How To Build Architectural Models

My tutorials describing my methods of architectural model making have now been combined into a single PDF document. Please click on the link below to download the file


http://tinyurl.com/bpnumfh

A Favourite Manchester Building

One of the most attractive yet least known of Manchester's victorian gothic buildings is the Crown Court on Minshull Street.

Redevelopment has opened up views from the south and east. The finest facades of this building are however on the Minshull Street and Bloom Street sides although views are restricted by the narrowness of the roads and adjacent warehouses.

Appointment of architect Thomas Worthington was the result of a competition held in 1867 for the new Police and Sessions Courts. It had been intended that these should be housed in the new Town Hall but this was found to be impracticable. Construction began in 1869 and despite a builders strike of over a year, was completed in 1873.  The cost of £81,000 was more than twice the estimate. 

Design of the building appears to have been inspired by the Church of San Fermo Maggiore in Verona, the subject of a sketch by the architect. The red brick with stone detail is typical of many Gothic buildings of that region. 

Dominating the Minshull Street and Bloom Street corner is a tall tower which features four clock faces and houses a bell. The Canal Street corner features a lesser tower and between is the gabled Magistrates Entrance facing Richmond Street. Each doorway is guarded by mythical beasts carved in stone. 

The building housed four court rooms which were located in the centre of the complex and surrounded by corridors and offices.  The cells were below, in a semi-basement and each had its own toilet and wash basin. 

Also in the basement were the heating boilers, the chimney for which was disguised as an Italianate campanile.

In 1996 an extension was completed. Designed by Hurd Rolland Partnership and facing onto Aytoun Street, this added two additional courts as well as refurbishing the original building. Worthington's four courts were restored to their victorial grandeur.

The extension is to a sympathetic design of a similar colour of brickwork and stone detailing and blends well with the earlier structure..

Thomas Worthington was born in Salford in 1826. He entered the architectural profession on leaving school at the age of 14 becoming articled to the practice of  Bowman and Crowther. He established his own practice in King Steet in 1849 following a "Grand Tour" studying Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Worthington was responsible for a number of notable buildings in Manchester and perhaps his best known work is the Albert Memorial which stands in front of the Town Hall. 

A Grand Mosque

At 1 : 500 scale this model is quite small. It does however, represent a grand project, a mosque to accommodate 7500 worshippers. The complex includes, on the lower level, shops, restaurants and educational facilites as well as underground car parking.

Architectural Models - How they help us to understand new projects

 by Simon Thompson

A model provides a centrepiece that will attract a crowd at events and presentations. The intricate detail draws viewers in for a closer look inspiring awe when interior features such as reception areas are visible through windows or large cut out panels in the roof. Replicating the splendours of eastern architecture in some of the recent mosques that we have completed,  domes, minarets and illuminated interiors hold viewers spellbound by their majesty.

Campus 2000 Hemel Hempstead

Oldham Central Masjid

Churches provide stained glass through which colours are projected into mahogany finished interiors and one can almost smell the incense burning on the altar. In each row of neatly crafted pews there is a sense of how spaces will be filled.

Boarbank Convent Chapel, Grange over Sands

 

Landscaping, paths, street furniture and even rose bushes have to be made to suit exact requirements which can be fiddly but immensely rewarding when one stands back and admires the details of an ornamental garden such as the one below. 

None of the aesthetics or artistry of the architect's painstaking work are lost in a conventional model or obscured  as can be the case in digital representation.

The Ibstock Garden

Community projects such as churches, mosques and synagogues have amongst their leading lights few members who can relate to drawings. Long term benefits can be derived from having a model built as it so often aids fund raising and makes projects accessible to all members. Restoration can be helped along by an eye catching model stratigecally placed in the foyer. When we deliver a model of a mosque for example it has become customary to be greeted on arrival at the proposed site by an eager welcoming committee.

 

Islamic cupolas for a Mosque

Treasured relics as they may become we are frequently asked to update models as plans are revised or when subsequent development takes place. It is strange how sentimental one becomes as over the years many memories take shape and new friendships are formed on the foundations of building a model.

