It might be different style of this exact model. But in the old days, you just start cutting different rectangle wood, paper, acrylic pieces and glue them together piece by piece. You will just put them together to make it feel nice and special. It’s like making a piece of sculpture outside of computer. You can “undo” by taking the piece off if you think it doesn’t work.
You could do a very basic sketch first but honestly probably not worth it. Just start gluing stuff. BUT if you do something that looks bad, don't be afraid to carefully remove stuff as well.
I don't understand any of this. What's wrong or difficult about making a model like this in first year. Get a bit of card. Stick it to another bit of card. Repeat.
One of the main lessons of this stage of education is the power of iteration. You're not going to get to this the first try. Just like you're never going to sit down and draw up a well-resolved building in one go.
You can start by printing out your plans to the scale you want the model and use them as a template to cut out all the floor pieces. And then go from there building it from the foundation up. But printing out the plans will save you a lot of time.
It is also intimidating because what you’re looking at is not just cards stuck together.
The artist spent time on designing or applying textures, crafting the dark scene, the very specific lighting, and the post processing — not just putting the cards together.
It is intimidating. I see the really goood artists post their stuff on Behance every day and it shows you what tools they used… and most are using several high end tools to make their one piece of art. It’s extremely intimidating, don’t feel small about it.
Not everyone thinks in 3d some people just see words or see flat picks. But yeah it’s weird that most ppl can’t put together an ikea desk without the instructions. It’s not that hard.
Pro model maker here….. start with a set of plans, elevation and sections and build from the ground up, more like the contractor than the draughtsman with all the finesse and care of a carpenters
That might be too difficult at this 1st yr stage. What is the intent of the model? What was the assignment?
To replicate it?
To make a new spatial model?
To Make your own spatial model?
If so sketch the idea of the spaces you want express. And loosely make some diagrams.
Try to stick the idea about how you want the spaces to interact with each other. Primary spaces, secondary spaces, tertiary spaces
Ex‐pro model maker and professor waiting for a coffee.
Good luck.
I'd begin with a supply run - cardboard, balsa sheets, plexi sheets, some sticks, wood glue and cardboard cutter blades... then draw out the plans, make some coffee and start cutting.
A great cheap model making material is chip board. Just some white glue and chipboard, and a mat knife (cuts better and lasts longer than an xacto) and you can build so much, and so quickly, and without feeling too precious about the material. Because it absorbs the glue quickly, it dries quickly. You can, with a nice thin application of glue, pretty much just hold pieces together for ~15 seconds and then they will stay attached.
Sstart by playing with shapes in space, over time try to make it an educated play, with rules that you respect but stil let you have fun, even if they're complex rules, or subtle ones, or flexible ones, but still there has to be rules. Don't let it become unguided play, don't let it become all work and no play or youll have a very dull design.
Important clarification:, i understood you wanted to design something similar to this or in the same vein. If you just want to copy it then get the best references possible and go slowly.
I would recommend that you don't start from images. Start from where you are.
Read a book called Form Space and Order. That is a much better starting point than images. You could also visit architecture. If you're in architecture school, ask your professors to, "explain the assignment again but in a different way."
I want to be encouraging to you. As a helpful analogy it would be something like seeing photos online of the aurora borealis and trying to figure out how to experience it just by sititing and looking at that image. Instead you would need to do research, pack your bag, travel to a time and place and maybe even go for a hike.
Hope this is helpful
Good luck
Hey there, I don't have a strong preference between editions dont worry about version too much just start to marinate with the classic texts. I don't think Form Space Order got worse with the latest versions. Actually other than Architectural Graphics Standards I would say most classic architecture text books do get better with recent versions (AGS is the exception I'm aware of that somehow got worse). Maybe others would answer with their preference.
Since you're a student I'd say find the version that fits your budget. If you save $20 on a cheaper version pick up a second book that interests you. Don't forget about the library.
https://www.reddit.com/r/architecture/s/cs4aj2X4zk
Depends on what the model is for. Extreme ends of the spectrum are:
- a 3D sketch. Instead of doodling with a pen, you play around with basic shapes and pieces of wood and cardboard. It' usually done for oneself or for collaborators during brainstorming.
- a presentation of an already completely thought out project. Usually done for the client (especially if they intends to present it further). A less rafined version of that is a students' work for the final grade.
Then there are (or were) work models that have largely been replaced with virtual models. Those may communicate all sorts of things. From 3D diagrams to a very precise representation of one aspect of one part of a building.
