Designing with Models A Studio Guide to Making and Using Architectural Design Models

The only comprehensive guide to basic and advanced design process modeling tools, materials, and techniques For nearly a century, three-dimensional models have been considered an indispensable tool of the architectural design process. Models provide designers with an extremely effective medium for exploring ideas, testing theories, and discovering innovative solutions. Unfortunately, most guides to architectural modeling focus primarily on how to produce finished presentation models. Consequently, students are forced to learn the basics of design modeling from their peers, instructors, or frustrating trial and error. Designing with Models, the first complete, step-by-step guide to basic and advanced design process modeling, significantly reduces the learning curve. Architect Criss Mills acquaints you with essential design modeling terms, equipment, materials, and construction methods. Then, with the help of more than 700 high-quality photographs and four in-depth case studies, he walks you through the basics of determining scale; generating new ideas; exploring design alternatives; modifying, editing, and integrating new forms into models; and adding details and other final-stage refinements. Mills also provides detailed guidance on how to model using advanced tools and materials. You learn how to model with wood, found objects, metal rods and screens, clay, plexiglass, and other materials. You also learn how to work safely and effectively with power tools such as belt sanders, table saws, drills, and band saws, as well as how to transfer model dimensions to 2D plan, section, and elevation drawings.