Building Architects

Photograph © Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Getty Images

In a design class, I typically used models to express myself every step of the way. In the beginning of the semester, the models were frequently abstract and crude. They often could have been mistaken as the work of a five-year-old.

As the semester progressed and I learned more about my design solution, the quality of the models started to evolve. After all design decisions were finalized, the very last step of the semester always involved building a museum-quality architecture model of my building.

Building great architecture models is a skill. It takes a lot of practice and patience, but anyone can learn it.

Use the right tool for the job

Your cake is only as good as the quality of ingredients you put into it. That old utility knife with the blade that hasn’t been changed in six months has no place being anywhere near an architectural model. Throw it away.

These are the core tools I use for building models:

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Small metal rulers are easier to maneuver, and this particular size gets used the most.

For those moments when the little guy doesn't cut it.

The self-healing surface will absorb the knife tip without dulling it as would occur if you were cutting on top of another surface. It will also protect the surface you are working on. In the long run, this cutting mat will save you tons of money in knife blades.

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Little scissors are perfect for when whatever you’re cutting is too labor intensive to cut with a knife. There are a million types of little scissors on the market, but I always preferred Fiskars products because they are very well made and will stay sharp for years.

With these basic tools, you can basically take over the world!

There are other things I use, such as tweezers, nail files, canned air and a million types of glue and adhesives. I could go on forever. But really, the items above are my essential model-building tools.

A Few Tips for Building Great Architecture Models

I love talking about architecture models so much, here are a few pointers to consider when building your next model …

1. Wash your hands every 30 minutes

Not everyone has to do this, but I definitely do. Oil naturally develops on my fingers and then leaves fingerprints on my model. I like to set a timer that repeatedly goes off every 30 minutes to remind me to wash my hands.

It took me years to figure this out, but when I did, the quality of my models jumped up two levels. This information is gold, especially if your model is white. I also do this when I am working on museum-quality drawings for final presentation.

2. Plan, execute, stop, move on and repeat

Look at the model, figure out how you’re going to build only a certain part of it. Think about what’s the cleanest way to build it. DO IT. Then stop. Move on to the next section and repeat the process.

Just remember that old saying: Measure twice, cut once. Mentally thinking through each step of a model before you actually cut any material is worth its weight in gold. If you can make this a habit, you will surprise yourself with how fast you can build models and more effectively.

A detail from SHoP Architects’ scale model for the Uber Headquarters in San Francisco; read more about the project in our in-depth feature, “From Model to Masterpiece.”

3. Get some light on that architecture model

Model-building strains the eyes as you look at such small, detailed pieces. You need to get some good lights, otherwise your eyes will get tired quickly, and you will need to rest them long before you’re done building your model.

This was a little controversial when I was in college, especially with my family members. But when I am building models, I like to turn on all the lights that are available to be turned on.

I make the room super bright and also the pathway between the model, the bathroom, and the kitchen. This helps me stay awake and focused on the task at hand. I know it’s not very sustainable to use every light in the house to build a little model, but luckily it’s only for a few hours a semester and will actually make a huge difference in your energy levels when you have to work late into the night.

4. Make templates for everything

Templates will save you more time and energy model-building than you can ever imagine. If you have any repetitive element in your model, you must make a template for it. This could involve:

• Creating templates to easily locate sill and head heights on windows
• Using scrap material to help achieve consistent spacing
• Creating guides to accurately allow cutting many pieces at the same length without measuring each one out
• Making a template for drawing or cutting curves

The possibility of building models with templates is endless. The more you use them, the faster, more consistent and precise your model will be.

5. Get educated about glue and tape

Never stop experimenting with glue and tape. There are a million different types of tape and glue, they each have their own strengths and weaknesses. Knowing the capabilities of how each performs with certain materials can make or break the believability of your design or model.

6. Always use good tools and sharp knives

If you make it a habit to do these things, your models will be built faster and be of museum quality. Your model-building skills will ultimately make you a better Architect!