ARCHITECTURE MODELS, A NECESSITY OR LUXURY: A CASE STUDY

OF UET ARCHITECTURE DEPARTMENT

Yusra Ijaz
Department of architecture and planning, university of engineering and technology, Lahore

Email: yusraijaz123@gmail.com

Abstract
This paper covers the significance of architecture models and their impacts on architectural projects .In order to
represent different architectural ideas that originate in the mind of architects and designers. The physical
architectural models have served as great communication tools and better understanding of the project in
today’s architectural design activity. The discussion is based on materials and the methods related to make
models using them. Furthermore the study of their maintenance was done using different techniques. A
comparison was done on manual and software based methods and techniques of making models and their
benefits in the architectural world.
Key words: architectural models, maintenance, manual, software,

1. Introduction: 2. History of architectural models:

Models are the form of nonverbal communication, in
the world. Models create a vividly identified,
powerfully structured, highly useful, mental image in
the mind of an observer, of what the actual structure is
going to be. Models, either manual, or computerized,
plays an important role, in the design process, and
through the investigations done, it can be found out,
which of the 2 ways is preferred.
In every field, models plays their own vital role for the
understanding of the project. Like in field of electrical
engineering, students make models for the
understanding of their circuits that used in field. Same
with the mechanical engineers, they make models for
the understanding of the machinery operations and
their working.
The word model has its own importance in the field of
architecture.it play very important role in the
development of concept about any form, building and
its structure that can stand or not.
The concept of model making exist from old time and
it helps in better understanding of building design. The
concept of model making is first developed in china in
4600 BC. The First model is made of soil due to lack
of material advancement.
During 15th century, due to increase in the construction
techniques of building complexity, the architectural
models are used for the understanding of structures.
They make architectural models to make the building
realistic.
The physical architectural models have served as
great communication tools in today’s architectural
design activity. In order to represent architectural
ideas that originate in the mind of architects, the
physical architectural models have served as great
communication tools in today’s architectural design
activity. In simple terms, the architectural model is a
physical 3D artifact that results from working out
architectural ideas. It is also an object which is
created to show scale physical images of existing or
historical buildings.
In addition, the architectural model itself is an object consuming, as well as becoming more and
of beauty which can be appreciated by the observers. more financially
more quicker, and
challenging easier to manage
It is harder to edit the It is easier to erase the
models after they are previous work, to
3. Architectural Models:
built and erected. Not modify or alter the work
Architectural models can be, manual or computerized, many changes can be according to new
way of nonverbal communication, in the architectural made afterwards. requirements.
world. Architectural models are of many types, Usually clients don’t The rendered 3d
depending of purpose and need of students. Like want the model version, images, becomes a part
concept models, urban planning models, landscapes so these models are kept of the project folder,
models, building models, sketch models, and many in offices, where they and can easily be
other model. might take up a lot of managed, doesn’t
space. require any space at all.
Architectural models used for the presentation of the
Psychologically, man Clients, although
project which includes design of hotels, offices,
gets attached to physical intrigued, by the
houses, public and educational buildings.
form rather than an renders and the
The conventional method of model making, is the image, thus modelanimations created,
manual method. In this method, you have to cut the making gives the clients , don’t necessarily gets
material, (bleaching sheets, modelling sheets, thermo a sense of belonging attached to them
pole sheets, lasani wood, balsa wood etc.), to an It is easier to learn modelIt requires much more
appropriate scale, then piece them together to make making, maximum one time to learn different
one building, apart from this, you have to use fake month is required, to software’s. As new
grass, and trees to add landscape around the building. learn how to cut, paste, commands, new
make windows, doors , techniques are created,
Whereas with the advancement of modern
interiors etc. it becomes more and
technologies, the students prefer the modern method.
more difficult to keep
They used software’s, in which you extrude the plans,
them all in mind at
apply materials, and then render the whole thing. That
once.
conclude whatever the condition the models are
Manual modelling, Computerized method,
necessary part in the modern era.
increases the speed of its improves the drafting
Architectural models play role as bridge between creator, and improves skills more than the
design process and design idea. Its help in the graphics skills graphics skills
understanding the flaws of building by removing them
that at which point building do not bear the load.

