Architectural model making is an enjoyable although at times a frustrating task. Working to scale is simple maths but working accurately on a small scale can be very time consuming.

   The first stage in the process is to obtain as much referencing material about the subject as possible. First we need to know what we are working with and what the finished model needs to contain.

   I would always seek to study existing plans and photos, perhaps visit the site if possible. Talk to the client about their expectations and understand their vision.

   The next stage is equating all the true measurements in to the scale that will be used. For instance if we are making a 1:50 model all the measurements must be divided by 50. But we must make sure the original dimensions are in the same format. If I am working form old plans I may have to change inches in to centimeters, or simply centimeters to millimeters. Once this has been done I can move on to selecting the materials I will use. This tends to be determined by the scale being used. A large scale model can use thicker foam board whereas a very small model may restrict me to using thinner cardboard or mount board where the smaller detail demanded can be constructed more easily and delicate detail can be represented more accurately.

   I have made models out of cardboard, incorporated plasticine and painted some. Architectural models are often produced from a plain white material such as card or as in my latest model fibre board. Fibre board has proven to be an easy material to use. Malleable but strong fibreboard is an excellent medium. Whereas white card is good it is difficult to represent the thickness of walls, say for instance the difference between an exterior wall and interior wall. But because fibre board is available is 3mm, 5mm and 10mm thicknesses it is possible to accurately show this in a model. Also when constructing staircases I have found it is easier to build to a correct scale with fibre board. There are a few things to remember when using fibre board. Firstly you must use a foam friendly glue and secondly you must always use a very sharp cutting blade or the foam in the board will pull with the resulting end profile perhaps not being as clean cut as you may have wanted. Try to keep you knife upright so you cut is square and be patient!

A few basic tools

   I always spend quite a lot of time understanding how best to approach the models construction. What to make first? Making a model is not the same approach as actual  building in real life. I don’t make the foundations first. Often some of the last pieces to be made and fitted is the flooring a complete opposite to building a real house where one of the first things you might expect to see is the outline floor plan. I often make individual components and then bring them together to make up the model as a whole.

   It takes time but models are satisfying to complete. Here are a few photos of the National Picture Theatre model I have just made.

   After many hours cutting and sticking I finally finished it.

   

I hope my model can add to the interest in the National Picture Theatre and it can help towards the rejuvenation of a unique site.