Modelos arquitetônicos: o guia definitivo

C 1.1: A Definição de Modelos Arquitetônicos

Todos sabemos que as habilidades dos arquitetos são essenciais para o sucesso de qualquer projeto de maquete.

Mas o design por si só não é o único aspecto crucial. A comunicação durante o processo de design também é essencial para o projeto de construção.

Os arquitetos devem considerar como o projeto será traduzido do projeto para a construção.

Assim, modelos arquitetônicos físicos 3D podem ser usados para expressar os projetos dos arquitetos.

The luxury architectural 3D model making project-Opus Hong Kong

Um modelo arquitetônico é um objeto físico 3D que mostra versões em escala de edifícios existentes ou históricos.

Também é considerado um objeto de beleza.

C 1.2: A História dos Modelos Arquitetônicos

Architectural models have been used for thousands of years, although their purpose has changed considerably over time. Early fired-clay building models dating to around 4600 BC were often symbolic or funerary objects rather than design tools.

Pottery building models also appeared in Han dynasty China. During the Renaissance, physical models became increasingly important for studying and presenting architectural proposals, particularly as buildings became more complex.

By the twentieth century, architects were also using conceptual models to explore form, space and experimental design ideas.

Today, physical models continue to support architectural design and communication, but digital design, laser cutting, CNC machining and 3D printing have significantly changed how professional models are developed and fabricated.

C 1.3: A Evolução dos Modelos Arquitetônicos

Maquetes arquitetônicas são excelentes ferramentas para materializar os designs dos projetos.

Os modelistas escolhem materiais que combinam perfeitamente com os detalhes da fachada. Eles criam o espaço interior para que seja autêntico.

Alguns modelistas criam modelos abstratos para exibir designs impossíveis de construir para propostas visionárias.

Esses modelos atendem aos desejos visuais do público, como a Endless House de Kiesler.

Hoje em dia, juntamente com o Projeto Auxiliado por Computador e a engenharia de software de modelos arquitetônicos avançados.

Por exemplo, máquinas de corte a laser e impressão 3D podem fabricar modelos de alta fidelidade com detalhes e precisão incomparáveis.

Modelos arquitetônicos servem como uma linguagem artística contagiante e expressiva.

Em particular, você pode usar os modelos de apresentação em planejamento urbano e design de arquitetura.

Estes incluem o casas, resorts, modelo de escola e outras instalações e edifícios públicos, etc.

Um modelo de apresentação pode ser usado no planejamento urbano.

Para lidar com o rápido desenvolvimento da diversificação do setor da construção, esses modelos mostram aos clientes os recursos de design.

Por exemplo, a estrutura, o ambiente circundante, a iluminação e a ventilação dentro do edifício.

Como fabricar um modelo arquitetônico sem erros está se tornando uma necessidade urgente.

Além disso, após considerar as atuais questões ambientais globais e o desenvolvimento sustentável.

É importante desenvolver tecnologias verdes, incluindo o processamento de materiais de modelos e métodos de criação de modelos arquitetônicos.

Os resultados e as aplicações dos modelos arquitetônicos continuam melhorando e inovando.

Isso significa que a criatividade arquitetônica continuará a usar modelos arquitetônicos.

Architectural models support different decisions at different stages of a project, from early design review to sales, public communication, investment discussions and planning.

C 2.1: Comunicação e Visão Geral

Architectural models help design teams and clients understand massing, spatial relationships, building form and site context in three dimensions. They can also make design issues easier to identify before later project stages.

C 2.2: Vendas e Marketing

For real-estate developments, a physical model can help potential buyers and investors understand the building, unit locations, entrances, landscaping and surrounding environment before construction is complete.

Um modelo arquitetônico residencial para vendas e marketing

C 2.3: Exibição e orientação pública

Models can explain large or complex developments to visitors and the public, particularly when the relationship between buildings, landscape, circulation and surrounding areas is difficult to understand from drawings alone.

Um modelo de localização para indicação

C 2.4: Captação de recursos

A physical model can support investor, stakeholder or donor presentations by making a proposed development easier to understand and discuss.