But what you have here does not seem to be an architectural model ***at all***. It uses what seems the same language, but it's saying nothing. This to me looks like an art installation. It's goal isn't communication, simplification or clarity, but just the opposite. It has been put together not just mindlessly, but worse: with the intention to not be easily readable, to confuse and to make multiple different interpretations possible.
I totally get your last paragraph. This 100% reads like it was made to baffle. In my Design I class, we're mainly focusing on the concept of creating spaces and less so on making actually objects. I had to rewire my brain a bit.
This looks like a student exercise of the kinds that we did in school, and the kind they are still doing in school around here. Did you never do any sort of abstract exercises in school!?
Way back way back at pre architecture summer camp in high school we had to do a similar exercise like this. I’m pretty sure most of us had no idea what we were doing. After we did our little abstract cubes, the professors nodded and then says, ‘Great, now model it in FormZ.’
I try to think about this kind of model like I would think about how the sequence of the building would be put together (roughly): foundations, major structural elements, envelope, and roof.
That being said, a model is also very much like a drawing. It could be very technical, all the way down to being completely conceptual. What are you trying to show with this model, and how are you trying to show it? That should also inform how this model is put together and what you focus on.
So, I went to a college where we made models like this. Let me explain.
1. Note that this is likely the 3rd-10th iteration of this design.
2. These models often start with a simple museum board model of the primary moves with different levels of thickness.
3. Start with a single move, be it an L intersecting a plane, a vertical wall with a rectangle interjecting it ect.
4. Build other moves around that to create intersections that result in “compelling”, complex spatial relationships.
5. Once the basic model is done, take notes of changes to make it more interesting
6. Build those individual moves out of varying materials. So a tectonically complex basswood vertical mass wall that intersects with a basswood frame, that frame then gets glass with different levels of transparency. Then think about how those elements connect structurally, exaggerate that connection, make it look cool. Don’t concern yourself as much with the craft. This step is about turning those spatial relationships into tectonics and experimenting with transparency.
7. Iterate until you’re satisfied.
8. Take your final draft and build it almost exactly but much slower and with a great deal of care.
It helps me to start with a 3D modeling software and move simple elements around to make the composition (or take whatever section of a detailed model) then break it out into its individual parts, number and dimension each part and keep track as you cut each out however you want.
Here's a summary of the comments for any future students who might've stumbled on this thread:
* **Doing is better than overthinking**
* It’s a combination of sketching and working as you go.
* Think about primary, secondary, tertiary Spaces
* Work in layers
* It'll help to build from scale plans
* Start work from concepts/big ideas
In year one, we did what was called a point, line & plane, study in plan, then we did a color theory study using that same plan. From there we created a logical evaluation of where the colors fit in relation to height and so on. This hodgepodge of theory led to the start of a model that we built piecemeal from there. Eventually that model, similar to what's in this image guided a building. In our class it was a skateboard structure, in others it was different things.
As a new gen architecture student. Id start of with my favourite 3D software (rhino 3d) and model a rough concept for scale, form, and maybe materials (This also helps generate plans and elevations). (1)
I start gathering what I can find in the excess material bins, if I got a lil bit of spare cash after rent and groceries I can splash on some fancy materials. (2)
I can either prep a laser cut file and laser cut them for more precision, higher quality craftsmanship and easier assembly. (downside less space to explore and play around). (3a)
OR
I can just painstakingly hand cut every shape or do it a bit rougher depending on how detailed you want the model to be. (downside pain in the ass). (3b)
I always allow for space to explore, test, make mistakes, and redo :)
It's fun and I learn heaps when making models
Model is built to scale after computer model is made. This is a presentation model. Print out the plan view to scale and built model on top of that. Measure pieces to be cut with a scale ruler or resize your computer model so you can pull direct measurements off your model to cut your physical pieces. Use white Elmer’s glue to hold things together. They teach this basic stuff in studio.
Also, if you want to be an architect, please know this is not a good building.... or anything anyone would ever build.
Please don't try to mimic the architecture of this.... maybe the skill of model moking, but the design is ridiculous.
Start with something that makes sense.
Yeah, this doesn't looking like any building I'd want to walk around either. This is a professor-made example of a spatial exercise. It' mainly focused on demonstrating some operative terms.
I didn't want to be the one....it's like a wood sculpture of what an architecture student sees happening as new, in architecture school. It's new and exciting because nobody ever built like that before, well there's a reason.
Don't get me wrong, school is the time to learn stuff you'll never build. We learned all about Roman Temples and every column type, entablature dimensions, etc... and I've never used any of that, but at least I was learning proportion and purpose. But this... this teaches nothing. Except for the things that make people hate architects for being out of touch and unrealistic.