Modelling Islamic Architecture

Modelling Islamic architecture has become something of a speciality over the past couple of years.   I was first asked to build a model of a mosque which was proposed for  Oldham. The groundwork for the site had been prepared and although the design was complete, it was necessary to raise funds to progress the work. Voluntary contributions are more easily made if the donors can understand the proposals.  A 1:200 scale model was built in full colour and included lighting inside and at the top of the minaret. Construction work is now nearing completion and the mosque is now open for worship.

A small project in Scunthorpe involved re-modelling a mosque which had been a conversion of two terraced houses. Again funding was sought from the community and the model helped to facilitate this.

The mosque in York currently occupies a low brick building and the prayer hall  comprises portable structures.  The number of worshippers is growing and a purpose built mosque is required. The brick structure is to be retained as a community centre.  The model at 1 : 200 scale was finished in full colour and not only aids funding but also helps local residents to understand the scheme.

The change of government in Libya offers new opportunities and a holiday resort  is proposed for the Benghazi area.  Accommodation will be in a  single and two storey chalet type buildings. The site will include swimming pools, sports and play facilities as well as catering facilities. The resort has its' own mosque.  The model of the development was finished partially in colour and included a representation of the Mediterranean shoreline.

The latest model, although quite small at 1:500  scale is of a substantial project. The Eastern European mosque is to accommodate 7500 worshippers and the complex is to include educational facilities as well as shops and a restaurant.

Islamic domes and minarets can be challenging to model and for two further projects I have provided these components for the architect who is otherwise able to build his own model.

Further models are being considered so hopefully I shall soon be working again on this fascinating architectural style.

I Became a Model Maker

Like many youngsters of my generation, I once had a train set, or model railway as some prefer to call it.  I had never been entirely happy with the goods on sale at the toy shop and always sought to construct my own buildings and topography.  Trains going round in circles gave only limited pleasure, it was creating the environment that provided satisfaction. At first, buildings came from the grocers shops. Cereal and soap packets came with cut out building kits printed on the back. I always insisted in accompanying my mum to make sure that she bought the right brands. It was my father who gave me a scalpel at a young age. Once I had learned to work accurately, there was little to hold me back.

For a brief time, I built ships and boats, sometimes from kits. These would have been more successful had I read the instructions.  More commonly, I constructed ships of balsa wood. These were kept in the bathroom and were always dripping wet after Dad had a bath !

The railway gradually lost its' attraction as I found buildings more interesting to construct. I would usually take numerous photographs from which I would take my dimensions by counting bricks. Sometimes though, I would spend hours in taking measurements of my subjects. I always prepared drawings from which to work otherwise mistakes would be made,  as I found to my cost.

I eventually drew up a plan for an entire village and thereafter sought buildings to suit. This pursuit took up most of my leisure time and kept me from more regular occupations like television or the pub.

Being asked to build a couple of commercial models, a distribution warehouse and a squash court led me to consider earning my living through model making. I already had an interest in buildings so architectural modelling was an obvious course.   Having constructed some portable demonstration models I was soon receiving my first commissions.

The methods that I had developed in constructing my hobby models stood me in good stead and I have continued to work in that way for over 20 years.  I have of course considered CNC cutting and 3D printing. I prefer however, to continue using my personal skills and to build as much as possible by hand.

The model village to which I refer is described and illustrated on my other blog : http://brickcourse.blogspot.co.uk/2011/11/bradthorne.html

Some domes and a minaret

I delivered another mosque model last week. The journey to South London was a little trying as the main line was closed and I had to travel via Sheffield. This model at 1 : 500 scale represents a proposed building for Eastern Europe. As usual, I fashioned the dome by hand, this one, with a scalloped design was rather tricky. The slender 10 sided minaret was easier than I expected.

Photos to follow soon.
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For an earlier model, I was asked to fashion a series of islamic cupolas.

 

 The architect had built the rest of the model himself but did not have the confidence to fashion the domes.

A model village

In rural Northamptonshire is a small group of ex U. S. airforce housing. The homes have now been refurbished and occupied by new residents. A new village is to be developed alongside to include
community facilities such as a shop and cafe,  children's playground and provision of a local bus service.
The model finished in white was built to a scale of 1:400. This enabled the entire village to be modelled at a transportable size.

