The Guide to Architectural Model Making
Welcome to The Guide to Architectural Model Making! Created by Pal Uzoni, founder of Model Art Presentation and one of Europe's leading architectural model makers, this course takes you on a complete journey through the craft of physical model making. Whether you're an architecture student building your first study model or a professional looking to elevate your presentation pieces, this course provides the knowledge, techniques, and insider expertise accumulated over decades of creating models for high-profile architects and real estate developers worldwide.
- 2+ hours of premium content
- 10 step-by-step video lessons
- Future updates included
About this course
This course provides a complete foundation in architectural model making, structured around the essential knowledge every model maker needs. We begin with the role and history of architectural models, exploring how scale representations have been used from ancient Egypt through to contemporary practice. You'll learn about different model types - from quick study models that test design ideas through to spectacular sales installations with interactive features. The course covers scales and their appropriate levels of detail, comprehensive tool training from basic knives to advanced CNC and laser equipment, and deep material knowledge spanning woods, plastics, foams, adhesives, and finishes. By the end, you'll have the confidence and knowledge to select the right approach for any model making project.
This comprehensive model making course develops your expertise in crafting professional architectural models through hands-on instruction from master model maker Pal Uzoni. You'll master precision cutting techniques with OLFA knives, understand the full range of architectural scales from 1:500 site models to 1:5 detail studies, and develop the discerning eye that distinguishes professional model makers.
The curriculum covers the complete model maker's toolkit, from essential hand tools including callipers, tweezers, and specialist blades through to advanced machinery such as CNC mills, laser cutters, and 3D printers. You'll learn when each tool is appropriate and how to achieve clean, precise results that communicate your design intent effectively.
Material expertise forms a core component of the course, teaching you to work confidently with balsa wood, card, various plastics, foam board, and specialist model making materials. You'll understand adhesive selection from PVA through cyanoacrylate to epoxy resins, and master finishing techniques that elevate your models to exhibition quality.
These practical skills culminate in building a detailed model of Mies van der Rohe's Farnsworth House, applying everything learned to create a stunning architectural model that demonstrates your mastery of the craft. The techniques learned apply directly to university projects, client presentations, and competition submissions where physical models remain an essential communication tool.
What will you learn?
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This course will turn you into:
A confident model maker
Develop hands-on expertise with essential tools, from precision cutting with OLFA knives to advanced machinery like disc sanders, CNC mills, and laser cutters. Learn proper techniques, safety practices, and the professional workflows used in leading model making studios to create everything from study models to museum-quality pieces.
A materials specialist
Master the properties and applications of every material in the model maker's arsenal - from balsa wood and lime veneers to styrene sheets, Perspex, and architectural foams. Understand grain directions, cutting characteristics, and finishing techniques that transform raw materials into stunning architectural representations with professional polish.
A visual communication expert
Gain deep understanding of how scale, detail, and presentation choices communicate architectural intent to different audiences. Learn to match model complexity to project phase, from abstract massing studies through to detailed sales models with internal LED lighting and motorised features that captivate clients and win competitions.
Syllabus
Begin your model making journey with Pal Uzoni, founder of Model Art 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.
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.
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 through to cyanoacrylate super glues and two-component epoxy resins.
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. Dive into digital fabrication with comprehensive coverage of 3D printing technologies - FDM desktop printers, SLA resin printing, and industrial SLS systems. Understand CNC milling and compare laser engraver types.
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. Master the standard architectural scales from 1:500 for competition context models through to 1:5 for construction details. Learn how different cultures approach model making.
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. Master plastics including styrene sheets for facades, Perspex and acrylic for glazing. Deep-dive into adhesives and finish with painting methods and wood finishing techniques.
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.
Meet your instructor
Pal Uzoni
Founder & Master Model Maker
Model Art Presentation
I'm Pal Uzoni, founder of Model Art Presentation. From building dozens of aeroplane models as a child to establishing one of Europe's most respected architectural model making studios, my journey has been driven by a passion for creating models you've never seen before. Our clients include high-profile architects and real estate developers across Europe, and our work has been showcased at major international expos including MIPIM in Cannes. The 2008 financial crisis became a turning point - attending that year's Cannes expo and observing thousands of models from around the world taught me invaluable lessons about the power of physical models as communication tools. Now, through this ArchAdemia course, I'm sharing the techniques, material knowledge, and professional insights accumulated over decades of creating unique models with unmistakable visual language.
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