Model Builders Inc Blog

5 reasons when buying a custom model or prototype to pay for quality

Posted by Hal Chaffee on Sun, Jun 15, 2014 @ 10:24 PM

You should be worried about buying a custom model or prototype based on a lowest-cost bid as we pointed out in our last blog.  Here are five reasons to pay a little more for quality and get a lot more in return.

1. Quality sells.

The impact and quality of a model or prototype built with superior materials or design may lead to far greater sales than the incremental cost of say 10 percent over the lowest quote. That's value.

 GM LIRR  front rt

1/24 scale brass locomotive model - exterior and interior

If a model or prototype is 25 percent or more effective in generating leads than say a quote that costs 10 percent less it is more cost effective. Our experience is that the extra expense is often the difference between a dull model and one that grabs the viewer’s attention. In the case of the 36" long locomotive model pictured above it was also the difference in a more accurate and durable model that we built primarily out of brass instead of plastic.

GM LIRR equip rack resized 600Internal equipment rack prior to painting. Primarily brass construction

The entire exterior of the locomotive body and most of the internal equipment is brass construction with strong silver soldered weld joints .  The model is then very durable and the thickness of the parts is in scale.

2. A model is your reputation - don't mess it up to save a few dollars.

It takes a long time to build up a corporate reputation and a short time to knock it down if you don't meet the expectations of your client or potential client. Put your best model forward.

3. A partnership with a good model maker can raise quality exponentially.

Commissioning a prototype can be a learning experience that simultaneously represents and improves your idea when working with a good model maker.

The best model makers will spend when needed up to a third or more of their time doing research for or with you. For example the U.S. Navy's policy is not to provide drawings on currently commissioned ships. All is well if accuracy is not your goal or if you can do the research required for accuracy. One of Model Builders, Inc's strengths is our exceptional research and commitment to accuracy when it counts. Some of our competitors have had their models rejected by their clients who liked their price but not the inaccurate results.

4. Quality pays, but quality is not free.

Even one step up from the lowest bid can make a big difference in quality. The marginal difference may go to the more talented and experienced staff, more precise tools, more durable and realistic materials, and safer shipping containers, for example. When you commission one model in anticipation of multiple versions later on, buying quality also prevents having to start over later with a different company if the first model is unsatisfactory.

5. The lowest bid often means there is little room for innovation or details that can make a big impact in the final look of the model or prototype.

Montpelier garden

The above picture is of a finely detailed 1:500 scale model garden that is only 5" X 7". The two white lions on the right in the garden are 1/2" long. The holes are only 1/16" diameter for lighted fiber optic cable ends to identify the area by pushing a button. This model type of finely detailed model making takes time and special artistic skill.

Model Builders, Inc. is known for helping industrial designers, manufacturers, institutions and individuals go from idea to reality. Take the next step by contacting us at Model Builders, Inc., 773-586-6500 or info@modelbuilders.net .

Tags: aviation models, construction equipment models, railroad equipment model, plant layout model, architectural model, model, architectural models, product cutaway, boat models, product model, prototype, model maker, prototypes, product models, airplane models, topographic model, aerospace models, prototype model

5 Reasons not to choose the lowest quote for a model or prototype

Posted by Hal Chaffee on Thu, Jun 05, 2014 @ 10:52 AM

In today’s world of instant everything from everywhere we can easily fall into the trap of making business decisions just by choosing the lowest price. Here are 5 reasons you should be very worried about the lowest price, especially for a custom model or prototype.

1. Value = quality divided by price.

 You can easily pick the lowest price - just pick the quote with the lowest number.  But if you expect good value, you must spend the time it takes to consider quality. Quality in models and prototypes depends on a number of factors.

Petronas Towers exhibit resized 600

Oil storage site exhibit in Kuala Lumpur

For example if there is a body of water in an architectural or topographic model, how is it depicted? Possibilities range from one color of blue paint to a realistic range of several colors applied artistically under a wavy piece of clear acrylic as shown in the above picture.   The latter looks far more realistic, but costs a little more.

There is reason why “cheap” means both "low cost" and "low quality". It pays to investigate closely how your model or prototype will look or work by carefully comparing the assumptions and details in the quote and each vendor's reputation for quality.

