Design skills
Model-making
Wilkinson Eyre Architects
As illustrated through the Basketball Arena
by Wilkinson Eyre Architects
Inspired by Design
© Morley von Sternberg
Architects make models for a variety of reasons:
– to test shapes and forms
– to communicate ideas in the design team
– to present to clients.
Inspired by Design
© Wilkinson Eyre Architects
Models can show structure and interior spaces…
Inspired by Design
© Wilkinson Eyre Architects
They can also communicate the scale of a building
and how it will look on site.
Inspired by Design
© Wilkinson Eyre Architects
Model-making can take a lot of time,
skill and attention to detail…
Inspired by Design
© Wilkinson Eyre Architects
The process can also be quick to help communicate and test design ideas.
Inspired by Design
© Morley von Sternberg
Models are made by students, architects and professional
model-makers. People will often work together to create them.
Inspired by Design
© Wilkinson Eyre Architects
To get started on an initial sketch model all you need is some scrap card,
paper, and a little glue and tape. Architects would call this serious play!
Inspired by Design
© Laura Broderick
Architects also talk about concepts – ideas that drive the shape and form of the
building. Be as imaginative as possible with yours. Here are some school students’
sketch designs for structures in a park.
Inspired by Design
Your turn
Play with some model-making techniques
now as this will help you with future projects.
www.architecture.com/inspiredbydesign