Model Making in 1943

 This seems very laborious as it suggests casting and firing single scale bricks. I do remember using Pyruma although I wasn't around in 1943.  I did once make a small Welsh slate building at 1 : 72 scale from slate chips. I filed these smooth to form an outer face then constructed the building stone by stone.  It looked superb and I can't imagine a more realistic method of achieving the same result. Imagine how long it took !

Keeping Up With The Times

Have digital models really taken the place of traditional physical models?

Not really, for both methods of presentation have their place, often side by side. I have found that in recent times, a number of clients are again showing a preference for the physical model which has no equal in public consultation and is often still the preferred method to support a planning application.

Over the past year I have been helping to re-build Libya, Aston and rural Northamptonshire as well as working on a number of religious projects to name just a few.

I  keep up with the times and now offer Sketchup modelling as an additional service. Some examples will be found on this web site. A recent housing scheme in Buxton was presented in original and amended versions, the design having been revised during construction. This is where digital modelling is at an advantage as modifications are quickly incorporated.

Social media has come to play an important role in business to business relationships and I am up to the minute with Twitter, Linkedin and Facebook.  Many of my enquiries now come through such contacts, often from unexpected sources. I have recently advised on the social campaigns of a number of  businesses and have successfully created extensive and active networks. This is a service that we are now able to offer to new clients.

Elements of a Facade

Day Architectural Ltd of Kirkby Lonsdale http://day-architectural.com/ commissioned this 1 : 50 scale model to demonstrate the elements and relief of a proposed facade.  This is part of a large student accommodation block to be built in Liverpool adjacent to Lime Street Station. The model was constructed from panels of 4mm deep polystyrene sheet.
 

Nederland Style

Nederland is always visually interesting, whether public art or everyday steet scenes.  These images are from Scheveningen, Den Haag and Leiden.

Strelitzia

 On the hillside below Lincoln Castle, I came across this new house "Strelitzia" which appears to be almost ready for occupation. Built on the site of a former tennis court, this house has panoramic views over the "downhill" area of Lincoln and beyond. This was designed by LK2 Consultants of Lincoln and must be inspired by the petals of the bird of paradise plant or strelitzia.

York Mosque

The mosque in York occupies a low brick building with a prayer hall in an adjacent portable structure. It is too small to accommodate  a growing number of worshippers and a new purpose built mosque has been designed by L H L group. The existing brick building will be retained as a community centre.  In order to present the designs to the community and to aid fundraising, a 1 : 100 scale model has been constructed. Part of the Mosque which includes the Imam's apartment features a green roof.

A Canal Side Office

This office building was originally designed for a canal side site in Worsley, Greater Manchester. The project was never constructed although I did build a 1 : 100 scale model pictured below. 

The same building has now been modelled in digital form using Google Sketchup. Be sure to view the animated walk through.
We now offer a Sketchup modelling service. The link at the top of the page will take you to other examples.

By the Mediterranean Shore

A 1 : 400 scale model of a holiday resort designed by Najib Gedal Architects http://najibgedalarchitects.com  The new development on the coast at Benghazi in Libya, features 66 single or two storey cabins arranged around a central catering complex. The site includes swimming pools, games courts, children's playground and a mosque. Covered walkways and tree planting provide shelter from the sun. 

Guide Price £2400

Aston Cross

A large cash and carry warehouse has recently been opened by East End Foods at Aston Cross in Birmingham.  Designed by MADE Architecture of Hampton in Arden, it is located on the site of the HP Sauce factory. A new Hilton hotel is soon to be built alongside.
This model, at 1:200 scale will be presented to East End Foods and will form a centrepiece of their reception area. The model featured some internal details including a vertical garden in the reception area and racking in the warehouse.

Aytoun Street

Manchester Trams. Aytoun Street at 1 : 500 scale. The model includes proposals for construction of a new hotel on the site of the 1930's labour exchange building which has stood derelict for many years. A new bridge across the canal will provide pedestrian access.  A satisfying model to build including as it does, the tramway, Rochdale Canal and some interesting City Centre buildings. I especially enjoyed making the tram which aids animation. Architects : Falconer, Chester Hall of Liverpool