2. Balance: The common law of business balance.

 Over a century ago John Ruskin said “It’s unwise to pay too much…but it’s worse to pay too little. When you pay too much, you lose a little money…that is all.  When you pay too little, you sometimes lose everything, because the thing you bought was incapable of doing the thing it was bought to do. The common law of business balance prohibits paying a little and getting a lot.  It can’t be done. If you deal with the lowest bidder, it is well to add something for the risk you run.  And if you do that, you will have enough to pay for something better.”

3. Avoid wasting money on models and prototypes that are in too small a scale. 

One problem is that parts can become too thin in a small scale and break easily. The client's desire for the smallest possible model to make it easier to transport as well as save money in packing, shipping and initial cost means it is more likely to arrive damaged and maybe even not repairable before the sales presentation or tradeshow.

A second problem is companies that “saved money” by having a model made in a scale that was too small to effectively show the detail especially when it is a printed out on a 3d printer. We refer to these models as "blob" models since instead of seeing the finer details that help attract potential customers you see blobs of material. Request a drawing of the plan and elevation views in the model scale proposed before you buy.  Even better request a sample part that shows some of the finer details.

4. Durability counts.

Is the model you ordered going to arrive as loose parts that came apart during the shipment?

Your model isn’t any good if you can’t use it when it arrived or requires extensive and expensive additional repair. That could be the case if the materials used and the way they were bonded or attached together couldn’t survive the road vibrations, shock from being dropped, temperatures, humidity, poor or loose packing, etc. In transit if the temperature is below freezing acrylic glues don’t hold their bond very well and your acrylic model may come apart. High heat also affects acrylic bonds much sooner that it would ABS plastic.

We use ABS plastic where we can instead of acrylic since ABS can be welded (the surfaces melt together with the chemical liquid we use for bonding). The ABS plastic is also stronger than acrylic which can crack under stress. 

If there is damage you may or may not be able to collect from an insurance claim and it may take a long time to collect for it. If a quote is higher than the low bid it probably is built stronger, with better materials and is packed better to survive shipment.

5. Insurance against an unpleasant surprise.

A benefit of partnering with a high quality model maker is the opportunity to learn and improve the project together.  With their experience and expertise, it is not hard to see potential problems while they can still be addressed successfully and at little or no additional cost. Even if the new approach costs more it is "cheaper" than  paying for a model that may meet your specifications but not your expectations.

Recently a potential museum client sent their project out for bid and all of the bids were higher than their budget. Sometimes if you have a limited budget it is better to tell the model making companies what the budget is and have them let you know what is possible to do with that budget.

When deciding on which company to hire for a model or protoype our experience is that the highest value, rather than the lowest price, is normally the best criterion. In our next blog we'll point out 5 reasons you should be very willing to pay for quaility.

Model Builders, Inc. is known for helping industrial designers, manufacturers, institutions and individuals go from idea to reality. Take the next step by contacting us at Model Builders, Inc., 773-586-6500 or info@modelbuilders.net .

 

Tags: railroad equipment model, site model, architectural model, model, architectural models, product model, prototype, prototypes, topographic model, trade show product models, prototype model

6 reasons to use a white architectural model

Posted by Hal Chaffee on Sun, Dec 29, 2013 @ 06:27 PM

 White architectural models are favored by architects for a variety of reasons. 

1) An architectural competition often requires submission of a white model. This type of model is very different than a presentation model. A competition model is more of a conceptual abstraction and often built with a restricted budget in one or two weeks. The appearance is more lean and mean with less detail. White models if done well enable the judges and the public to clearly visualize the design in three dimensions especially in form and composition. The idea is to express the essence of the architect's intentions to the judges so they can pick the architect.    

2) The architect wants to show a model layout as a pure form. It may be easier to visualize the placement of structures and their context within a site. It is especially useful before final decisions are made on the colors and finishes of external materials. You can even use sunlight to show how shadows are cast across the site. Master plans are often depicted in white.

Hospital complex white model resized 600

 This hospital complex model is 30" X 45" X 6.5" high in 1/32" = 1'-0" scale

One color in addition to white is sometimes used in contrast to effectively highlight a specific feature of a model.  For a resort model the architect may want to emphasize the water areas by making them blue.

