Architectural Model Making Techniques and Tutorial (a step-by-step model build)

In this tutorial, I demonstrate architectural model making techniques by building a simple study model from start to finish. I’ll walk you through each step along the way offering tips, tricks and the reasoning behind the techniques and methodology I use to build models.
We'll follow the template outlined in parts 1 through 4 of the series, beginning with:
1 - Defining the model's purpose. The model I build in the video is a study model and as such it isn't perfect. It's meant to be used as a design tool.
2 - We move to choosing a scale for the model. I found that 3/16"=1'-0" had the right balance for our purposes; both detailed a sketchy.
3 - Next, we constructed a simple base for the architectural model to rest on. We used limestone tile for ours, but you should watch part 4 of the model making series for other ideas.
4 - From there we choose materials: chipboard (1/16" + 1/32") and basswood scraps will be used to build the model walls, structure, roof and details. Inexpensive materials ensure you'll treat the model as a design tool and not be afraid to modify the composition.
5 - Next, it's on to fabrication. Here I list tips about cutting, blade management, gluing and ways to keep your model clean.
6 - We end by discussing the details I've added including fine layers of chipboard, carpet samples to simulate turf, coir matting to represent landscape elements, tracks, gutters and bracing.

// GEAR I USE //

DSLR CAMERA:

LENSES:

AUDIO:

ARCHITECTURE GEAR:

STARTUP TOOLKIT:

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Please watch: "Making a Site Model - The Outpost Project"
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[ramirostorni]

as a highschool student in a school that doesn't have an architectural​ class you are my primary teacher. thanks​ and keep up the quality videos.

[LibaLand]

Your series should be required watching for all first year architecture students! So many important points.
I have to admit the inches throw me off. I'm used to metric personally. But the tips are understood regardless!

[AniketPadwalArchitect]

The best content for architectural community, thanks alot, your doing great job.

[Garadice]

Hi Eric,
Your reaching out and touching a lot of people involved with a difficult profession to practice (particularly as a freelancer/solo practitioner) or to study for. I'm based in a rural part of Ireland and have been freelance for 14 years. Lots of ups and downs during that time. Why I particularly relate to your videos is because you emphasise the importance of sketching and making to the design process. I feel that jumping to quickly to using computer based methods to develop a design can lead to repetition and stagnation. This is particularly true in smaller scale domestic projects. We cannot deny the importance of computer technologies in streamlining the production of information, however we should not become slaves to the machines. 'phew' --architectural rant over for the day

[chrisiliffe]

As a practicing architect, I wish I had billable hours to do this for my clients! I am however a keen model railroader and your videos are totally appropriate for that market HO (1:87 scale) I use Archicad software and tend to build from scaled elevations glued to heavy card stock (tend to stay away from waterbased glues for that to avoid wrinkles) Keep up the good work

[arnoldjohnson]

I appreciate your word on scale of model and purpose. I want to sketch an "idea". Built model cars as a kid, houses are so much more interesting as an old guy. You arch students need to jump on this skill young, plenty of time for computer work.

[urtfools]

Fantastic, I'm equally surprised by myself that I used 90% of these techniques throughout college with just a small 1-hour lecture on model making in my freshman year! Super informative as I get back into one of my favorite components of arch&design, thank you!

[ericmcdowell]

I created my own model after I got out of college (BS in Comp. Sc.), ... as I designed a partially underground home, and I thought it would be a great idea to visually see what I was designing. After I made my initial model, I made drastic changes over the following years to the model only, and skipped changing any drawings.


To me, it was a fun "hobby", as I was somewhat "obsessed" with it at times. I took architectural drafting classes in high school, and was thinking of going to Ball State University for their Architectural program, ... but as an 18-year old, when I found out that their program was a 7-year program, I decided against it, as I figured I wanted to get out into the workplace sooner than that.


Looking back, I wish I would have pursued it, because it certainly was/is my passion. Although I don't know I would have paid for it, as I received an athletic scholarship to another college, where I received my IT degree.


Plus, I'm more of a "creative" guy, that is more into the design, rather than all of the details, engineering, etc. I had a friend who went to Ball State, and went on to work for a firm in South Bend, IN, ... and he told me he was tasked with drawing up specs, and detailed drawings for such, ... and that doesn't interest me much, even though I know it is a necessary process. So I'd just get someone else to do that!, ... ha.

[hezvandermeij]

your videos actually help me a great lot in the Sims and other games that include house building. And even more for my dioramas!! Thanks a lot

[kentvandervelden]

Seeing the Architectural Design students carrying their awesome models across campus is a treat! The models are a real advertisement for Design. (Just as going through the Design College where the students work hard all the time may be a deterrent.)

[hollowsoul]

what a great channel for architecture students and architects

[ap]

I just want to say that I've searched for this type of videos about architecture for long time and I'm glad I found it. You guys are doing an amazing job with really helpful and interesting information. Congratulations :)

[SteveSearches]

This is really great! It's hard to find good modeling videos like this. I'm a mechanical designer wanting to model some of my designs but have had difficulty getting started. This series has given my a starting point unlike I've been able to find anywhere else.

[markjones]

Wow!! what a breath of fresh air your video was! I am a first year landscape architect student 100% online. This video was very useful to me as we are just starting to construct basswood study models. We already have used cardboard models and that came with a video. I still cannot achieve perfect cuts, I guess even model building requires practice to master.It could be in the knife too, right now all I have is an exacto knife. I hope some day I will be able to build perfect models as illustrated in your video.

[LlessurHterag]

I really appreciate a physical model, you just don’t see enough architects using them as a design tool these days. A sign of the times I guess. Thanks for the video, takes me back to architecture school and the last time I made a physical model. I think you may have inspired me to use less sketch up and more cardboard and glue.

[soumagnidas]

thank you so much, on behalf of all architecture students, for these useful videos .

[rebeccakhiba]

Your videos help me alot when it comes to designing models and I am currently in my first year and I needed more tips on creating models and your video assisted me alot.❤

[rivouture]

sir i have been watching your channel for the past few days and it has help me a lot in understanding architechture in better perspective.
thank you once again

[courtneyashbrook]

Wonderful series. All your videos I have watched thus far are fantastic. Wish I had them when I was in college.

[pentiumtrio]

learned a lot! I'm graduating from architecture school. I could help you by sharing your videos for my future apprentice and my colleagues!