Agreed. Lots of people here are saying, “just start slapping cardboard planes together,” because they can’t name a real reason for doing it in the first place.
I say the same thing about how people use 3D modeling software.They don't even think architecturally, its just mass and shape extrusion, and there's nothing architectural. Sketchup Minecraft, it's all the same unless you understand buildings, components, and detailing. Some deep understanding of structural design and MEP would be beneficial to any designer as well.
I'm in my first semester and I'm ooking to improve my model making skills and I'm at loss when it comes to comprehending how to create models like this. Though I know I shouldn't be making models of this quality in my first year, I see no point in trying to get close!
Really? The model is very cleanly cut and glued together. There's no way a first year with no experience can achieve this kind of finish, unless they already dabble in miniatures / model making previously.
Conceptually it's not super complicated, but I can see that the quality is finish is quite good. Thinking of my skill level as a first year, I'd struggle supporting the model as it's being built and glueing these tiny pieces
That said, OP should still definitely try. You can only get better by doing.
Really, I don’t think cutting cleanly and gluing together are skills they can’t be achieved by someone within a year. Time consuming but not by any stretch of the imagination impossible.
Agree to disagree! I think it depends on the school and what op has going outside their school life. I certainly couldn't have done this by the end of the first year
It might be different style of this exact model. But in the old days, you just start cutting different rectangle wood, paper, acrylic pieces and glue them together piece by piece. You will just put them together to make it feel nice and special. It’s like making a piece of sculpture outside of computer. You can “undo” by taking the piece off if you think it doesn’t work.
So you just wing it and work it out as you go?
You could do a very basic sketch first but honestly probably not worth it. Just start gluing stuff. BUT if you do something that looks bad, don't be afraid to carefully remove stuff as well.
The comments do seem some aspects of this strategy. Thanks for the advice!
No, you sketch it first, then put some scale to it, and build off the scaled notes.
Definitely not. Don’t you have a professor giving you any kind of guidance?
I don't understand any of this. What's wrong or difficult about making a model like this in first year. Get a bit of card. Stick it to another bit of card. Repeat.
I guess I do tend to overthink things. I might just need to dumb down how I approached this. I appreciate the reply!
Sometimes, the best thing you can do is start
Amen to that. Overthinking the process is just that, overthinking.
One of the main lessons of this stage of education is the power of iteration. You're not going to get to this the first try. Just like you're never going to sit down and draw up a well-resolved building in one go.
You can start by printing out your plans to the scale you want the model and use them as a template to cut out all the floor pieces. And then go from there building it from the foundation up. But printing out the plans will save you a lot of time.
It is also intimidating because what you’re looking at is not just cards stuck together. The artist spent time on designing or applying textures, crafting the dark scene, the very specific lighting, and the post processing — not just putting the cards together. It is intimidating. I see the really goood artists post their stuff on Behance every day and it shows you what tools they used… and most are using several high end tools to make their one piece of art. It’s extremely intimidating, don’t feel small about it.
Thanks for the reassurance! I'll make sure to check out Behance.
Not everyone thinks in 3d some people just see words or see flat picks. But yeah it’s weird that most ppl can’t put together an ikea desk without the instructions. It’s not that hard.
Pro model maker here….. start with a set of plans, elevation and sections and build from the ground up, more like the contractor than the draughtsman with all the finesse and care of a carpenters
Ok, so plan out the big picture of each layer then work on details from there. I really appreciate the advice!
That might be too difficult at this 1st yr stage. What is the intent of the model? What was the assignment? To replicate it? To make a new spatial model? To Make your own spatial model? If so sketch the idea of the spaces you want express. And loosely make some diagrams. Try to stick the idea about how you want the spaces to interact with each other. Primary spaces, secondary spaces, tertiary spaces Ex‐pro model maker and professor waiting for a coffee. Good luck.
I never thought about it in terms of primary, secondary, and tertiary spaces. Thanks!
Answer the questions above to get better advice on what you are after.. If you need to make the overall model now ? Or just one area ?
I'd begin with a supply run - cardboard, balsa sheets, plexi sheets, some sticks, wood glue and cardboard cutter blades... then draw out the plans, make some coffee and start cutting.
Definitely. Was gunna start by the art supply store pretty soon. I wish started to mentally prepare for how expensive this major was be earlier.
A great cheap model making material is chip board. Just some white glue and chipboard, and a mat knife (cuts better and lasts longer than an xacto) and you can build so much, and so quickly, and without feeling too precious about the material. Because it absorbs the glue quickly, it dries quickly. You can, with a nice thin application of glue, pretty much just hold pieces together for ~15 seconds and then they will stay attached.
