Highlights, Takeaways and Quick Wins
There are currently less models sent to CritDay then visuals - 50/50 is the aim.
Model making is a foundation of architectural education and should be celebrated.
Aim is to increase the amount of high quality models featured on CritDay.
Introduction
If you read the last Get Featured post you'll know there are fewer models featured on CritDay compared to visualisations. This isn't because visuals are given priority over models, not by a long stretch. It is simply a matter of supply. As I write this, out of the last 10 posts using #critday 8 out of 10 posts were visuals and only 2 were models (07:16 BST 09/07/2018). Take a quick look and I'm sure as you read this it will be a similar ratio...
This post will hopefully address this unbalance as far as possible, with the aim to increase the amount of high quality model images being submitted to CritDay.
Keep reading to find out more.
So why models?
A skill within the Architect's toolkit is to bring sketches into reality and one of the first steps in this process is through model making. A key part of architecture school is learning the required techniques to create a variety of models. Sometimes they are a quick tool to demonstrate a concept or sketch idea, alternatively they can form the centrepiece of a final proposal. As a creative discipline we are fortunate to be gifted this opportunity to develop these skills during our education.
Models require creativity, technique and time to produce, therefore they should be celebrated outside the four walls of the studio, this is something CritDay strives to achieve.
Model Types
Sketch Models
Often rapidly produced, sketch models are a way to convey a concept in the early stages of the design process. They may form part of a testing process for a variety of purposes; form finding, cladding or site analysis to name a few. Photographing these models as a series demonstrate design process and make for a great feature.
Final Models
Probably the most commonly featured type of model of CritDay is the final model. Often taking hours upon hours to produce, these models as the name suggests form part of the final submission or presentation. Whilst the purpose of a final model may vary project to project they are a key tool to communicate design intent, whether it be the detailing of a facade, environment within a space or a sectional model showing the construction. There are some exemptions examples below to get you inspired.
3D Printed
Over the last ten years 3D printing has become more accessible as printing methods have changed and costs reduced. This has allowed 3D printing to become a viable tool for architecture students to produce models. This method can create Hadid-like curved forms. One of the best uses of 3D printing is for the rapid prototyping of concept models. Many Architecture Schools now provide access to a 3D printer and it would be fantastic to see high quality examples.
Examples
Here are several examples of high quality models, which have been previously featured on CritDay.
http://critday.com/2018/07/20/get-featured-004-lets-talk-about-models/
Summary
A high quality model is something to be celebrated. Using the CritDay feed as a barometer of activity it seems priority is being placed on visuals, rather than models. Whilst both play a key role in the communication of our ideas, architectural concepts and proposals, it would be great to feature more models to even things out.
Let’s see more models.
Next time, standing out from the crowd.
