5

Crafting Ideas: Discovering Design Through Models

Throughout my architectural education, I often heard about the importance of model-making, but I didn’t fully grasp why it mattered. At university, professors emphasized that while it’s a "dying art," it remains an essential part of architectural practice. Yet, even after my first year, I struggled to understand why we devoted so much time to this process. It wasn’t until my second year that I began to appreciate the value of creating models and the unique insights this craft offers.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from model-making is its ability to make you think critically about construction and material connections in the real world. Including topographical elements in a site model, for example, forces you to consider how a building interacts with the ground. Questions like, “Should the site be regraded?” or “What type of foundation would suit this structure?” suddenly come to the forefront. Sometimes, even the placement of a building on a site has to be reconsidered to preserve natural features or optimize construction logistics.

For one of my projects, I had to construct a roof framework, and the process opened my eyes in ways a computer-generated image never could. As I assembled the roof system and added soffits to the eaves, I realized that exposed beams would be more aesthetically pleasing than the enclosed design I’d initially planned. Despite having reviewed 3D renderings, it wasn’t until I physically constructed the roof that I could fully appreciate this detail. The tactile process of building models reveals nuances and possibilities that digital tools often miss.

Another profound takeaway has been my growing respect for the craftsmanship behind construction. As I worked on these small-scale models, I began to deeply admire the skill and expertise required to execute architectural designs at full scale. My inspiration often comes from Japanese carpentry—a tradition of precision and artistry that I’ve admired since childhood, thanks to my father, who was a carpenter in Russia. Their meticulous work highlights the immense dedication and experience it takes to create even the simplest structures.

Through model-making, I’ve come to see architecture not just as a design exercise but as a craft deeply rooted in hands-on creation. It’s a humbling and enlightening experience to attempt, on a small scale, what professional builders and craftsmen do every day. This process has shown me just how complex construction is and how much thought goes into every connection and detail.

This journey has been both challenging and rewarding. While I know I’ve only scratched the surface of what there is to learn about model-making, the insights I’ve gained have been invaluable. Even a quick model can uncover new ideas and highlight elements you might not have considered before. Model-making is far from outdated—it’s a timeless tool that bridges design and reality, encouraging deeper thinking and creativity in architecture.