Research Analysis / Benchmarking

Benchmarking, CAD models, communication with the client, ability to read technical drawing and rendered images are key for understanding how the model should be constructed and presented.

Modular Building Interior

Use of these resources gives a fair amount of information to work from. However, looking at other models built in a similar style to my client's specification provides essential benchmarking and inspiration to help visualise the outcome. Resources such as Architectural Modelmaking by Nick Dunn provide great insight into the materials planned for model construction and how to visually compose them without taking away from the focus of the Model. That being its design and ability to become part of the landscape.

The timber Foster + Partners' model shown above (left), shares certain benchmarks in terms of client / sales model, material representation and colour palette. This was useful for the planning of my own model, such as block woods / veneers with little to no grain and back sprayed acrylic for representing water, (paying attention to the tones and how they complement the use of wood, without taking away from the building).

Along with the Fosters model another appropriate benchmark displays use of back sprayed acrylic for representing the water. This technique is perfect as it's not noisy and the lack of texture doesn't remove focus from the building itself. Whilst poured epoxy resin could be an option, it seems more appropriate for a model that focuses on the landscape itself, rather than the building. Looking at these have given me a good insight into how my own model will look and the high-quality finish necessary to achieve appropriate success.