3D ARCHITECTURAL MODELS

If you’re an engineer or architect who needs to gain approval for a project or better visualize a design, you’ll want to know more about 3D building models. These models can assist with every stage of the design process, from a project’s conception to presenting it to investors. Those who are interested in upgrading their architectural or engineering firm’s modeling ability should be aware of what 3D buildings are.

Types of architectural models

Several different 3D architectural models are available for companies to use to aid their design process and help clients visualize plans. These are the main types of 3D modeling in the architecture and design industry:

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  • 3D architectural models: 3D architectural models are created in 3D modeling software that allows users to build a three-dimensional model of an object in their programs. These models can be much more informative than 2D models, as they can show viewers the texture, shape, and size of potential buildings.
  • 3D printed architectural models: Like 3D architectural models, 3D printed architectural models are created with software that allows users to craft three-dimensional buildings. Instead of staying in a digital 3D form, these printed architectural models are printed out to provide a physical, 3D built-to-scale representation of your building plans.
  • Handmade 3D architectural models: Sometimes, engineers or architects want a more personal touch with their models. Instead of designing the models in software, employees will handcraft these physical 3D models of their building design. While handmade models are viewed as a bit dated, they can still be valuable for times when you need to communicate a project’s perspective, scale, and proportion, which can sometimes be difficult to facilitate with 3D printing.

Different types of construction models are used at different stages of a project’s design. The three main types are the conceptual, working, and presentation models:

  • Conceptual models are typically used at the beginning of a project’s design. The models are used to understand how a project may look in an environment, as well as the spatial layout and ratio of the project. Modelers often make these types with cheap materials such as foam and cardboard so they can modify the model quickly to experiment with different designs.
  • Working models are used while a project is still being designed. Modelers upgrade from the foam and cardboard seen in conceptual models to sturdier materials since they need to capture more of the design’s details. Working models help clients see how architectural ideas are coming to life and the development of the project.
  • Presentation models are usually the final type of building model, as they’re built after designs have been completed. Modelers build these models to scale to represent everything from single buildings to an entire community. Besides the buildings being represented, they’ll include objects that represent the landscape and any relevant details to a project. The level of detail here can be especially important if a company needs to sell their plans to a client or get approval from a governing body.