White Models
There are certain occasions when a white styled model is a better option than a fully coloured model. For example, if the building colours and materials haven’t actually been finalized, the white styling allows you to avoid the issue.
People will look at the monochromatic model and understand straight away that it is an architecturally stylized representation of the scheme and not meant to be taken literally. This is often useful for planning consultation models or working models investigating massing and general layout. A further advantage of the white model approach is that it usually quicker to make and hence less expensive.
One of the most significant features about this masterplan model is the high level of detail that can be achieved at this very small scale (all buildings are under 35mm tall). And for added impact, the buildings could all be illuminated at the touch of a button (see Illuminated Models section). The model was built on a very tight schedule and shipped off to Russia (in a purpose-built flight box) to be used as the centrepiece of a major presentation.
An all white, part model built to illustrate the internal and external spatial arrangement for an extended café facility on a former industrial building. 1:100 is an excellent scale for showing internal views of buildings.
After completing these two white styled models of the Swansea Lagoons tidal energy project we were surprised to discover they had been the focal point for a presentation to the Prime Minister David Cameron (apparently they couldn’t tell us beforehand for security reasons). The models are both at 1:1000 scale and show two different areas of the proposed lagoon structure. If you click on the images to enlarge them you’ll see that even at this small scale (1mm represents 1 metre) we can show a high level of detail.
A white stylized model of a proposed school with accurate land forming to show how the sports pitches and buildings are accommodated on this sloping site. Whilst the general look is stylized, the buildings are made to fairly detailed level.
This is another excellent example of how clear and informative a 1:750 scale model can be, despite the main building being less than 50mm tall. The proposed new building is made to a surprisingly detailed level with crisp representation of the architecture, including window fenestration. This style of model is quick and relatively inexpensive to produce but the clean, fresh appearance has charm and clarity, which goes a long way to help sell a scheme.
A white stylized, 1:500 scale site model for the proposed international sports village in Cardiff Bay. The client wanted to combine wood, Perspex, white surfaces and bright illumination in what is essentially a concept model with the theme "Snow, ice, fire, water".
A good example of a detailed white styled model, showing how informative this stylized architectural look can be. It’s a particularly useful approach when a model needs to be produced before final decisions have been made on colours and finishes of external materials.
For such a small scale this model offers a very clear demonstration of the roofscapes and general massing of this proposed new group of school buildings.
The client chose 1:250 scale for this model because he wanted to show a good level of detail in the building but needed the model to be reasonable easy to transport. The model was used to provide a clear illustration of the scheme to the planners and the public.
From the photo it’s very hard to appreciate that the buildings in this image are only approximately 20mm tall, such is the level of detail we are able to achieve at this very small scale. Showing the general overview of a proposed new town centre development this is an unusual project in that these type of masterplan models typically only have simplified massing blocks for the buildings.
Two identical models of this dramatic building were produced at short notice, one for a nearby marketing suite and one for an exhibition in Saudi Arabia.
Produced for a sales event, this model helped the developers sell every unit in one frantic evening. The prime coastal location had to be accurately land formed to reflect the dramatic contours on site.
This model demonstrates how three different levels of detail can be combined to create an informative, attractive but not overly expensive block model. The ordinary off-site context buildings are made with very simplified flat roofs; the landmark off-site buildings are made to a very detailed recognizable level with windows and accurate roof pitches, while the proposed new buildings (which are still only a concept design) are made to crisply detailed level.
