The common process that goes into construction of architectural models, mini replicas for practical and aesthetic displays is a tedious process. For buildings, architectural designs are first drafted by architects. Strength of materials, sound electrical connections, water and sewerage systems are all consulted with civil, industrial and electrical engineers. Elevation and other site considerations including geo-hazards are consulted with landscape planners even geologists. A critical step between these technical inputs and actual construction or implementation of the design lies in the construction of scale models. These scale ship models or replicas physically reconstruct conceptual design templates.
Building architectural models require various skills, discipline and attitude primarily attention to details, patience and creativity to say little of the skill set required in manually cutting and mounting hundreds even thousands of small, almost minute parts together.
Today however, the intricate process of model-building has significantly benefited from the convenience and greater accuracy afforded by computers. Softwares like Auto computer-assisted design (AUTOCAD) have provided architects, engineers, constructions foreman and even lay artists and hobbyists the ability to produce 3d architectural models with greater efficiency and speed.
In using computer programs, model builders simply input numerical values like dimensions, size, shapes and can readily choose objects to simulate and the rest of the process is performed by the machine based on input from the architectural blue print. In simple terms, model makers simply describe their concepts and the computer interprets and renders the input by itself. Whereas before, virtual 3d architectural models designs still need to be converted to actual physical replicas or models, the birth of digital printing has likewise minimized the intensive labor required in building architectural models.
Since digital printing and laser technology is capable of imprinting or cutting various materials including cardboards, styrofoam, fiber glass and even wood, which are materials commonly used in constructing architectural models, digital technology has also allowed the real production of models based only on digital input.
Traditional model or those done manually through cutting and assembling require a level of artistry and skills but newer more advanced rendering software and modelling technology require an entirely different set of skills. Model builders must have excellent and extensive knowledge of rendering softwares to actually make digital imaging work. Rendering software are highly complicated application, most of which are not user-friendly or easy to use. Only those well-versed and competent in manipulating its various functions can make the most of these softwares. Otherwise the rendering simply won’t look right.
As such, a lot of model builders are still drawn to manual architectural model building not only due to their familiarity with traditional methods but because apparently, making necessary corrections or adjustments in the design is a lot cheaper when using manual methods. In virtual 3D models you can get quick results but corrections are not easy to perform. It also requires a lot of imagination in order to see the over-all project while physical or rough models automatically provides model builders a good grasp of what they are working on.
For instance, you will need to spend half to make a miniature window frame and make it look like oak. Cutting down cardboards and pasting them to the window cut of the house and covering it with necessary material to achieve the effect of oak. This can be done in just matter of minutes with the aid of a computer. However, computer generated images still feel artificial and many model-builders, particularly hobbyists like ship scale model builders prefer the natural look of physical models rather those that they can see only in the screen or monitor especially when doing large projects that require a model makers to get an extensive over-all view of the projects.
