model-making considerations (not in any particular order): Physical Model Type Construct Something constructed to explore or generate some

kind of idea, the construct does NOT need to literally resemble the idea or thing its exploring in any way (IDEA,ABSTRACT) Diagram Model A crude model that is about very quickly getting an idea out and produced in a physical way in order to start exploring spatiality, materiality, light, etc. The diagrammatic model will often resemble the the goal or end product, but in a very basic and crude way (SPEED) Scale Model - this is typically what is referred to by the term model A scale model is a physical representation of a space/building such that it resembles the the actual/desired condition, but is at a scale such as 1/4 = 1-0. This also includes full (1:1) scale - see also full scale mock-up. (ACCURACY) Finish Model - also known as a presentation model A finish model is one that is at scale, but also strives to represent materiality, light, etc as accurately as possible relative to the actual/desired condition. This is often the type of model that a client will see as it is the most clear and literal way to communicate in model form.(WYSIWYG - what you see is what you get)

what scale is the model? _anything smaller than 1/16 = 1-0 becomes pretty diagrammatic and abstract. The point shifts away from detail and toward clearly communicating a specific intent or idea. _anything larger than = 1-0 begins to force you to think about details. At that point its possible to model things as small as 3. You have to consider how thick things are in the real world. At scales above = 1-0 actual structural issues become real, at that point you cant always fix a problem with just add more glue what material(s) are you working with? _each material requires slightly different tools and techniques, and can be more or less appropriate for particular scales. (ex: its difficult to solder things for very small-scale models) _some materials are harder/easier to manipulate on-the-fly (when youre making quick-and-dirty sketch models). _sometimes you might have to use that one material to get your idea across in the most powerful way, regardless of any other considerations. order of operations _do you paint your parts first and glue them second? or do you glue them together first, and paint them second? The answer depends on the materials, on the models scale and intent.

Sometimes its impossible to apply glue on top of paint. Sometimes its impossible to paint the way you intend after everything has been glued. _larger models become heavy and structural, the sequence of assembling parts, larger components, etc becomes important. what is your intent? _is it to build an accurate replica? is it to convey that one compelling idea? _intent should be considered almost before anything else. It will inform your materials, scale, working techniques, etc. (ex: a diagrammatic massing model at 1/32nd scale might use shaped blocks of wood and some paint, no need to get into unnecessary details. vs. a section model at scale might need to accurately represent windows, doors, columns, beams, building skin, materials, etc) _how long should it take you to build a model? 2 broad categories here: 1. Fast sketch models are meant to be a tool for you to help you work-through your ideas. Dont waste time on making things perfect. Be assertive and decisive about tearing off, cutting, replacing parts you want to change. 2. Final production models are meant to showcase your work. They take a lot of time to build because they need more planning, will be well-crafted, beautifully finished, and will require tests along the way before you build the actual thing. techniques, shortcuts, efficiencies _plan ahead for where you can make yourself more efficient. If you will have to make repetitive parts, print yourself some templates, make a guide or a jig. It will make your life easier, and your parts will actually be the same. _sometimes you have to use a specific material because its important, other times maybe there is an easier way. _ex: if youre building a floor plate that has to be thick, its a waste of material to stack layers to achieve . Its also difficult to maintain dimensional consistency when stacking multiple layers, consider instead making a hollow box, if your floor plate is big, make intermediate beams to put inside to give it rigidity. The result will be lighter, not much harder to make.