Posted By - Aditi GargMaking models is essential to an architect’s life as a student and a professional. It is an enjoyable yet tedious process, which helps give others a clear idea of your intent with the design. The models are a way to sneak into an architect’s mind. While making models, one has to have an essential toolkit comprising all the tools to create a model. The other thing that must be remembered while working on models is to keep one’s patience intact to acquire the maximum precision in an architectural model. To make a checklist of your model-making toolkit, let us go through the top 10 must-have tools for architecture model building –
1. A3 Double Sided Self-Healing Eco-Friendly 5 Layers Cutting Mat
A self-healing mat is a must-have when working on models. It provides a perfect base to create those precise and sharp cuts on the modelling material. The benefit is that even if you think that the blade cuts through the mat, it doesn’t ruin your mat.
It is a good idea to use a cutting mat to save the surface of any other base from damage. The cutting mat is available in various sizes – A4, A3, A2 and A1. Most mats have a grid (linear and angular) for precise markings. A very hand tool to have if you are an architect or an aspiring architect.
2. Scalpel- Pen Knife with 5 Interchangeable Sharp Blades for Model Cutting
A scalpel or pen knife is another that should be in an architect’s toolkit. A scalpel is a cutting tool which helps in cutting precise and sharp cuts. It is more so used to cut curves or very detailed or intricate smaller-scale elements like a jaali pattern.
The blades can be changed when they go blunt. All the scalpels come with a safety cap to prevent piercing into unwanted elements. Look for a scalpel that gives a good grip leading to accurate cuts.
3. Snap-off Cutter for Model Making
This is a tool that no architect can do away with, from sharpening their pencils to cutting the elements of their models, they use a snap off-cutter. This has a roll in mechanism, which exposes the blade only when working.
The blades come with grade lines; these lines help to break off the blade from that point when it goes blunt from the tip. A very handy and useful tool that no one can do away with. It comes in varying width of the blades, the selection of which is based on the thickness of the modelling material that needs to be cut.
4. Steel Scale or Steel Edge for Precision in Model Building
If one likes to have sharp cuts to adhere to the neatness, then this is a must-have. A steel scale or a steel edge is used as a guide to cut straight lines. The reason this is used that it doesn’t lose its edge even if the blade runs over it, unlike the plastic scale. The pencil carries forth the trademark Lamy metal pencil clip. It comes in various sizes – 15cm,30 cm, 60 cm etc.
5. Adhesives and Tapes for Architectural Model Making
Adhesives are a must-have in your toolkit, and that is an array of adhesives. As adhesives help join and bond the various parts of a model, they become a vital part of model-making. One needs to understand which adhesive works with what materials. Examples of types of adhesives are –
Cyanoacrylate Adhesive (Fevikwik)
PVA Glue (Fevicol)
Rubber Adhesives
Glue guns are also becoming essential to model making, as they help bind the parts firmly. At the same time, these are easy to use and less messy.
Tapes are a handy and helpful tool to have in your model-making toolkit. They are useful for various purposes like temporarily binding the parts, overlapping surfaces, mounting one element onto the other, etc. The two types of tapes that are useful are –
- Masking Tape
- Double sides tape
6. Modelling and Carving Tools for Detailed Model Building
Modelling and carving tools are a must-have when it comes to building organic forms. These tools help in modelling and carving materials such as softwood, clay, polymer clay, terracotta, leather, etc. They are easy to use and have diversified uses—moulding, modelling, carving, and sculpting, depending on the choice of material.
7. 3D Printing Pen for Innovative Architectural Models
These pens help create models for your visualizations. They use plastic as their cartridge to build the model.
These could be used to create an entire model or a part of some bigger model.
This is quite a tool that also lets you doodle your ideas in 3D, thus helping you gain better clarity of ideas while designing.
With the technological advancements in place, this is a must-have tool for architectural modelling.
8. 3D Printer for Professional Architectural Model Building
These days, 3D printers have a huge scope when it comes to making models, printing body parts, and even printing entire structures. A model-making enthusiast should definitely invest in a small 3D printer, which could help print the elements of a model or a complete model (dependent on the scale of the model) easily. All you need are the drawings to feed commands to the printer, and voila, your model is ready!
9. Rotary Tool Kit Box for Grinding, Polishing ,Engraving and Carving
For those of you who like to be technologically equipped, a rotary tool kit is a must-have to give your models an edge. This is a one-stop solution for all your needs, whether cutting, grinding, carving, sanding, polishing, etc.
It is an invaluable tool that works on an array of materials. It comes with a 170-watt motor and fits into a sturdy and spacious box.
10. Drafting Tools for Architectural Model Making Precision
Measuring tools are a must to get accurate and precise elements, keeping in line with the scale and proportion of the model. The measuring tools that one must have are –
- T- Scale / parallel Bar
- Adjustable set square
- Triangular scale
This is my list of 10 must-have tools for architectural model building. But if you think that I missed upon a tool that can be added to the list, please feel free to post your suggestions in the comments.
Happy Model Building!
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