Um modelo de site para arrecadação de fundos

C 2.5: Aprovação e Permissões de Projetos de Construção

Where a physical model is requested or useful, it can help planning authorities and project stakeholders evaluate a proposal in relation to its site, neighbouring development and wider context.

O modelo do hotel Ritz Carton em Moscou

C 2.6: Ideia arquitetônica abstrata e futura

Conceptual models allow architects and designers to explore forms, spatial ideas and proposals that are still evolving or may not yet be intended for immediate construction.

Um modelo abstrato

Geralmente, hoje em dia você pode categorizar modelos arquitetônicos em tipos de acordo com seus usos.

C 3.1: Modelos arquitetônicos classificados por usos

C 3.1.1: Modelo conceitual em escala

Conceptual models are used during the early stages of design to explore massing, proportion, spatial relationships and the relationship between a proposed building and its site.

They are usually simplified so that ideas can be tested and changed quickly rather than presented as finished architecture.

Materials such as board, foam and other easily worked materials may be used when speed and flexibility are more important than fine detail.

The value of a conceptual model is not realism. Its purpose is to help the design team compare ideas and understand the overall direction of a project.

Um exemplo de um modelo conceitual

C 3.1.2: Modelos em Escala de Trabalho

Working models are used as a design develops. They allow architects and project teams to test particular relationships, forms, façade treatments, components or construction ideas in greater detail than a conceptual model. Because they may be handled, modified or reviewed repeatedly, their materials and construction are often more durable than those used for quick early-stage studies.

A working model does not need to look like a finished presentation model. Its value lies in helping the team investigate a design problem, compare alternatives and refine decisions before the final design is presented.

Um exemplo de um modelo funcional

C 3.1.3: Apresentação de Modelos em Escala

Presentation models communicate a developed architectural proposal to clients, decision-makers, buyers or the public. Compared with conceptual and working models, they normally place greater emphasis on finish, accuracy and the visual information needed for the intended presentation.

Depending on the project, a presentation model may include detailed façades, landscape, lighting, interior elements, roads, people, vehicles or interactive features. The appropriate level of detail should be determined by the model’s scale, viewing distance and presentation purpose rather than by adding as much detail as possible.

Um exemplo do modelo de apresentação, Ain Dubai

RJ Models’ Ain Dubai model is one example of a presentation model used to communicate a major development through a physical three-dimensional representation.

C 3.2: Modelos de Arquitetura Classificados por Funções

C 3.2.1: Modelo de Plano Diretor

Master plan models show how buildings, roads, landscape, infrastructure and development zones relate across a larger site. They are useful for urban planning, development presentations, public consultation and real-estate marketing, where the relationship between individual buildings and the wider environment is more important than fine façade detail. RJ Models’ Doha City Planning Model was produced at 1:1000, measuring 26,000 × 26,000 mm, to communicate the future development of Doha, including new landmarks and the relationships between different districts.

Modelo de Plano Diretor

Some city and master plan models incorporate interactive features when the presentation requires them. These may include controlled lighting, touchscreens, projection or zone-based illumination. For example, RJ Models’ Istanbul Urban Planning Model was designed to synchronize with a projector to help viewers understand the city’s layout. Interactive features should therefore be selected according to the presentation purpose rather than treated as a standard requirement for every city model.

 

C 3.2.2: Modelo de edifício de escritórios

Office building models are used to communicate tower form, façade design, building entrances, podiums and the relationship between commercial buildings and their surroundings. Depending on the presentation purpose, they may also include lighting, landscape and interior indications. RJ Models created the 1:100 Swiss Re Tower model for Foster + Partners, measuring 500 × 500 × 1500 mm. The model focused on the tower’s distinctive curved form and complex multi-layered glass façade.

Modelo de edifício de escritórios

C 3.2.3: Modelo de edifício residencial

Residential building models help developers, architects and buyers understand building form, apartment locations, entrances, amenities, landscaping and the overall living environment. They are commonly used for design presentations and real-estate marketing. RJ Models’ 1:100 Opus Hong Kong model, measuring 1200 × 1200 mm, reproduced Frank Gehry’s distinctive residential tower design while using façade materials and landscaping to communicate the architectural character of the project.

