3D Printing Model Making

 

 

ART Culture

Model-making has a long tradition in the practice of architecture. Filippo Brunelleschi used models to develop the design and double-wall dome of the Florence Cathedral. Gaudi used life-sized models of catenary arches to work through the complexities of the Sagrada Familia. Architectural models can be tools for iterating form, testing daylight techniques or representing various scales. They can represent a work in progress or a final design. From bass wood models to laser-cut museum (cardboard) board, techniques used to make models vary based on the desired finish, material availability and time.

When the elevator opens up on the 4th Floor of 33 Union Street, visitors immediately notice the models dotting the bookcases and hanging on the red walls. Model-making has always played an essential role in our design process at ART Architects. While computer renderings and real-time walkthroughs have streamlined many aspects of our work, we’ve found that hand-making models, though valuable, often takes time away from what we truly pride ourselves on: our hand-rendered drawings.

As technology continues to evolve—much like when computers first began aiding our hand drawings—we’ve embraced a new tool that’s brought the joy of physical models back into our process: a 3D printer. This technology allows us to create precise, scaled models that give our clients a tangible understanding of how the spatial program of their home will work. There’s something uniquely powerful about being able to physically point out and discuss the nuances of a design using a model, even when it’s scaled to fit in the palm of your hand. Set it on the ground in the same orientation and watch how the actual sun will interact with it.

Roof forms, in particular, are a critical element in our designs. With our 3D printer, we can now print these forms and better visualize how the various pieces connect and interact. This not only enhances our own understanding of the design but also helps our clients see how the roof contributes to the overall architecture of their home.

Additionally, 3D printing has reintroduced the tactile experience of models into our client presentations. It enhances collaboration, allowing everyone to engage with the design in a tangible way. As we move forward, this tool will remain integral to our process, complementing the artistry of hand-drawing while elevating our ability to visualize and refine our projects.