When beginning architecture school, a student is introduced to four basic design elements: Point, Line, Plane, and Volume. The process for designing a building requires these four elements to operate. These elements serve as the backbone to crafting an effective design proposal and successful project for a design firm. For our eighth installment of Archinect's Guide to Job Titles, we explore the role and career path of a Model Maker.
An architectural model serves as the physical manifestation of a design proposal. A model may highlight the use and aspects of a planned structure beyond the reach of a composite sketch or digitally composed image. A tangible, three-dimensional form, the architectural model is a key component to the visualization of a building and the communication of layout and inter-spatial design relationships.
A Model Maker is an important position within a design firm. Not only must these individuals possess excellent craftsmanship and pay careful attention to detail, but they must also be open to the growing technological advancements in the production of both physical and sometimes digital models. A good candidate must also have strong communication skills, especially working well in a team setting. In addition, a model maker should be well-organized, initiative-taking, and flexible to any last-minute changes.
A model maker is responsible for creating scale models of proposed construction projects. Models become especially useful in a team presentation by producing a tangible, physical manifestation of a design proposition. In addition, these models often serve as a linchpin for a committee or government board on the edge of funding a design project. Often spun around and passed along a line of clients or board/committee members, the value of a model is irreplaceable.
Many positions in this field are labeled as entry-level, where no specific training is often required. However, experience in drafting, producing architectural drawings, working with shop (wood and metal) materials and machinery, studio or fine arts, and design fabrication serves as good preparation for such a role.
Although the work of a model maker is greatly valued at an architectural design firm, most firms wrap that skill into a more general entry-level position rather than hiring for a dedicated model maker. Especially at smaller firms, the demand for model making cannot always require a full-time commitment. It is, however, common for larger architecture and design firms such as those in major cities to possess at least one permanent, full-time model maker.
Project tasks can come in various shapes and scales as a model maker. Sometimes, the completion of these models may be divided into and assigned to a group of individuals part of a larger model-making team to complete. Below is an overview of common model types a model maker or model-making team would be assigned to complete.
Topographic and Landscape Models
A firm designing a project under a unique topographical setting such as a sloped area in which the landscape may be complicated or crucial to a design proposal may task a model maker to complete a topographic model. A topographic model may provide the ability to view and thoroughly understand the appearance of a specific location’s terrain pattern, providing a three-dimensional visual image allowing a firm to design more accordingly to its surroundings. A topographic model is often used in residential firms and geographic design settings.
A landscape model is similar to a topographic model, which relies heavily on the layering of sheets of material to replicate the surface of a specific terrain. These models are created through topographical laser cutting technology. With landscape models, it takes the process one step further by focusing on incorporating natural scenery. A landscape model captures the essence of a site with design elements such as vegetation, water features, hardscape, and related project aspects such as sustainable design features. A landscape model is most utilized at a landscape architecture firm—which relies heavily on these models to portray the design of public spaces. Whether one is modeling a park, playground, community garden, a greater residential area, or even a college campus, a landscape model incorporates features such as existing and developing buildings, roads, sidewalks, and elements of greenery to give the client a detailed vision of a design.
Site and Urban Design Models
Another common architectural model a firm might use is a site or urban design model with a building. These models have a central focus on the scale and setting of a space from various zones. Such a model presents an impression of an urban plan design for visitors. Often in the form of a city or a neighborhood, a site or urban design model might include detailed features such as specific blocks, landmarks, and key government zoning patterns—placing the model in the context of a greater city plan drawing.
A site or urban design model becomes especially useful in a real estate investment and sales context. In these scenarios, property developers aim to illustrate an area's relation to potential surrounding developments, infrastructure, traffic patterns, facilities, and more by presenting a future urban plan scheme. This can be portrayed through a site or urban design model. In this case, a scale of 1:200 – 1:1000 is often utilized, allowing for just the right amount of detail and space to be illustrated in the model.