Modelo de edifício residencial

C 3.2.4: Modelo de Villa

Villa models are usually produced at relatively large scales so that viewers can understand both the exterior architecture and, when required, interior spaces. Removable roofs, lighting, furniture, swimming pools and landscaping can be added according to the presentation purpose. For a villa project in KSA, RJ Models produced a 1:25 model measuring 1200 × 1200 mm, including detailed interiors, lighting, a swimming pool and surrounding landscape to communicate the residential experience.

Modelo de vila

C 3.2.5: Modelo de Shopping Center

Shopping mall models help explain entrances, circulation, retail zones, façades, public spaces and the relationship between the mall and surrounding development. Lighting and selected interior elements can strengthen sales and investment presentations. RJ Models’ 1:150 Suzhou Center Shopping Mall Model measured 2000 × 800 × 800 mm and reproduced Benoy’s distinctive undulating glass canopy, using 3D printing and integrated lighting to communicate the project’s architectural identity.

Modelo de Shopping Center

C 3.2.6: Modelo de Hotel

Hotel models can present the relationship between guest buildings, landscape, pools, recreational facilities and surrounding environments. The appropriate scale depends on whether the presentation focuses on the architecture, the resort master plan or detailed hospitality spaces. RJ Models produced the Madinat Jumeirah Hotel Model in Dubai at 1:400, measuring 2600 × 2600 mm, combining detailed resort buildings, landscaping and lighting to communicate the character of the development.

Modelo de Hotel

C 3.2.7: Modelo de Estádio

Stadium models help communicate overall building form, roof structures, seating arrangements, entrances, surrounding facilities and the relationship between the venue and its site. Lighting and miniature spectators can also help demonstrate how the stadium operates during events. RJ Models produced the 1:500 RTA Stadium Model, measuring 2800 × 1500 mm, with separate interior and exterior lighting systems and approximately 3,000 miniature figures to create a realistic event environment.

Modelo de Estádio

C 3.2.8: Modelo de parque temático

Theme park models combine architecture, landscape, attractions, circulation and storytelling within one physical display. Because visitors need to understand both the overall park layout and individual attractions, lighting, water features and moving or interactive elements may be incorporated where appropriate. RJ Models’ Dubai Park model was produced at 1:400, measuring 4800 × 4800 mm, and represented more than 100 attractions together with running and flashing lighting effects.

Modelo de parque temático

C 3.2.9: Maquete de Museu

Museum models can be used for architectural competitions, design review, exhibitions and public communication. Depending on the design, the model may focus on overall form, structural geometry, internal galleries or the relationship between the building and its site. RJ Models created the 1:300 Yinchuan Museum Model for WAA, measuring 1200 × 1100 mm. Its monochrome presentation emphasized the building’s complex ribbon-like, double-curved architectural form rather than surrounding detail.

Maquete de Museu

C 3.2.10: Modelo Industrial

Industrial models explain facilities, production areas, equipment, circulation and operational relationships that can be difficult to understand from drawings alone. They may be used for exhibitions, technical presentations, training or stakeholder communication. RJ Models produced the 1:120 Macallan New Distillery model in Scotland, measuring 2500 × 1400 mm, using advanced fabrication methods to reproduce the project’s distinctive flowing, grass-covered roof and its relationship with the surrounding landscape.

Modelo de Fábrica

C 3.2.11: Modelo de estaleiro

Shipyard models show how workshops, warehouses, docks, slipways, vessels and other production areas work together across a large industrial site. They can support public presentations, operational explanation and development communication. RJ Models produced the Baku Shipyard Model in Azerbaijan at 1:750, measuring 2700 × 1500 mm. The model was developed from project drawings and reference photographs and used to communicate the shipyard development in a public-display setting.

Modelo de estaleiro

C 3.2.12: Modelo de Aeroporto

Airport models can focus on terminal architecture, passenger circulation, airport infrastructure or the relationship between an airport and the wider city. The required scale changes significantly depending on the information being presented. RJ Models created a 1:5000 model of Abu Dhabi International Airport’s Midfield Terminal Complex for KPF, measuring 1600 × 1500 mm. At this scale, roads, traffic systems, airport-city development and landscape were prioritized while the terminal architecture was carefully simplified.