3) It is usually quicker and less expensive to make a model using white mat board or foamcore like materials.  When buying a unit in the complex shown below the buyer can more easily visualize where the unit they are interested in is located within the complex and a more detailed model may not be necessary. Also the exterior colors and other details can be shown less expensively in adjacent renderings than in the model. The model was used to get approval from the city and help with the sales effort.

Residential buildings resized 600

Residental buildings

4) White models are often preferred to use early in the design process. The architect may just want to test the scale and see how it looks or do multiple models to further develop a design or compare variations of the design.  Architects like John Ronan use a series of models starting with a simple massing model of the exterior to review with the client and gradually develop the final detailed design and materials of a building. Colors and specific materials are often chosen in the middle of the design process and not at the beginning. See http://www.artic.edu/exhibition/iterations-john-ronan-s-poetry-foundation .

For some projects we made quick study models for an architect that are simply black and white printouts of elevation and plan views bonded to a three dimensional model shape made with white mat board, foamcore or plastic. The architect might use those models to show two different designs of an attached garage for example. Clients usually can visualize the difference better if shown the alternatives in three dimensions and make a quicker decision.

5) To develop skills and experience in making architectural models.  For young adults, even some college students and new architects there is even a new Lego Architecture Studio product, a 1,200+ piece set of monochrome white bricks. The kit is a useful to create "natural lines and shadows that can more accurately represent architectural shapes and form." The kit comes with a 268 page book with real case studies from six different professional firms - REX architecture, Sou Fujimoto, SOM (Skimore, Owings and Merrill), MAD architects  Tham & Videgard and Safdie Architects. These firms show how to explore some of the the theories and concepts of symmetry, mass, density, use of negative space, repetition and more.

6) Sometimes the final structure is white. Also this complex building would be much more difficult to imagine in drawings than it is as a model where you can walk around it and see how different it looks from every angle.

Malmo Turing Torso Tower - Calatrava

The Turning Torso tower in Malmo Sweden. Architect: Santiago Calatrava.

Model Builders, Inc. is known for working closely with architects to interpret their design intentions as clearly as possible into a three dimensional model . Take the next step by contacting us at Model Builders, Inc., 773-586-6500 or info@modelbuilders.net .

 

Tags: architectural model, architectural models, model builders, model maker, model makers, model builder, topographic model, architectural model builder, topographic models

To build a topographic model what does the model maker need from you?

Posted by Hal Chaffee on Thu, May 02, 2013 @ 09:28 PM

Whether it is called a topographic model, a raised relief model, a terrain model, a stepped model, a site model or a landscape model the model maker who is going to build it needs to get information from you. This blog should help you understand the questions that you can help answer in order to get a quote for a model that best meets your requirements.

1) What is the purpose of the model?

A site model shows buildings and usually roads, parking lots, cars and landscaping.  Landscape architecture models focus on trees, plantings, grasses, any structures, water and any unique landscape features. A topographic model shows shapes, elevations and any features of the surface like a cliff.

Telluride Topographic model resized 600

Telluride historic sites and ski trails model

Maybe the purpose of the model is to show a trail and key stopping points on a site. Maybe the purpose is to show property locations on a resort, a home development site or an office park. The model maker may be able to enhance the model if you share the purpose of the model. 

2) Do you have drawings and if so in what format?

Sometimes clients think that a model maker can work from an illustration of a site. In fact we may be able to.  If necessary we can work from hand drawn contour lines with their elevations printed on the lines. However it will take longer and cost more money to manually do this and the original illustration may not be very accurate. You may also want buildings and roads on the site and that may be hard to do accurately with an illustration.

If the site hasn't changed for a few years we may be able to find the topographic contour lines with their elevation for that site on the web. If it is a large area we sometimes use US Geological Service (USGS) maps or files.

If the topographic data can be sent as a .dwg or .dxf computer file that is the best first step. We can also produce models manually and it helps if you have a set of drawings in the scale of the model.

3) What is the scale?

Determining the maximum length, width and height of the site to be depicted along with its highest point (be it a mountain, a tree, a building or a bridge) is the starting point.

Next consider how big you would like the model to be. If you want 4 city blocks (maybe 800' long X 800' wide total) and the model is 2' X 2' then the scale is 800'/2' = 1:400 or approximately 1/32" = 1'-0".  In that scale a 6' tall person is 6/32" tall or about 1/5 of an inch tall. In  that scale a 40' high tree is 40/32" or 1 & 1/4" high. By comparison a HO Gauge train set scale is a ratio of 1:87. Maybe you want a bigger scale like 1/87 to get much more detail than you would at 1:400. Doll house scale is normally 1:12.  Common scales for commercial buildings are 1:48, 1:100 or 1:200.