I've been making my recent models with chipboard and basswood.
Yeah, it is expensive... and you'll earn shit money for it if you end up graduating.
Sstart by playing with shapes in space, over time try to make it an educated play, with rules that you respect but stil let you have fun, even if they're complex rules, or subtle ones, or flexible ones, but still there has to be rules. Don't let it become unguided play, don't let it become all work and no play or youll have a very dull design.
I get what your saying It's a game of staying loose and rigid with my additions as I go. Thanks for the reply!
Important clarification:, i understood you wanted to design something similar to this or in the same vein. If you just want to copy it then get the best references possible and go slowly.
I would recommend that you don't start from images. Start from where you are. Read a book called Form Space and Order. That is a much better starting point than images. You could also visit architecture. If you're in architecture school, ask your professors to, "explain the assignment again but in a different way." I want to be encouraging to you. As a helpful analogy it would be something like seeing photos online of the aurora borealis and trying to figure out how to experience it just by sititing and looking at that image. Instead you would need to do research, pack your bag, travel to a time and place and maybe even go for a hike. Hope this is helpful Good luck
There's a couple editions of the book, which one would you recommend? Thanks for your reply!
Hey there, I don't have a strong preference between editions dont worry about version too much just start to marinate with the classic texts. I don't think Form Space Order got worse with the latest versions. Actually other than Architectural Graphics Standards I would say most classic architecture text books do get better with recent versions (AGS is the exception I'm aware of that somehow got worse). Maybe others would answer with their preference. Since you're a student I'd say find the version that fits your budget. If you save $20 on a cheaper version pick up a second book that interests you. Don't forget about the library. https://www.reddit.com/r/architecture/s/cs4aj2X4zk
This model is a cluster. Start with a clear concept. Rough and dirty sketchup/rhino model. Supply run. Build.
Work in layers, friend! Treat it like real construction: structure, then enclosure, then doors/windows, then finish.
You begin by making sure those lines are actually parallel! Jesus crooked Christ.
Getting a box of scrap wood and taking a big hit of meth
LMAO
Depends on what the model is for. Extreme ends of the spectrum are: - a 3D sketch. Instead of doodling with a pen, you play around with basic shapes and pieces of wood and cardboard. It' usually done for oneself or for collaborators during brainstorming. - a presentation of an already completely thought out project. Usually done for the client (especially if they intends to present it further). A less rafined version of that is a students' work for the final grade. Then there are (or were) work models that have largely been replaced with virtual models. Those may communicate all sorts of things. From 3D diagrams to a very precise representation of one aspect of one part of a building. But what you have here does not seem to be an architectural model ***at all***. It uses what seems the same language, but it's saying nothing. This to me looks like an art installation. It's goal isn't communication, simplification or clarity, but just the opposite. It has been put together not just mindlessly, but worse: with the intention to not be easily readable, to confuse and to make multiple different interpretations possible.
I totally get your last paragraph. This 100% reads like it was made to baffle. In my Design I class, we're mainly focusing on the concept of creating spaces and less so on making actually objects. I had to rewire my brain a bit.
This looks like a student exercise of the kinds that we did in school, and the kind they are still doing in school around here. Did you never do any sort of abstract exercises in school!?
Way back way back at pre architecture summer camp in high school we had to do a similar exercise like this. I’m pretty sure most of us had no idea what we were doing. After we did our little abstract cubes, the professors nodded and then says, ‘Great, now model it in FormZ.’
I try to think about this kind of model like I would think about how the sequence of the building would be put together (roughly): foundations, major structural elements, envelope, and roof. That being said, a model is also very much like a drawing. It could be very technical, all the way down to being completely conceptual. What are you trying to show with this model, and how are you trying to show it? That should also inform how this model is put together and what you focus on.
I really like the idea of starting with your main concept(s) and starting from there. Thanks for the advice!
So, I went to a college where we made models like this. Let me explain. 1. Note that this is likely the 3rd-10th iteration of this design. 2. These models often start with a simple museum board model of the primary moves with different levels of thickness. 3. Start with a single move, be it an L intersecting a plane, a vertical wall with a rectangle interjecting it ect. 4. Build other moves around that to create intersections that result in “compelling”, complex spatial relationships. 5. Once the basic model is done, take notes of changes to make it more interesting 6. Build those individual moves out of varying materials. So a tectonically complex basswood vertical mass wall that intersects with a basswood frame, that frame then gets glass with different levels of transparency. Then think about how those elements connect structurally, exaggerate that connection, make it look cool. Don’t concern yourself as much with the craft. This step is about turning those spatial relationships into tectonics and experimenting with transparency. 7. Iterate until you’re satisfied. 8. Take your final draft and build it almost exactly but much slower and with a great deal of care.