Modelo de Aeroporto

C 3.2.13: Modelo Interior

Interior models allow viewers to understand room layouts, circulation, furniture, finishes and spatial relationships that may be difficult to judge from plans or renderings alone. Larger scales are normally used when interior details are important. RJ Models produced a 1:40 clubhouse interior model in Mumbai, measuring 2000 × 1600 × 800 mm. The model included detailed recreational spaces, lighting and a lift-up function that allowed viewers to inspect the interior arrangement of different floors.

Modelo Interior

C 3.2.14: Modelo de Paisagem

Landscape models place greater emphasis on terrain, vegetation, water features, paths and outdoor spaces than on architectural detail. They can help designers and clients evaluate how buildings interact with the natural and designed environment. RJ Models produced a 1:100 residential landscape model in Dubai, measuring 2400 × 2200 mm, featuring waterfalls, infinity pools, artificial lakes, rockwork and extensive vegetation to communicate the project’s tropical landscape concept.

Modelo de Paisagem

C 4.1: How Professional Model Makers Choose Materials

Architectural models rarely rely on a single material. Material selection depends on the model’s purpose, scale, required level of detail, surface finish, lighting, durability, handling and transportation requirements. Professional model makers therefore combine different materials according to the role each component must perform rather than selecting materials only by appearance.

C 5.1: Escolhendo Escalas de Modelos Arquitetônicos

Você pode reconhecer os modelos em escala como uma necessidade para a profissão de arquitetura.

Existem muitas escalas diferentes de modelos arquitetônicos.

Geralmente, um modelo arquitetônico físico costuma ser reduzido em escala em comparação ao tamanho real do edifício.

Maquetes arquitetônicas em escala 1:80, Cidade dos Sonhos por Zaha Hadid

 

Choosing the right architectural model scale is not simply a matter of making the model fit on a table. Scale determines the physical size of the model, the amount of detail that can be represented, how viewers experience it, and how easily the finished model can be transported and installed.

The appropriate scale should therefore be selected according to the model’s purpose, the real dimensions of the project, the required level of detail, viewing distance, display space, delivery route, budget and deadline. A larger scale can show more detail, while a smaller scale is usually more suitable for presenting large sites, master plans and urban relationships.

How Architectural Model Scale Is Calculated

Model dimension = Real dimension ÷ Scale denominator

For example, a 100 m building would be represented at approximately 1 m at 1:100, 500 mm at 1:200 and 200 mm at 1:500.

Note: 1:50 is a larger scale than 1:500. A larger scale uses a smaller denominator and allows more physical space for visible detail.

How Scale Changes What the Model Can Show

Scale Range	Typical Purpose	Information Priority
1:10–1:50	Interior, façade and detail models	Materials, furniture, components and fine architectural detail
1:50–1:200	Building presentation	Façades, openings, building form and landscape
1:200–1:500	Development and site models	Building relationships, roads, podiums and site context
1:500–1:1000	Master plans and large sites	Massing, infrastructure, landscape and development zones
1:1000+	City and regional models	Urban relationships, planning structure and major landmarks

Scale, Model Size and Transport

Scale also affects how an architectural model can be packed, transported and installed, but the scale ratio alone does not determine the logistics. The finished model dimensions are often more important. Historical RJ Models commercial records include a 1:250 model approximately 2.8 × 5 m specified for air-freight delivery to Istanbul; a 1:300 model measuring 1750 × 730 × 680 mm with delivery by two model makers and installation in Dubai; and a 1:500 master plan model measuring 1600 × 1280 × 930 mm with two technicians together with flight and excess-baggage arrangements. These examples show why logistics should be reviewed before the final scale and model footprint are fixed.

For large models, packing dimensions, modular construction, transport method and installation requirements should be reviewed before production begins.

C 5.2: Escalonamento orientado a propósito

Geralmente, você pode fazer modelos arquitetônicos dependendo das necessidades de representação.

Em outras palavras, o objetivo geral de escolher a escala correta é fazer com que o modelo pareça o mais convincente possível.

Os clientes devem esclarecer a fase do projeto que precisa de representação.

Para a fase de projeto, recomenda-se o estudo de maquetes arquitetônicas.

Working models are useful during design development, while presentation models are more suitable for the final design stage.