The model maker can make practical suggestions but it helps a lot if you have thought out what the scale should be to show area and the level of detail you want. If you want shutters on a house in 1:500 scale you may as well print them out on a piece of paper because that is about how thick they would be in scale. We made a 90" X 90" topographic model at a scale of 1"=5,400'. At that scale we decided to use sand grains to depict the trees and add some dimension.  We painted the trees green.

4) What is the distance between the highest and the lowest elevation?

Knowing this distance helps to determine the thickness and hence the cost of the material like polyurethane foam that the terrain is cut from or in some cases the number of layers of sheets of material need to cut and stack.

5) Do you want to exaggerate the vertical scale? 

Once you get to a smaller scale like 1:1200 or 1"=100' then a topgraphic model may look flatter to the human eye than it would in real life. For a 44 acre hilly site of a 36 hole golf course that was depicted in a 4' X 5' model we exaggerated the vertical scale 1.5 times to make it look more like it does in real life.  For a 4' X 5' model of the mountains in Telluride, CO however, we did not exaggerate the vertical although the model scale was 1:9000.  We did a cross section drawing first of the model and the terrain was so steep it would have looked way too steep to the human eye if we exaggerated the vertical.

6) Do you want a stepped or smooth topography? If stepped how high is the step? 

36 hole golf course resized 600

Contour steps

For detailed landscape planning or for engineering purposes on the site, especially during planning or construction, it may be desirable to show the contour with steps where each elevation line is depicted as a step above or below the next one. Above is a model of 44 acres where a former waste site is being turned into a sports center that includes a 36 hole golf course. Contour lines can, if desired, be added between those on the drawings to show more steps.

A smoothed surface normally means that the model has been sanded to change the steps into a smooth realistic surface. If the architecture of a building is to be emphasized you probably should have a smoothed surface or very thin steps.

7) Do you have a landscape plan?

Maybe your landscape plan is a forest that shows the terrain with tree locations, ponds, and roads on a US Geological Survey Map. Maybe it is a formal garden drawn by an architect with specific plants and flowers.  Maybe it is the layout with terrain of a golf course or ski trails.

 garden 1:500 scale

This garden is 1:500 scale.

The topography may be interesting but the quality of the painting, the landscaping, the realism of the model trees as well as buildings and all the other surface details are what make a great topographic model standout.

On a topographic model of Telluride, CO we suggested to the client that they have us add numbered ski trails and lifts in addtion to the historic sites they had requested. We think that helped to engage many of the model viewers.

8) Do you want to add buildings, roads, rivers, waterfalls, train tracks or anything else like names added to the topography?

 For one 4' X 8" topgraphic model raised railroad tracks helped to define the western border of the model and help to orient the viewer.  For a 1:64,800 model of part of Maine the roads were crucial to orient the viewer. We scribed the roads into the surface to help them stand out in the model. To make the area more interesting we detailed the heaths, bogs, marches and other terrain.

maine terrain

The final model is often best if it is a collaborative effort between you and the model maker.  Model Builders, Inc. is known for creative, economical, realistic topographic models. Take the next step by contacting us at Model Builders, Inc., 773-586-6500 or info@modelbuilders.net .

Tags: site model, architectural model, architectural models, topographic model, architectural model builder, topographic models, terrain model

Topographic model plays novel role in a Fortune 100 Christmas display

Posted by Hal Chaffee on Tue, Dec 25, 2012 @ 09:07 PM

A topographic model Christmas snow scene was built for the headquarters office of one of the largest department stores in the United States. The ojective was to display to employees and visitors some of the merchandise featured that season in their stores. Model Builders, Inc. designed and constructed a 30 X 50 foot topographic model Christmas display snow scene as the backdrop for the merchandise. Also a steel platform 12'X 12' X 5' high was constructed in the middle to raise the bottom of their Christmas tree to the top of the snow scene.

Topgraphic Snow Scene Display-1

 This 30' X 50' topographic snow scene displays new merchandise in Corporation HQ

Topographic Snow Scene

Views of the Christmas snow scene were excellent from four interior levels in the atrium, nearby stairways and three atrium cross bridges.

