Research on Modelling
3. Importance of modelling in design/ while generating/developing ideas
1. What is a model?
A model is a 3D representation of a proposed building design. With a
model, you can see the potential scale and design of a construction or
functionality of a project plan. Traditionally, model makers manually
created these replicas, but thanks to advancements in computer
technology, 3D models are now widely used to represent a construction
idea.
2. Types of Models
1. Visualization of Concepts: Modelling allows designers to visualize their ideas in a
tangible and concrete form. It transforms abstract concepts into physical or digital
representations that are easier to understand and communicate to others.
2. Concept Refinement: Modelling provides a platform for designers to experiment
with different variations of an idea. By creating multiple models, they can refine and
improve their concepts, exploring various possibilities and iterations.
3. Iterative Design: Design is often an iterative process, and modelling supports this
approach by enabling designers to quickly prototype and test ideas. They can easily
make adjustments and try out new concepts without committing to a final design.
4. Effective Communication: Models serve as a common language for communication
among designers, team members, clients, and stakeholders. They help bridge the
gap between abstract ideas and practical implementation, fostering better
understanding and collaboration.
5. User Feedback: Models can be used to gather feedback from users and stakeholders
at an early stage of the design process. This input is valuable for identifying user
preferences, needs, and potential issues, allowing for user-centred design.
6. Problem Solving: Modelling is a problem-solving tool. Designers can use models to
identify and address design challenges, test solutions, and overcome obstacles that
may arise during the development of an idea.
7. Design Validation: Models enable designers to validate their ideas and concepts
before committing resources to full-scale production or implementation. This
reduces the risk of costly errors and design flaws later in the process.
8. Cost Savings: Identifying and addressing design issues through modeling is often
more cost-effective than making changes after a project has progressed to later
Types of Models Description
Prototype A prototype is a preliminary
model or version of a product,
system, or design that is
developed to test and evaluate its
feasibility, functionality, and
design concepts before full-scale
production or implementation.
Mock-up Models A mock-up model is a physical or
digital representation of a design
concept, product, or user
interface that is created to
provide a visual or tangible
representation of how the final
version will look and function.
Scale Models A scaled model is a physical
representation of an object,
structure, or design that is
created to a reduced size in
proportion to the original. These
models are typically constructed
with precision to accurately
depict the appearance and, in
some cases, the functionality of
the full-scale object.
Computer Modelling A computer model is a digital
representation of a real-world
object, system, process, or
phenomenon that is created and
manipulated within a computer
or software environment.
Advantages
Prototypes allow
designers and developers
to identify and address
problems or design flaws
at an early stage, reducing
the likelihood of costly
changes later in the
development process.
Mock-up models provide a
clear visual representation
of a design concept,
helping stakeholders and
clients better understand
the proposed project.
High-quality scaled models
can closely mimic the
realistic appearance and
detailing of the original,
making them effective
tools for conveying design
intent.
Computer models are
well-suited for analysing
complex systems with
numerous variables,
interactions, and
dependencies.
Disadvantages
Depending on the
prototype's fidelity, it may
not fully capture all
aspects of the final
product, potentially
leading to discrepancies in
user testing.
Mock-up models typically
lack full functionality, so
they may not accurately
represent how the final
product will behave or
perform.
Scaled models may not
fully replicate the
functionality of the full- 4. Scale/Percentiles used for modelling in Product Design & Architecture
scale object, especially for
Architecture:
complex or interactive
systems. 1. Full Scale (1:1):
2. Architectural Scale (1/4" = 1' or 1:48):
3. Engineering Scale (1/8" = 1' or 1:96):
4. Metric Scale (1:100 or 1:50):
Models often rely on
simplifications and 5. Presentation Scale (1/16" = 1' or 1:192):
assumptions that may not Product Design:
fully capture the
complexity of the real- 1. Full-Scale (1:1):
world system, potentially 2. Half-Scale (1:2) or Quarter-Scale (1:4):
leading to inaccuracies
3. Model Scale (1:10, 1:20, 1:50):
4. Presentation Scale (1:100 or 1:200):
5. Detail Scale (1:5, 1:2, 2:1):
5. Modelling materials used 6. Methods of Joining
Material Visual Image Characteristics Advantages Disadvantages Uses Joining Visual Image Applications
Balsa Lightweight: Balsa Lightweight: Despite Fragility: Balsa wood Model Building: Method
wood is its lightness, balsa is relatively fragile Balsa wood is Mounting Posters and Artwork: Double-sided tape is

