Even though we use drawings, computer models, etc to design and visualize projects, there is nothing quite like a physical 3d model to turn design into a sculptural process. The trick is to keep it fast and simple. There are many types of card stock and glues, but the fastest and most versatile is still foamcore and hot gluegun (with bristol board for curvy stuff and blue or green plastic report covers from Staples for the window material . It is surprising how much you can do with simple materials. I teach an 8 session course in this at Emily Carr. It’s worth it to gain the methods and some good 3D samples for the portfolio. They don’t teach you how to do this in Arch school. They just expect you to figure it out by watching others. But if you have some know-how before you go, you get to sleep at night while your colleagues pull the all-nighters (:-) It is also very useful to many designers later in their career. You design things differently using a physical 3d model than you do by using any other medium. Many designs could not be conceived any other way.
Hi there, I’m currently studying interior design at BCIT and I am really interested in architectural model build. We weren’t taught how to build a to-scale model, yet it is require for grading. I missed the workshops at Emily Carr “Building Models and Maquettes as a Method for Architectural Design” and wonder if there is another class available.
thank you!
Tiffany L.