like three-dimensional sketching so - for me - it will always be a part of the design process. just as the computer hasn't rendered hand-sketching obsolete, 3D printing won't remove the need to think in this way with your hands. the 3D prints are always improving, but the 3D printed models I've seen lack detail and personality. model making is just another tool; if you're able to use 3D prints to achieve a better end result then it's the right tool, if not you need to find a different tool. cheers...

[@artsav8873]

The problem I had was that I have very little patience and lack time management skills when making a model. That's why I got rejected from Arch School but will try again next year. Architectures a marathon after all, not a race

[@jjjames4484]

Hello mate, incredible vid and really usefull for any architect student. I try to be as clean and prolix as I can but I always end up with the feeling that I made a mess, that it could have been a lot better and most important.. that what I made is to sloppy. I feel especially that I can't get good cuts and good intersections Any advice?

[@jjjames4484]

Also hugs from Argentina!

[@coney-owo-9812]

I'm a first year, I'm new to making models and wondering about developing ideas from making models. Because cutting and sticking walls are hard for me as the pieces are not available. For instance, it's hard to developing ideas from apps like sketch up but from some building games, when they give us walls, trees,..., things get easier. And is it easier to use clay for this?

[@humzahu]

How did you make the site model at 6:03? I really like the effect of the crumpled paper

[@30by40]

I cut the rough site section out of cardboard fins, then crumpled up Kraft paper, then hot glued to the fins...it's super simple... good luck!

[@cnay2983]

If you have a concrete structure do you still build it with balsa sticks? what about load bearing walls?

[@juliawebster7134]

at 1:57 i'm pretty sure it's my school's architecture building (virginia tech), but I don't work on that floor

[@lestermatos9226]

Hey what is the full name and brand of that Model Kit of Tadao Ando... I would love to know the brand so I can maybe get them and build them!

[@30by40]

It's the Koshino House by Tadao Ando...the model kit was made by Tamiya, but I'm not certain it's in production any longer. Let me know if you find a source I'd love to get one too...cheers...

[@berater2181]

Is live home 3d standard edition and pro edition decent to practice architecture ?

[@about37ninjas]

Is cobbling together some random crap from around the room a style? I tend to do that when I need to illustrate something rather than drawing.

[@isaacmurillo2371]

What mechanical pencil points do you really use daily? (.3,.5, etc.)

[@bobmvideos]

Is that Cowgill Hall 1:56?

[@centaur1a]

Do you find this physical Models being phased out with high end computer graphics as the technology becomes not only smaller, but has faster computer graphics displays. Plus, any changes could be done at the meeting or as it comes?

[@30by40]

Not for me or my clients; many actually prefer / request physical models when we work together. Design is a very personal process though and building models is for me - as I mention in the video - an important form of sketching and ideation. In the same way that CAD/BIM will never replace hand sketching; building physical models suggests dynamic opportunities and results I'm not able to replicate any other way. However, if you find the computer produces better design, then it's the right tool for you and you should use it. For me, physical models simply work better. Cheers...

[@parasshah2449]

Which machine do you use to cut model pieces?

[@alejandrobriones994]

Hello friend, I am from Ecuador, I study architecture and I love your videos. I think this video is very interesting but I do not know English completely. Could you translate it please: c

[@naglaasalah3196]

do u think spraying a cheap material to give a higher quality look is any good idea, i am doing some 1:500 site model hving this sci fi style so i am thinking of buying some material like (finnpappe) dont know it in english, and spraying it silver or black

[@30by40]

I think it's a fine approach...do a small scale test first to see if you like the results...I spray-paint chipboards of all thicknesses (finnpappe?) frequently with great results.

[@annafinkbeiner6369]

I'm in my 1st studio and I gotta say my fingers are paying for it. I cut the tip of my thumb mostly off last wk and I know it's gonna look a little strange forever

[@30by40]

oh no...I feel your pain...both of my index fingers have pieces missing...! be safe out there...

[@MrBellvillalobos]

What material is the topography made?

[@davida.doddridge4009]

Hello Eric, thanks for these great videos, very educational and helpful! I am a forensic expert in building and construction related civil and criminal cases. I am starting to make models that recreate, for example, a construction accident. I was hoping you could steer me in the right direction toward resources where I could purchase "construction site" related scale items such as scaffolding, concrete block, wood framing, etc. Any website addresses would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance! Dave

[@30by40]

You might check model railway or scale model suppliers online...good luck!

[@diegomoreno5927]

architecture always made me feel intimidated...

[@QuierooAprender]

1:05 Could you please tell me what's this material's name?

[@chenluzhang5738]

is this clay in 6:09?

[@rr7firefly]

2:00 -- typical chaos in architecture studios. Having an open plan with overhead fluorescent lighting makes it even more of a nightmare. A lousy environment for a design office.

[@chenluzhang5738]

I mean the landscape

[@zorngottes1778]

study model, Arbeitsmodell, the thing a client always treats like an object..

[@TinyGiraffes]

Why not just learn Blender? it has an architecture plugin, light simulation, it's free, and you can use premade assets for furniture and such. You can also change the units into feet and it's quick to learn. I recommend BornCG although I don't know if he has new tutorials for 2.8, it's a huge change from update 2.79 but 2.79 will still work just fine.

[@shdonnabolden4777]

How much cardboard do you need to make one house

[@eduardochavacano]

they should be selling models like instant noodles... I mean, I'd love to see a model of a house before designing to build.

[@Dan-om4no]

And... subscribe

[@simplenick9589]

Would you say a hot glue gun is a better alternative to Super glue?

[@EricStrebel]

click bait, not tips or tricks! thumbs down