Double-sided
exceptionally wood is surprisingly compared to denser widely used for suitable for hanging posters, artwork, and
lightweight, strong for its weight, woods, making it building model lightweight decorations on walls.

tape
making it ideal for making it excellent less suitable for airplanes, boats, Crafts and Scrapbooking: It is commonly used in
applications where for model aircraft heavy structural and architectural crafting for sticking paper, fabric, and lightweight
weight is a and boats. applications. models due to its materials.
concern lightness and ease
of shaping. Clothing and Fabric Fastening: Velcro strips are used
Plywood Layered Strength and Appearance: The Construction: in clothing, shoes, and bags for easy and adjustable
Construction: Durability: Plywood layered look of Plywood is

Velcro
closures.
Plywood is made is strong and plywood may not be commonly used in Cable Management: Velcro ties are useful for
by gluing together durable, making it as aesthetically construction for bundling and organizing cables and cords.
multiple layers of suitable for pleasing as solid subflooring, roof
thin wood veneers structural wood for certain decking, wall
in a crisscross applications in applications sheathing Arts and Crafts: Glue guns are essential tools for
pattern, creating a construction and various craft projects, including bonding paper,

Glue gun
strong and stable furniture making. fabric, and lightweight materials.
sheet. Home Repair: They are used for quick and
Lightweight: It is Strength: Despite its Susceptible to Crafts and DIY temporary fixes around the house, such as repairing
Corrugated loose trim or reattaching small items.
lightweight, lightweight nature, Moisture: Projects: Crafters
Card making it easy to corrugated Corrugated and DIY enthusiasts
handle and cardboard is cardboard can be use corrugated Carpentry: Staples are used in woodworking for
transport. remarkably strong damaged by cardboard for securing fabric, padding, or wire mesh to wooden

Staples
and can withstand prolonged exposure various creative surfaces.
stacking and to moisture or projects. Upholstery: Upholsterers use staples to attach fabric
pressure. water. to furniture frames.
Foamboard Layered Structure: Lightweight: Its Susceptible to Crafts: Crafters
Foam board lightweight nature Warping: Exposure often use foam Fencing: In fencing projects, nails are used to attach
consists of a rigid makes it easy to to heat or direct board for various fence panels to posts.
Furniture Making: Nails are used to assemble

Nails
foam core transport, handle, sunlight can cause projects due to its
sandwiched and hang for various foam board to warp. ease of cutting and furniture pieces, especially when a traditional and
between two applications. shaping. permanent connection is required.
layers of paper or
plastic.
Stiffness: It is rigid Sturdy Base: It can Cost: Thick card is Book Covers: Some 7. Types of finishing a model
Thick card/
and less flexible serve as a sturdy often more books and
Vanguard compared to base for mounting expensive than notebooks feature Finish Visual Image Applications
paper standard paper, artwork, photos, or standard paper due thick cardstock Wooden cabinets in kitchens and bathrooms can be
providing stability documents to its higher quality covers for added painted to refresh their look and match changing

Painting
and strength. and weight. durability. design trends.

Triplex Durable: Triplex is Versatility: It can be Limited Flexibility: It Game Boards:

generally more used for a wide may not be as Some board games Contact paper can be used to reface cabinet doors and
durable and rigid range of applications flexible as single- and puzzles use panels, giving them a new look without the need for

Contact
compared to due to its strength layer paper, which triplex for their paint or extensive remodelling.

Paper
single-layer paper and adaptability. can limit its use in playing boards to
or board. certain applications. withstand wear
and tear
Woodworkers use spray paint to apply even and
uniform finishes to wooden projects like cabinets,
Painting

shelving units, and wooden sculptures.

Spray
Functional Models, models with moving parts
Orthographic Projection Scale for model

1:2

The reason why I prefer using this scale is that it is easy to judge the
proportions by simple doubling the length on each side. Also, using
the Principles of Similarity & Congruency I have come to know that
the

Exploded Projection
Making of the model