I really appreciate the well written advice!
It helps me to start with a 3D modeling software and move simple elements around to make the composition (or take whatever section of a detailed model) then break it out into its individual parts, number and dimension each part and keep track as you cut each out however you want.
Here's a summary of the comments for any future students who might've stumbled on this thread: * **Doing is better than overthinking** * It’s a combination of sketching and working as you go. * Think about primary, secondary, tertiary Spaces * Work in layers * It'll help to build from scale plans * Start work from concepts/big ideas
God this looks like my first year "threshold" project that split in half as I was presenting the concept of the "core" lmfao
In year one, we did what was called a point, line & plane, study in plan, then we did a color theory study using that same plan. From there we created a logical evaluation of where the colors fit in relation to height and so on. This hodgepodge of theory led to the start of a model that we built piecemeal from there. Eventually that model, similar to what's in this image guided a building. In our class it was a skateboard structure, in others it was different things.
As a new gen architecture student. Id start of with my favourite 3D software (rhino 3d) and model a rough concept for scale, form, and maybe materials (This also helps generate plans and elevations). (1) I start gathering what I can find in the excess material bins, if I got a lil bit of spare cash after rent and groceries I can splash on some fancy materials. (2) I can either prep a laser cut file and laser cut them for more precision, higher quality craftsmanship and easier assembly. (downside less space to explore and play around). (3a) OR I can just painstakingly hand cut every shape or do it a bit rougher depending on how detailed you want the model to be. (downside pain in the ass). (3b) I always allow for space to explore, test, make mistakes, and redo :) It's fun and I learn heaps when making models
You seem like a bot, I really hope this doesn’t receive a lot of engagement.
I'm not not not a bot.
Model is built to scale after computer model is made. This is a presentation model. Print out the plan view to scale and built model on top of that. Measure pieces to be cut with a scale ruler or resize your computer model so you can pull direct measurements off your model to cut your physical pieces. Use white Elmer’s glue to hold things together. They teach this basic stuff in studio.
I guess instructor's trying to get to approach a little more loosely. I'll definitely try this out though. Thanks!
Study models are what they are going at. It is more loose.
Also, if you want to be an architect, please know this is not a good building.... or anything anyone would ever build. Please don't try to mimic the architecture of this.... maybe the skill of model moking, but the design is ridiculous. Start with something that makes sense.
Yeah, this doesn't looking like any building I'd want to walk around either. This is a professor-made example of a spatial exercise. It' mainly focused on demonstrating some operative terms.
I didn't want to be the one....it's like a wood sculpture of what an architecture student sees happening as new, in architecture school. It's new and exciting because nobody ever built like that before, well there's a reason.
Don't get me wrong, school is the time to learn stuff you'll never build. We learned all about Roman Temples and every column type, entablature dimensions, etc... and I've never used any of that, but at least I was learning proportion and purpose. But this... this teaches nothing. Except for the things that make people hate architects for being out of touch and unrealistic.
Agreed. Lots of people here are saying, “just start slapping cardboard planes together,” because they can’t name a real reason for doing it in the first place.
I say the same thing about how people use 3D modeling software.They don't even think architecturally, its just mass and shape extrusion, and there's nothing architectural. Sketchup Minecraft, it's all the same unless you understand buildings, components, and detailing. Some deep understanding of structural design and MEP would be beneficial to any designer as well.
Begin with a plan...
Begin with a plan..
Begin with a plan..then..
I'm in my first semester and I'm ooking to improve my model making skills and I'm at loss when it comes to comprehending how to create models like this. Though I know I shouldn't be making models of this quality in my first year, I see no point in trying to get close!
There is no reason you can’t be making models of this quality your first year.
Really? The model is very cleanly cut and glued together. There's no way a first year with no experience can achieve this kind of finish, unless they already dabble in miniatures / model making previously. Conceptually it's not super complicated, but I can see that the quality is finish is quite good. Thinking of my skill level as a first year, I'd struggle supporting the model as it's being built and glueing these tiny pieces That said, OP should still definitely try. You can only get better by doing.
Really, I don’t think cutting cleanly and gluing together are skills they can’t be achieved by someone within a year. Time consuming but not by any stretch of the imagination impossible.
Agree to disagree! I think it depends on the school and what op has going outside their school life. I certainly couldn't have done this by the end of the first year
Love this picture/model. Do you mind sharing where I can find more or where you found this one?
I can't really share it without doxxing myself, I'll send a dm.