Model Making

~Surabhi Saran, ll Semester

  Most of us architecture students initially dreaded making models. Many of us felt that it was such a pain to make models with all the little details. It needs so much precision and neatness and takes a huge amount of time.



  But actually model making is a very interesting activity and can really test one’s creative skills and dexterity.  The most amazing part of it is that almost any material under the sun can be used to make models. Each material has its unique shape, size, colour and texture. With so many materials available, it is up to the creator to decide which material can best imitate the texture, colour and dimension of the actual object.

  We have created many models during our first year. Apart from our individual bedroom, archway, and cottage models, we made some very interesting models during our first semester design group activities. We created a completely functional 3 dimensional model out of junk and waste items. We used waste materials like newspaper, wood, cardboard, ice cream sticks, used PET bottles, cassette covers etc.

  In one of our other group activities we were asked to plan and create a model of the basic forms of buildings in an architecture school and we could use only vegetables to make these. The different shapes, sizes and colours of the vegetables allowed us to be very creative with our building designs. We came up with many innovative ideas where we used the shape of the vegetable to satisfy the function of the building. For example, we used a pumpkin to make an auditorium because of its large, spherical form. Vegetable carving was a lot of fun to do.

  The second semester saw us working with cubes.We played with different materials and experimented by combining materials with different textures to form cubes which had different visual effects on the viewer.

  Contrary to common viewpoint, model making can be a challenging and at the same time a fun activity if one is willing to apply their creativity and explore different materials.  

  Also, since a model is three dimensional, it really gives us an understanding of space and spatial dimensions and helps us comprehend the third dimension. If you try explaining a plan, section or elevation to a layman, you can only be 50% sure that he has understood it. But if you show a model of the same building you can be certain that he has completely understood the design. A model can really expose the tiny flaws and hence results in the improvement of the design.