Topographic Snow Scene

All supporting tables had removable legs for easier storage and this Christmas display snow scene was used for several years. Four 4'X8'X5' high tables with one 4'X4'X5' high table in the middle formed the 12'X12' base that supported the 33' high Christmas tree.  The legs, framing and cross supports for tables that supported the tree were all steel with 3/4" thick plywood tops.

Topographic snow scene

Headquarters professional merchandising personnel displayed all of the products as well as setting up and decorating the Christmas tree.

Topographic snow scene

The multilevel snow scene created quite a backdrop for the merchandise.

Topographic Snow Scene

This was certainly a winter wonderland that brought the excitement of the Christmas shopping season to their headquarters.  It also served as a backdrop to some holiday events that were held in the atrium.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss topographic models, props, scenic sets, architectural models or other projects contact us at Model Builders, Inc. 773-586-6500 or info@modelbuilders.net  

Tags: topographic model, trade show product models, museum model, topographic models, props, terrain model

This waste-water treatment plant layout model shows how it works

Posted by Hal Chaffee on Mon, Aug 27, 2012 @ 10:14 AM

The Rock River Water Reclamation District (RRWRD) in Rockford, IL uses this interactive plant layout model to explain to school groups, customers and the public the sequential steps in processing solid and liquid waste as well as generating energy as a by-product of that process.

The model has many advantages.  The viewer can grasp the overall picture in one viewing. The large plant site is reduced to a 6 X 16 foot model (the scale is 1:96). A well designed plant layout model like this one can orient the viewer from any angle and help them draw mental connections among all aspects of the process.

Rather than taking a plant tour of the site with a group, which takes much longer, RRWRD personnel can use the model to explain the various processes to the group and answer questions.

Real water runs through the Rock River shown in the foreground, as well as through four water processing tanks. The aeration tank bubbles. There is also real water in the two Gravity Thickening Tanks. Real water helps to make the model realistic.

water plant layout

A half inch thick clear acrylic barrier on three sides helps to protect the model. Overhead lights that highlight the model are activated by a sensor when anyone approaches the model. The "rocks" on the right above are the back side of a large aquarium stocked with native Illinois fish. "Rocks" arching above over part of the model support a real waterfall that drops into the aquarium.

plant layou model, site model 

The sequential path of each of three processes (liquid, solids, and energy) is clearly shown with chase lights and with colored lines on the control board. The buildings and tanks each have a light come on when their labeled button on the control panel is pressed. Most of the buildings and tanks have an identifying label next to them. All this makes the model useful at any time of the day.

plant layout - control board

The interactive control board highlights the three sequential processes with over 600 blue (liquid), yellow (solid) or red (energy) chase lights. There are also buttons to light up the individual tanks or buildings.  The energy (red chase lights) below is created from the methane gas by-product of the waste processing. 

water plant layout model - energy sequence

Individual buildings and tanks each have a label and a separate light as shown below.

plant layout model pump building

To reinforce the explanation of the water treatment process the RRWRD website has a "just for kids" section that explains what happens to a drop of water.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss plant layout or process models, site models, topographic models or other projects contact us at Model Builders, Inc. 773-586-6500 or info@modelbuilders.net .

 

 

Tags: site model, plant layout model, architectural model, interactive exhibit, architectural models, industrial scale model, topographic model, process model, plant layout models, topographic models, terrain model

Topographic model interactive shows the story of Telluride's history

Posted by Hal Chaffee on Mon, Jul 16, 2012 @ 12:50 PM

This topographic model in the Telluride, Colorado airport draws visitors to historic attractions they may not otherwise visit, including the history museum where it previously was located. Viewers can interact with this popular exhibit to see all the area attractions that may interest them - historic, recreational, or geographic. This touchable fiberglass model is 48" X 50" with 6.5" of relief. The model scale is 1:9000.

Topographic model Telluride

Buttons light up icons for trams (yellow), mines (gold), tunnels (blue), the power house (gray), the mills (red) and other features from different time periods in Telluride's history. A popular walking trail is also shown that goes well up into the mountains and circles back into town. Labels on the model clarify what each attraction is such as Mendota Peak, Coronet Creek, the Origin Trail, Funicular Cable Railroad, Sheridan Vein, etc. 

