06-04-2015
Exploration through Model Making
Physical Model Installation, National Academy Museum, REVEALing Architecture, 2015
The model shop has been an integral part of FXFOWLE's practice since its founding. Generally, architects utilize digital and graphic tools to articulate architectural ideas, but there are only a handful of New York City architecture firms (like us) that have capabilities to create physical models at-will, focus on craftsmanship, and integrate model making into the design process.
Georgia Multi-Modal Passenger Terminal, Facade Study (plexi)
In our office we have a modest but fully-equipped room reserved for three-dimensional exploration and discovery. We make our own physical models using tools such as a laser machine, 3D printer, wood shop tools, spray area, workstations and fabrication tables to harness our creativity and craftsmanship.
For designers, model making is an exciting step in a project's conceptual stage. As simple as it sounds, this is when ideas, sketches and design studies flourish through experimentation and exploration as a creative process. This is when an idea takes a giant step, and transitions from imagination to a three-dimensional reality.
Hand Drawn Studies of 35XV
35XV Study Models, National Academy Museum, REVEALing Architecture, 2015
In our initial design process, we typically begin by producing physical study models, such as massing models, which allow us to focus on the interaction of volumes. We study how volumes look from different angles. At this stage we are using the models as an open-ended creative process, while rationalizing the method of exploration. We use context models to study how our buildings interact with surrounding buildings or structures and the environment. Physical models allow us to see our design with a fresh pair of eyes, clarifying height and volume relationships.
The Ashland Site Model with Design Options
Physical models are quite useful when developing complicated or unusual designs. Our presentation models are often used to study the expression of facade types, details and character of the building; while interior models describe internal structure, column spacing, space within walls and exploration of design ideas. Occasionally, we even build full-scale models and study the "real life" experience of the design.
Museum of the Built Environment, Interior Study Models (3D print)
Columbia University School of Nursing (plexi, basswood, LED)
Competition Study for Berkshires Dance Studio (basswood, chipboard)
Essentially, making physical models is an act of striving for excellence and clarifying architectural ideas. As the Model Shop Manager, I help the architects achieve a better understanding regarding the relationship between internal space and exterior boundary, character of the building and a larger context, and how design details interact and affect the surrounding environment.
Museum of the Built Environment, Scheme Studies (3D print)
Bilkent Erzurum Lower School Model (basswood, chipboard, LED)
Allianz Tower Model (plexi, LED)
FXFOWLE Lounge, Miami Project Fair (Laser cut museum board)
Throughout our office, we have architectural models, drawings and renderings of projects on display. In doing so, we cultivate our practice by exhibiting and critiquing our designs among colleagues. As we continue to experiment in our design process, we are always delighted to share our exploration through model making with clients and visitors.
Georgia Multi-Modal Passenger Terminal, Facade Study (plexi)In our office we have a modest but fully-equipped room reserved for three-dimensional exploration and discovery. We make our own physical models using tools such as a laser machine, 3D printer, wood shop tools, spray area, workstations and fabrication tables to harness our creativity and craftsmanship.
For designers, model making is an exciting step in a project's conceptual stage. As simple as it sounds, this is when ideas, sketches and design studies flourish through experimentation and exploration as a creative process. This is when an idea takes a giant step, and transitions from imagination to a three-dimensional reality.
Hand Drawn Studies of 35XV 35XV Study Models, National Academy Museum, REVEALing Architecture, 2015In our initial design process, we typically begin by producing physical study models, such as massing models, which allow us to focus on the interaction of volumes. We study how volumes look from different angles. At this stage we are using the models as an open-ended creative process, while rationalizing the method of exploration. We use context models to study how our buildings interact with surrounding buildings or structures and the environment. Physical models allow us to see our design with a fresh pair of eyes, clarifying height and volume relationships.
The Ashland Site Model with Design Options Physical models are quite useful when developing complicated or unusual designs. Our presentation models are often used to study the expression of facade types, details and character of the building; while interior models describe internal structure, column spacing, space within walls and exploration of design ideas. Occasionally, we even build full-scale models and study the "real life" experience of the design.
Museum of the Built Environment, Interior Study Models (3D print) Columbia University School of Nursing (plexi, basswood, LED)Competition Study for Berkshires Dance Studio (basswood, chipboard)Essentially, making physical models is an act of striving for excellence and clarifying architectural ideas. As the Model Shop Manager, I help the architects achieve a better understanding regarding the relationship between internal space and exterior boundary, character of the building and a larger context, and how design details interact and affect the surrounding environment.
Museum of the Built Environment, Scheme Studies (3D print) Bilkent Erzurum Lower School Model (basswood, chipboard, LED) Allianz Tower Model (plexi, LED)FXFOWLE Lounge, Miami Project Fair (Laser cut museum board)Throughout our office, we have architectural models, drawings and renderings of projects on display. In doing so, we cultivate our practice by exhibiting and critiquing our designs among colleagues. As we continue to experiment in our design process, we are always delighted to share our exploration through model making with clients and visitors.
