ARCHITECTURAL MODELLING: AN ILLUSTRATION OF
BUILDINGS IN THREE DIMENSIONS.
BY
*AYENI
D.A, TAIWO F.M, AND FALAYE T.A
DEPT
OF ARCHITECTURE,
INTRODUCTION
The
presentation of an architects/designer’s work to clients and other interested members
of the public is germane to the overall ratings of such designer/architect
vis-à-vis the proposed building/structure right from its inception.
It
is generally believed and a known fact that written or spoken words alone can
hardly explain the concept, visuals and expertise of an architect. This
explains why architects, designers, draughtsmen, delineators employ a universal
language of drawings or graphics to clearly express his latent ideas, dreams on
a particular proposal for his client(s). More often than not, pictures or
pictorial representations are easily captured, acknowledged and are better
appreciated because they form images in the minds of the viewers/clients
instanta than mere rhetoric. These graphical universal languages are in the
form of designs-shapes, sizes perspectives, models among others.
Models
and the art of modeling in architectural designs is one of the major medium by
which an architect expresses himself in clearer terms in addition to other modes
of presentations earlier mentioned. In essence, models are veritable medium of
conveying or explaining construction details, designs illustrations and its
functionality to the audience. Thus with modicum of expertise - training while
in school and experience, an architect wins the heart of his clients with well
conceived drawings backed up with a neatly constructed model of such drawings.
The
word model is coined from the word mode. The Oxford Advanced Learners
Dictionary described model as “a particular style or fashion to narrate a well conceived
object or something through a well-thought-out, planned, illustrative medium
especially in the work of arts, designs among others”. Similarly it defined designs
as “the art or process of deciding how an object will look like when
completed”.
Martin
(1970) defines models as “a simple description of a system used to explain the
workability of an entity upon implementation”. The essence of any design as
conceptualized by an architect is to convey a practical message in the hearts
of an audience. Designs are therefore complemented in achieving this by model
building.
Modeling
is the art or process of engaging in model building with a view to make a
simple caricature of realities of a particular system as mooted by the
designer. For instance, model building in architectural practice is an art of
making a pictorial presentation of a proposal as “dreamt” by the architect. Martin
(1970), describes architectural model as a three-dimensional representation of
the design of a building which can be made to include the shapes and detailed
appearance of its immediate surroundings”. The use of architectural models has
gained an appreciable prominence in recent times as an addition to presentation
of working drawings. This explains why students of architecture are being
trained the skills and rudiment of architectural modeling so as to make them be
responsive to the future challenges of the practice of this profession.
In
preparing this paper, the interest of the authors is stirred to tackle these
set objectives among others;
(1)
To make case for the inclusion of model making
in the curriculum design of architectural training in our schools and colleges.
(2)
To stimulate, educate and
arouse the interest of students of architectural education as well as practitioners
on various areas in which the skills of model building can be applied.
(3)
To encourage students the culture
of building architectural models towards enhancing clients satisfaction; and
(4)
To promote the attitude of
self-employment and economic sustainability through the mastery of model
buildings.
MODEL TYPES
Models are in
different forms, which is a function of the scope of client’s instructions or
job given.
This can be
categorized as follows;
(1)
Architectural/Aesthetics
Models
(2)
Structural Models
(3)
Site Models
(4)
Landscape Models
(5)
Urban Design/Planning
Models
Architectural/Aesthetics models basically
comprises of the external details of the building (i.e. the external windows
and doors together with the shape of the roof). In some cases, partial or full
detail of the surroundings may be shown depending on the scale of model and
type of building. This type of model is usually in scales 1:200, 1:150, &
1:100.
Structural/working models are usually
used to explain details of roof structure especially how the roofing members
may be put together. A simple gable or hipped roof is made up of roofing
members like purlins, rafters, tie beams, wall plates and struts arranged and
specified by the engineer or architect. This type of model is usually required
where the need to give details of complex component(s) becomes necessary. These
are normally put on scale 1:50 ,
1:20 , or as appropriate
and more often detachable.
Site models goes beyond the existence
of the proposed or existing physical buildings on a particular site to include
the entire property boundary plus all the envisaged proposals within the
confines of the property boundary. It will exhibit circulation, perimeter fence
wall, landscape designs, other external works/paving, e.t.c.
Landscape models emphasize the
landscape design of the project. Thus more consideration is given to the trees,
shrubs, river courses, paved ways, gardens, with the proposed
building/structures in blocks ore detailed models. The contours must also be
shown on the models.