 Topographic model Telluride

The model also highlights the ski lifts, which are shown using piano wire mounted on metal posts. On the lower left is the Boomerang trail that goes from the ski area back down to the town. This model makes it easy to visualize the ski trail slopes in three dimensions which is far more engaging and useful than a flat ski trail map. It helps skiers decide which trails they may want to ski. The elevation change shown is from 8,660' to 13,580'.

terrain model Telluride

Topographic models are highly effective ways to quickly orient and inform visitors to any area, especially a large area like Telluride with many winter and year-round attractions. They make visitors more comfortable and engaged in their new surroundings, and they bring enthusiastic people to each attraction.

Model Builders, Inc. is known for creative, economical, realistic topographic models. Take the next step by contacting us at Model Builders, Inc., 773-586-6500 or info@modelbuilders.net .

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tags: site model, architectural model, museum interactive exhibits, interactive exhibit, architectural models, topographic model, museum interactive model, topographic models, terrain model

Plant layout models can save time and money

Posted by Hal Chaffee on Wed, Apr 25, 2012 @ 10:36 AM

A plant layout model is used as a design tool for arranging machinery, equipment, tool rooms, and the like in the best place to permit the quickest and smoothest production at the least cost. Plant layout models yield savings in construction and training, and they allow people with diverse expertise to collaborate on improvements.

Many engineering/construction companies and their clients use plant layout models to optimize the design and construction of complex plants like an industrial manufacturing facility, a chemical plant, a pharmaceutical plant, an oil refinery (like the one shown below), a food processing plant, or a nuclear plant. For these types of companies a plant layout model often encompasses a series of buildings, tanks, major equipment, and pipes on the site. The model may also have the roof removed from each building to display the machinery, equipment, and work flow inside.

plant layout model, process model

                                       ARAMCO oil refinery

Many manufacturing companies use physical models to plan and optimize the design when adding to an existing facility or modifying the current production layout. In this case plant layout usually refers to the floor layout of machinery, equipment, the shipping department, and the like in one building. Shown below is a pharmaceutical plant model that can be moved to a new location as a single unit. 

plant layout model

This model is built to an exact scale to show piping, fittings, valves, equipment, structures, instrumention and other features that clarify the design. This means that:

  • If there is a mistake in the drawings it will show up in this model, which is much less expensive to fix now before construction begins. The savings from preventing field changes often more than pay for the  model. Especially when there is a maze of piping, a plant layout model eliminates all of the interference problems at the design level.
  • The model can be used as a focal point for planning meetings to visualize how all the elements are interrelated while the plant is under construction and as a training aid once the plant is completed.
  • When subcontract bidders can better visualize interrelationships by reviewing a plant layout model, their bids are lower.

Plant Layout model

The first real engineering process design model was fabricated in 1951 with all of the equipment, piping, and vessels in exact scale. However, building the model was time-consuming since many parts had to be hand formed.  By the 1960's many of the parts needed for plant layout and process models (as well as many parts for architectural models) were being produced as precision-injected plastic molded parts available off the shelf in quantity and in a variety of scales.  This greatly cut the time and cost of fabricating a plant layout model.

The planning and construction savings from using plant layout models as a design tool and the reduced cost of labor and materials to make the model with standardized parts and other modern methods are so great that almost every new plant has been designed with the aid of a plant layout model for several decades.

The approach to layout modeling varies by industry, location and plant. If you would like to have a plant layout model made to facilitate your next design, be sure to work with a model company that has built plant layout models, can show you the results, and is sensitive to your unique requirements. We can do that! Take the next step by contacting us at Model Builders, Inc., 773-586-6500 or info@modelbuilders.net .

                                      

 

Tags: site model, plant layout model, engineering model, industrial scale model, topographic model, process model, plant layout models, terrain model

5 ways to enhance a topographic model

Posted by Hal Chaffee on Fri, Apr 13, 2012 @ 07:34 AM
To engage prospects, decision-makers, and visitors with your project, you can't beat three dimensions - and the more realistic the better.
 
Topographic models show terrain, buildings, geologic features, vegetation, infrastructure, and other elements of a scene on a scale that viewers can relate to. Visitor centers, city planning meetings, historical sites, dramatic presentations, trade show displays  and investor presentations or public disclosure meetings for ski resorts, golf clubs or other real estate development all find great value in topographic models.
 