A model maker is responsible for creating scale models of proposed construction projects. Models become especially useful in a team presentation by producing a tangible, physical manifestation of a design proposition.
Interior and Exterior Building Models
The most commonly used model is the exterior building model. This model type serves as a replica of a proposed building. Interior building models are also commonly used by interior design firms which highlight a specific interior spatial quality. For example, one might feature a spatial layout, color scheme, lighting condition(s), furnishings, or highlight the specific use of a space through scale figures. Interior and exterior models are frequently displayed in unison to depict the overall design sense of a work of architecture.
Structural and Detail Models
This model type is used to portray the function or modularity of a complex structure. A structural model simplifies a structural system. Often constructed in singular units and later assembled, these models focus on a structural frame or foundation detail—unlike a building model. Self-explanatory in nature, a detail model displays a specific element within a project for the client to see. A detail model might feature hand-made brickwork, landscape transitions from a grassy texture to a rough hardscape pattern, or the practicality of a window-wall expansion joint.
Conceptual and Abstract Models
A conceptual model serves as the manifestation of a design idea. These models help to display the use of a design concept in its full effect. A firm might use a concept or abstract model to study how the sun, wind, or other design element interacts with or strengthen a specific design concept.
What do firms look for when seeking a Model Maker? Located in New York, NY, Rafael Vinoly Architects is currently searching for a Digital Fabricator and Architectural Model Making candidate who possesses enjoyment for making museum-quality presentation models.
The job posting states the following qualifications, responsibilities, and requirements:
General Qualifications
"The candidate needs to demonstrate outstanding craftsmanship as well as an attention to detail that will not only satisfy the demands of the project but go above and beyond to add a creative edge to our presentation models. Candidates should work well in a team, be well-organized, self-motivated, and flexible. The ability and interest to explore new technology and methods of production are welcome."
Responsibilities and Requirements
Successful candidates should possess the following attributes:
As previously mentioned, the role of a model maker is not always in demand and often appears in the form of a temporary position. However, many firms do indeed hire long-term model-makers and positions under a broader job title in which one might become assigned to a model-making role as needed. The following job positions on Archinect's Job Board list model making as one of greater responsibilities:
David Burke Architects of Beacon, NY is seeking an Architectural Designer who will also perform "model building for both residential and institutional projects." TNB Architecture of New York, NY is looking for a Junior or Intern Architect who will participate in the "design development, architectural modeling, and production of working drawings on a variety of projects." Similarly, the Whitney Museum of American Art is searching for an Associate Exhibition Designer with facility in "building both study and finish models" with a responsibility of producing "study models and other presentation materials to convey design and exhibition scope to Curators, Director, and various other Museum departments and outside parties."
Unique in nature, the role of a model maker is one with great versatility. These skilled individuals help firms bridge the gap between 2-D drawings and scaled miniatures to help visualize project ideas.
Interested in a Model Maker job?
Take a look at the current opportunities on Archinect Jobs ↗
Based in New York City, Maria is a Master of Architecture student at Columbia University. An Avid reader, Maria's favorite genres are Philosophical Fiction/Non-Fiction, Sci-Fi, Psychological Non-Fiction, and she always enjoys a good Classic. Her favorite writer is Fyodor Dostoevsky. Maria ...
1 Comment
I'll just go ahead and say it: All the nice looking models in this article, ie all of them except the top one showing quickie sketch models, were built by specialist pro model makers. Not architects.
Since architecture students in the US don't learn how to build models*, they are not great candidates for producing models that look anywhere near presentable/professional.
The last image was neither built nor designed by an architect. The great production designer Syd Mead was an industrial designer with Ford Motors before coming to Hollywood, and designing the look of Blade Runner.
*In my role as a pro model maker I have asked about a hundred young US arch grads if they were taught model making in school. The answer has uniformly been no. Students are supposed to pick up the skill by themselves, somehow, by magic. This has led to a generation of architects who are both terrified of hands-on model making, and who often regard model making as somehow beneath them. Little do they know that I make way more money than they do.
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