Urban Design/Planning models are models
prepared to accompany master plans of towns, cities or regions. They are to
show the circulation (roads, streets, and footpaths), flora, aquatic
points/courses, natural/man-made features among others. The presence of the
contours on the appropriate levels is important, while the existing/proposed building
may be shown in blocks.
BASIC CONSIDERATIONS AND PROCESSES OF
ARCHITECTURAL BUILDING MODELING.
Model building is
a process that entails both science and art. For a model to have significant
impact, the rudiments of drawings which the basis of appreciable artistic/pictorial
translations into an appreciable entities. There are certain basic factors which must be taken into cognizance
before embarking on the process of model building, i.e. the purpose it is
intended to serve. This is because model building is seen as a result oriented
and impactful. These include;
a)
Enhancement to construction
b)
Project presentation to the public
c)
Supportive of working drawings to canvass
for a job, and
d)
Aesthetics/ beauty
However, the
process required for all projects irrespective of the purpose, magnitude, type
and location may follow these stages;
Stage 1- preparation of preliminary architectural design of the project
based on clients’ brief;
Stage 2- reduction of the working drawings to an appropriate scale;
Stage 3- procurement of the necessary equipment, tools, and materials;
Stage 4- construction of the model;
Stage 5- rendering/finishes;
Stage 6- construction of other external works e.g. landscaping;
Stage 7- evaluation of the model;
Stage 8- presentation;
BASIC EQUIPMENT/TOOLS FOR BUILDING
ARCHITECTURAL MODELS
The
following instruments are necessary to assist in building architectural models;
viz; drawing boards, tee-square, set-square, scale rule, compass, pencil,
eraser, French curves,and technical pens, Others are blade, cutting
knife,/marked knife, circle cutter, modeling board, particle boards, saw-dust,
markers, glue, gum, textured cardboards, masking tape, steel rule among
others.
The importance of model building in
architecture practice as a mode of displaying buildings in three-dimensional
forms can not be de-emphasized. Architectural models can best be described as ‘building
before the building’ as the building is depicted in concise form ever before
the foundation-laying of the real project is done. This is achieved through
concept illustration, detailing of the building components, exhibiting the
functionality and the inter-relationship of the building elements and space
provisions/standards in the design.
Consequently,
there is no doubt that the services of trained architects became imperative in
all societies - be it developed, developing or third world nations - for
physical developments. However, it is pertinent to note that, not all the
trained architects could be absorbed in the public service or the existing
practicing firms for employment. Thus the need for diversification and
specialization in model building as a means of enhancing self-employment in a
developing economy like Nigeria
should be promoted. Therefore, if accorded, priorities in our schools/colleges
will provide succor for young graduates of architecture as poverty would be
alleviated substantially both on the short and long runs.
THE NEED FOR INCLUSION OF MODEL BUILDING
Architecture as a
profession is dynamic, futuristic and result based. It responds positively to environmental
needs and changes, especially in these contemporary societies. Thus, in order
to achieve the idea of human resources capacity building that will make same more
responsive to the unfolding socio-economic scenario, the need to review and
emphasize model building in architectural education curriculum development
became necessary.
In pursuance of
this, the relevant committee responsible for educational development/ training
of this profession is admonished to be saddled with this arduous task with inputs
from all stakeholders.
TECHNIQUES OF MODEL BUILDING
There
is how to every art or process. The process of building architectural models
requires skills to be acquired through training in schools/colleges accredited
to do so in Nigeria .
Similarly the making and presentation of architectural models should be
accompanied by a brief technical report. The report in the main should
highlight and emphasize the basic information that will make the project appeal
to the client/reader since the architect will not always be around after
presentation/delivery of jobs.
RECOMMENDATION AND CONCLUSION
There
is much to be achieved by students and practitioners of architecture if architectural
modeling is given prominence in the education and training of the profession.
As part of capacity building, the curriculum to be designed should be made
mandatory to students with high credit units. No doubt, the society/nation
stands to gain tremendously over time from this practice.
REFERENCES
Falade, J.B & Oduwaye L. (1998) - Essentials of landscape and site planning.
Omega Hi-Tech information and planning systems ltd, Lagos .
Hornby A.S. (2001) – Oxford
Keeble, Lewis (1969) - Principles
and practice of Town and Country planning.
The Estates gazette Ltd, London .
Martin Lesle C. (1970) – Architectural
Graphics Standards 2nd Edition.
Collier Macmillan Publishers, London .
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