C 5.3: Considerando as condições e custos do modelo arquitetônico

C 5.3.1: Experiência de visualização

Primeiramente, o local onde os modelos arquitetônicos serão apresentados é outro fator importante a ser levado em consideração.

Garanta que os modelos tenham espaço de visualização adequado nas exposições, evitando uma exibição muito esparsa.

C 5.3.2: Transporte

Em alguns casos, é preciso mover os modelos arquitetônicos com frequência de um lugar para outro.

A escala e o peso dos modelos são especialmente importantes.

Modelos arquitetônicos para marketing devem se encaixar bem em um conjunto de marketing.

C 5.3.3: Orçamento e Prazo

Budget and deadlines are important when selecting a scale because highly detailed models generally require more production time and cost.

C 5.4: Selecionando a escala e o tamanho

A escala determina o nível de detalhes que podem ser apresentados.

Modelos arquitetônicos em larga escala têm um nível de detalhes altamente visível.

Quanto menor o número do indicador de escala, maior o modelo, e isso significa que você pode ilustrar mais detalhes.

Além disso, muitos elementos de cenário são pré-produzidos pelas fábricas industriais.

Uso de elementos de cenário pré-produzidos

Portanto, você deve considerar se a escala selecionada corresponderá às escalas padrões da indústria de modelagem.

C 5.5: Common Architectural Model Scale Ranges

1:10–1:50 — Detail, Interior and Façade Models

At these larger scales, individual architectural components can be represented with greater clarity. They are suitable when the viewer needs to understand façade materials, windows, doors, furniture, interior finishes or construction details. The available level of detail still depends on the model’s purpose and physical size rather than scale alone.

Modelos de Interiores

Interior models are generally produced at larger scales when room layout, furniture, finishes and spatial relationships need to be clearly understood. Scales around 1:5 to 1:25 can provide enough physical space to represent detailed furniture, fixtures, materials and interior features, while smaller scales may be used when the primary purpose is to communicate the overall layout rather than individual finishes.

The appropriate scale should depend on what the viewer needs to understand. A sales presentation may require realistic furniture and lighting, while a design-review model may focus more on circulation, room relationships and removable walls or roofs.

For projects where the arrangement of an entire floor is more important than detailed finishes, layout models at approximately 1:50 to 1:100 can provide a clearer overview of room organisation and circulation.

1:50–1:200 — Building, Section and Presentation Models

These scales are commonly suitable for individual buildings where architectural form, façades, openings, landscape and selected interior elements need to remain visible. Section models can also use this range when the purpose is to explain internal spatial relationships, floor levels or structural organisation.

1:200–1:500 — Development and Site Models

At these scales, the emphasis begins to shift from individual components to the relationship between buildings and their surroundings. Roads, podiums, landscape, neighbouring buildings and overall site organisation become increasingly important, while very small façade details may need to be simplified.

1:500–1:1000 — Master Plan and Large-Site Models

These scales are suitable when the model needs to communicate a large development, campus or master plan within a manageable physical footprint. Building massing, roads, infrastructure, landscape and development zones normally take priority over detailed architectural components.

1:1000 and Smaller — City and Regional Models

For city-scale or very large planning models, the primary purpose is usually to show urban relationships rather than individual building details. Major landmarks, road networks, development areas, terrain and planning structure can remain identifiable, while smaller buildings may be simplified into massing forms.

These ranges are practical starting points rather than fixed rules. The final scale should be selected only after considering the project dimensions, information to be communicated, display space, transport requirements, budget and programme.

C 5.6: How to Make the Final Scale Decision

The right architectural model scale should be selected by working backward from what the model needs to communicate. Start with the project’s real dimensions and presentation purpose, then determine the level of detail viewers need to see. From there, check whether the resulting model dimensions are practical for the available display space, packing, transportation and installation.

A larger scale is not automatically better. If the model becomes too large for its purpose, the additional detail may create unnecessary production, transport and display constraints. Conversely, a scale that is too small may remove information that is essential to the presentation.

The final decision is therefore a balance between purpose, detail, physical size, viewing experience, logistics, budget and deadline.

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Written by Tom Cheng
15+ years of architectural model project coordination, delivery and installation experience.