Whether the model is a sales tool, an educational display or a visitor orientation tool, a realistic topographic model achieves the purpose far better than a less accurate representation or a two dimensional illustration. If seeing is believing then to see realistically is to understand and engage.

Some common methods used to enhance any topographic model are:

1) Craftsmanship

The final look is determined by how well it is made. For a quick-study model, contour layers can be cut out of mat board, basswood or another material and stacked. For high end models, cuting layers out of a solid block of polyurethane foam and then carefully sanding down the layers to create a smooth topography is much more realistic.  For a model that visitors can touch you need durability - achievable by making a positive model, creating a mold from it and then casting the topography in fiberglass.  Shown below is a construction site model that was hand carved out of pink foam sheets and then artistically painted. In planning your project, make certain your model building team has the skill, experience and equipment required for the quality level your project needs.
 
topographic model

2) Attention to Detail

The larger your model becomes the more detail is required to make it appear realistic and the more you need to know about your model maker's expertise and capabilities. But even on smaller models, detailing can make the important features pop.

3) Enhanced Colors

Accurate simulation of colors and the unification of colors with the landscape and site are all important in order to keep the model appearance believable. As the size of the model gets smaller, the finer muted colors become predominant. Exact color matching does much to increase believeability.
 
topographic model
 
4) Textures

Accurate surface patterns and textures must be recreated carefully for a fully realistic impact. Using creative materials that mimic the real landscape is as important as detailed architecture. Realistic texture greatly enhances the credibility and impact of the model. Here sand was embedded in the surface resin to simulate the look of trees in a model scale that is 1" = 1 mile. Without the tree texture the model would look flat and two dimensional. For the road a groove was cut in the surface to give it some dimension.
 
topographic model

5) Multiple Dimensions

Multiple dimensions greatly enhance idea communication and realism. A topographic model can incorporate other model types - for example, buildings with a cutaway view of the interior to show a warehouse or production line. You can place your products on a site to show how different products match up with different topographies or how they can work together on site to speed construction.

These are just a few of the interesting and useful ways to enhance a topographic model. Model Builders, Inc. is known for creative, economical, realistic topographic models. Take the next step by contacting us at Model Builders, Inc., 773-586-6500 or info@modelbuilders.net

Tags: site model, plant layout model, architectural model, architectural models, topographic model, topographic models, terrain model

5 Reasons to use an architectural model

Posted by Hal Chaffee on Mon, Mar 12, 2012 @ 10:04 AM

Architectural models are three dimensional models created to show scale physical images of buildings. Most people have seen architectural models but may never thought about how they could be used to benefit their projects.

Here are 5 uses for architectural models that architects, project managers and sales agents could consider for their buildings.

1. The most common use of an architectural model is to help visualize in three dimensions the scope of a building project and to communicate the layout and spatial interrelationships. Having a model of a project makes it easier for people who may not be able to imagine what a flat two dimensional blue print or illustration looks like in reality.

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2. An architectural model can be used as a sales tool. This could be for selling a condominium in a new construction project so that potenial buyers can see where their unit would be located. It could also be for people selling tickets in a stadium, arena,auditorium or theater so that the buyers have a better idea of where the seats are.

3. Potential investors and donors are powerfully impacted by a three dimensional model of a construction project. The model makes the project real, inspiring understanding, enthusiasm, and confidence. Models demonstrate that the proposal is serious and the results will be both workable and attractive - qualities that influence the willingness to invest.

architectural models

                                                Shakespeare Globe Centre - London

4. A model is often used as a site map for larger complexes like an airport, convention center, or amusement park to give people a better reference point as to where they are in a complex and how to get to where they want to go. In a large multistory space such as a hotel, hospital or convention center a cutaway model makes it easy to orient oneself and figure out how to get to the desired location.

5. Finally, architectural models are used in the construction permit and approval process. Having a model present at permit meetings allows regulators to see exactly how the project will impact the surrounding area and may make it easier to get necessary approvals.

These are just a few of the interesting and useful ways that models can be used to promote, inform or educate others about a building property. If you would like more information about getting an architectural model done for your project send an email to: info@modelbuilders.net .

Tags: site model, architectural model, architectural models, topographic model, architectural model builder, terrain model