arch models
From my perspective it is always gratifying to present architectural ideas in scaled down, tangible and tactile 3d shapes, in other words making scale models 3d. Computer drawings in 3d, whether in perspective or axonometric / isometric are very useful tools to work through a project in a step by step basis just like sketching on detail and tracing paper does. Physically built scale models can however be handled and pushed around, altered and added to as with a real-life building, except that at an appropriate scale. The idea is to be making models, working models, scale and massing models as opposed to pretty shiny models in clear perspex cases; these too, though, have their functions as they add prestige to a client's presentation portfolio; a series of 3d scale models are, however, a live narrative. In all cases, intermediate sketch models as well as final version scale working model brings the paper drawings to life. They communicate with the drawing office, client, planners etc. like an audio book conveys the story to the listener when read by the appointed reader.
central london. most of the original elevations as well as the roof are listed. the model sets out to display the blending of the original elements and the new build. ultimately, the exercise is to convert into a luxury london hotel. presentation drawings are printed on sepia paper and are used to build this model, that, together with the drawings brochure make up the planning application submission.
pictures one and two show mainly the elevations of the original building plus alterations to the unlisted elevations along with a number of adjoining buildings for context and general scale.
pictures three and four show the alterations and additions to be carried out to the roof to incorporate extensions, plant and screening that blends in with the surround.
a reverse view to 'picture three' to complete the roof picture. these two birds eye views together with the rest of the models show the full job in three dimensions as one complete package. they are analysed by the planners as well as by the drawing / design office of the architectural practice to help solve the junctions and articulations as they arise.
central london. listed front elevation including one-room depth as well as internal stair-well. a verity architecture, flat roofed building that was applied for to have a mansard, two storey roof added to 'complete' the 'unfinished' original as well as upgrade it. the model incorporates simplified versions of the adjoining buildings on both right and left of it for sake of context. this is a final model of a series of sketch working models, one of which is built in layers,floor by floor.
the rear elevation is a new elevation. it replaces that part of the old building, blends with and enhances the adjoining established buildings. outline models of adjoining buildings are included. model is built as a minimalist exercise; the inside is left empty; model is made out of sheets all round incorporating the elevation features. the mansard lifts off in one piece allowing the existing volume of the building to stand alone. no change of use involved; from old offices to new offices.
building with listed elevations. change of use from a working men's club that had fallen into a sad state through lack of use and misuse. extensions are proposed and newly incorporated dormers and turrets erected. the purpose of the model is to display an enhanced smartened building without changing, but enhancing, its original looks, the planners are invited to grant the change of use on basis of aesthetic and benefit to the community and local area.
diagonally opposite view of the model. this started off as a quick, sketch model proposal but quickly turned into a detailed model that was successfully presented to the planners and formed the basis of a full planning application on the basis of its clean lines and clear definition of scope.
floor by floor model for a shopping mall outside london, on different levels and including split levels. it incorporates the different units on plan as well as connecting openings between floors, stairs, escalators and colonnades. elevations do not form part of the model but are part of the drawing package.
the roof is made of glazed over metal latticework. clear material, drawn over in white to represent the framework, is opted for; it is supported by the capital-capped columns. the middle section is glazed over by way of complete-roof-sample. these are working models but have also to be correct, crisp and representative when submitted to the planners and when displayed to the clients who have to be impressed enough to go ahead and employ my employer to carry out the job.
birds eye view of a proposal for a new hotel in jersey. the model includes landscaping to one side and yacht marina on the sea side of the hotel. this is a small scale model in different mediums ranging from card to perspex to sections to relevant model accessories and is a three dimensional representation / back up for the brochure of presentation drawings of the project for planners and clients.
view of hotel from the sea perspective showing the break water and sea wall and shadows thrown by a mid-day sun
rear view of an end section of an elevated apartment and penthouses complex in london, incorporating landscaping and walkways at lower apartment level as an integral part of the complex.
aerial view of the front elevation of an end section of the apartments in london showing the common walkways as well as the individual glass fronted apartments and penthouses with rear, back and side views.
an open plan stand for a fair in milan built from the submitted dwgs by the fair authorities indicating parameters as well as dwgs by the client who submits visuals that go on the wall/s of the stand walls and are to be accommodated appropriately. the sections are mostly machine cut out of medium density model material in different thicknesses. the colour spraying and some of the accessories, such as seating and railings are carried out by others.
internal view of the stand picking some of the circulation, reception as well as the atmosphere that might be created by the copies of the visuals supplied by the clients.
a series of individual volumetric models set out on to an o. s. map. model is built in card, with crisp, knife-edge, internal and external corners. existing buildings offer a context for the proposed new volumes that are tried and tested in relation to established surrounding buildings before going to planners with proposed drawing packages of presentation drawings.
building-core model showing toilets / rest rooms as well as the stairs and lifts landing. the exercise is mainly to show the finish material on the lift doors as thin-sheet cladding of honed and polished marble over the lift doors. this exercise is undertaken instead of setting up sample boards, thus displaying the finish in its 3 dimension context.
a series of volumetric models for a hotel in jersey are worked out and built in sketch form and modified up to a final version. once the footprint is established it is set up and laid out. the interconnecting buildings are organised in position and can be lifted off and rearranged as necessary before going to the planners with the final solution.
model for a building with a listed elevation in busy central london lying between established and other listed buildings either side. crisp, detailed, de-mountable model in over ten parts was built with client in mind. successful presentation consists of running commentary from the major partner of the practice while the parts are placed in position, consecutively, starting with the elevation and followed by the core block, clear atrium, clear atrium roof, floors main roof etc up to denouement.
one model, one building. various briefs and designs and .. numerous drawings/ internal layouts/ elevations. eclectic styles to satisfy the exigencies of an l. a. client to impress circles of like minded and flamboyant circles of associates and acquaintances. two opposite elevations - one end doric order: pediment, cornice, architrave, capitals, shafts. other end sixteenth century military influence: small windows, secured entrance sloping fortification walls; massiveness is the unifying theme.
the undulating roof forms a major part of the project and relates directly to the internal layout of the living, entertaining, guest etc quarters. by building a minimalist model, the client/s can look at the inside, uncluttered void and relate to the relevant layout drawings and maybe even discuss alternative ideas within the existing, tactile model elevations. a project can still be fluid in spite of the model but it sets the mind racing by way of its tangible 3d qualities.
geodesic being the shortest distance between two points on a curve in 2 d, or in this case in 3 d, established dimensions for a geodesic in space are used to build this dome out of very thin elements and glue along the edges of the triangles.
as a follow up to pic one the existing dimensions are used to work out a way to form a sphere and build it on the same principle as the dome. the printed side of the scrap card is left on the outside in both cases for interest. these two models are mock ups; they can now be used to construct a sphere or spheres with sides that can be more flowing that in these examples.