The Guide to Architectural Model Making

Begin your model making journey with Pal Uzoni, founder of Modelart Presentation, as he shares his path from childhood aeroplane models to running one of Europe's leading architectural model studios. Explore the rich history of scale models from ancient Egyptian tomb representations through Greek and Roman architectural planning to Renaissance master builders. Understand the fundamental role models play in architectural communication - bridging the gap between architects, investors, and the public. Learn the distinction between study models for design development and presentation models for client communication, and discover how model making has evolved from simple massing studies to sophisticated interactive installations with LED lighting and motorised features.

Master the most fundamental tools in model making - precision cutting knives. Learn why your hands, eyes, and creativity remain your ultimate tools before exploring the OLFA range that professionals rely on. Discover the versatile A-1 with its intuitive auto-lock system and 9mm blade, the minimalist SVR-1 for detailed work, and the heavy-duty L-2 with 18mm blade for tougher materials. Understand proper blade maintenance, safe breaking techniques, and when to use each knife type. This lesson establishes the cutting fundamentals that underpin all quality model work.

Precision is everything in model making, and this comprehensive lesson covers the tools that ensure accuracy. Learn to use Mitutoyo vernier callipers for measuring material thickness to five-hundredths of a millimetre. Explore essential drawing tools including Rotring pens for precise linework. Understand the complete adhesive landscape - from PVA white glue for patient assembly through fast-bonding cyanoacrylate super glues (gel versus liquid types), two-component epoxy resins for maximum strength, and specialist foam-safe adhesives. Learn about proper ventilation and safety equipment including 3M half-masks with ABEK1 filters for working with strong-smelling adhesives.

Step into the professional model shop with this tour of advanced equipment. Master the disc sander - understanding rotation direction, optimal grinding zones, and safety practices. Explore micro shapers for precise mitre cuts and edge profiling. Learn about Festool plunge saws and guide rails for clean straight cuts, manual routers for edge work, and mitre saws for angled cuts. Dive into digital fabrication with comprehensive coverage of 3D printing technologies - FDM desktop printers, SLA resin printing, and industrial SLS systems. Understand CNC milling from G-code to finished parts, and compare laser engraver types: diode, CO2, and fiber lasers with their different power capabilities and material applications.

Scale is the language of architectural representation, and this lesson provides complete fluency. Trace the history of scaled drawings from ancient Egypt and Rome through the Renaissance standardisation that shapes practice today. Understand why common scales exist - enabling clear communication between architects, engineers, and clients. Master the standard architectural scales: 1:500 for competition context models, 1:200 for site relationships, 1:100 as the versatile workhorse, 1:50 for detailed building studies, and 1:20, 1:10, and 1:5 for construction details. Explore non-standard scales including 1:1500 for large urban models, 1:300 and 1:250 for specific applications, and 1:150 popular in residential projects. Learn how different cultures approach model making - from precise German craftsmanship to lavish Arab presentations, playful Dutch and Scandinavian styles, and traditional British timber work.

This comprehensive materials masterclass covers everything you need to select and work with model making materials. Begin with woods - balsa as the hand-cutting favourite, lime tree veneer for CNC work, plus American walnut, cherry, and pear for contrast. Understand plywood construction, MDF properties, and when chipboard is appropriate. Explore paper, cardboard, and foam boards for study models. Master plastics including styrene sheets for facades, Perspex and acrylic for glazing, and polycarbonate for durability. Learn foam types - Styropor, XPS, EPS, and Depron - with their cutting and gluing requirements. Deep-dive into adhesives: PVA white glue techniques, cyanoacrylate application (gel versus liquid), two-component epoxies, hot glue for rough models, and spray adhesives for large surfaces. Finish with painting methods - brush application, aerosol spray cans, and professional airbrush and HVLP spray gun techniques - plus wood finishing with oils, stains, and glazes.

Begin building a detailed scale model of Mies van der Rohe's iconic Farnsworth House. In this first part, we prepare materials and start constructing the base platform and structural columns that define this masterpiece of modern architecture.

Continue the build by constructing the floor and roof planes that float between the steel columns. Learn techniques for achieving the clean horizontal lines and precise edges that characterise Mies's minimalist design.

Focus on the glass curtain walls and the central core that houses the kitchen and bathrooms. Explore methods for representing transparency and the seamless connection between interior and landscape.

Complete the model with finishing touches including the entrance stairs, terrace detailing, and final refinements. Review the complete build and discuss presentation options for displaying your finished Farnsworth House model.