4. Comparison of manual and

computerized methods:
Manual method conveys Computerized method
the sense of depth, ideas conveys the materials,
and dimensions better to and colors better too the
the clients. clients
Some people believe this Software’s, with the
method to be more time- advancement, are
 5. Materials and Methods:
Architectural models were made using different
materials. Materials used bleaching sheets, modelling
sheets, thermo pole sheets, lasani wood, balsa wood,
foam, and plastic.
Selection of materials is the major aspect of model
making. Materials selection is not for the decorative
purpose it full the need of technical issues related to
model making. We also check the material durability
and its appearance. For the selection of material you
must know the type of model like is its concept model
or landscape model.
A number of companies produce ready-made pieces
for structural components (e.g. girders, beams), siding,
furniture, figures (people), vehicles, trees, bushes and
other features which are found in the models. Features
such as vehicles, people figurines, trees, street lights
and other are called "scenery elements" and serve not
only to beautify the model, but also to help the
observer to obtain a correct feel of scale and
proportions represented by the model.
For example, concept models are easier than any other
model we just need to show the idea of our mind in the
form of 3d model. We can use the paper and light sheet
to show the idea.
6. Maintenance Of Architectural
Models:
With passage of time, physical models becomes more
fragile, due to natural decay, transport it from one
place to another. This problem can overcome by
different methods, by providing them proper
environment, by controlling pollution and by
cleaning them. Assessing the air quality within the
exhibition hall is also necessary. Adequate ventilation
can lower pollutant concentrations. It is important to
make sure the displaying area is well ventilated. This
can be done by incorporating air filtration equipment
in the exhibit areas.
7. Case study:(Uet architectural
department):
In UET, the first year has a whole subject dedicated to
manual Model making. Apart from this, the basic
design taught is all about lines, curves, and
dimensions. This is due to the reason believed that, we
can’t learn to structure creative and attractive 3ds of
the building, if we don’t learn them manually first. The
models created, are displayed, checked and graded
according to the quality of cuts, the sharpness of the
edges, and the landscaping elements.
Then, in 2nd year, 4th semester, students are introduced
to the world of software’s, starting with AutoCAD 2d
drafting, then switching to Photoshop graphics, and
finally 3d modelling of AutoCAD. There the student
learns to create and explore, the wonders of the
artificial intelligence, and how it can help in our
building. Here the students try to find realistic renders
and models and try to achieve as near o the actual
building as possible.
8. SURVEYS:
A questionnaire was created for students of
architecture, of UET, to analyze the necessity and
importance of model making:
1. Are physical models necessary?
2. Should there be a physical model besides the
3d visualization?
3. In your opinion model is the essence of an art
design project?
4. Do you keep your models after jury or just
discard them?
5. If you discard them why so?
6. If you keep them why so?
7. Are they in good condition?
8. Are they helpful in project understanding
9. Are they just for presentation purpose?
10. Is there a lack of education in architecture
schools related to model making?
11. Is there any need of seeking knowledge about
making models?
 12. Is model making wastage of time and money?
13. In your opinion what is the best material that
can be used for models?
14. Materials used in models should be recycled?
15. Do cheap materials give an equally neat
output as expensive materials do?
16. Do physical models create an additional
understanding of project?
17. Understanding of a normal person increases
with physical model or 3d?
Bibliography
Anon., 2015. Model Making Advice for Students. Model
makers.
Anon., 5 Years ag. How does the act of physical model
making in architecture influence the design process and
impact the final outcome of the built environment?.
Research Gate.
Anon., February 1, 2016. A Case for Building Architectural
Models. Life of an Architect.

Anon., n.d. ARCHITECTURAL MODELS. RJ models.

Nguyen, M. P., August 24, 2015. The Importance of Hand

9. Findings: sketching and Model making in Architecture.
After conducting this survey from architecture
students the results showed that physical models are
of great significance. They are of equal importance in
comparison to 3D visualization. Different responses
were recorded on advantages and disadvantages of
making architectural models. Most responses showed
that 3D models are better for project understanding
and visual representation of the project. Moreover
study about different choices of the materials showed
the material used should be cheap and could be
recycled and maintained easily.

10.CONCLUSION:
This paper covers the importance of models in the
architect’s career, the methods to pursue, the ease and
comfort of the client, and the surveys conducted to
deduct the results of better methods of model making.

The physical models are powerful and irreplaceable to

examine and express the idea of building design. Their
use varied for different type of purposes.by choosing
model type, scale materials to make it distinctive.
Techniques and function also different.

Also it provide students better understanding and

experience.
There is a need to maintain them, because students
spend a lot of time for making physical models.