Artform

Practice Statement

Communication/presentation and testing/supporting ideas are the two strongest drivers for why Artform creates architectural models.

Before a design is resolved, often having a physical map in the form of a model is beneficial to test out how the project can sit within a particular site, how the streetscape is formed, how the landscape falls and allows you to see the impact of your design on its surroundings. At this unresolved design stage, we use material that is pliable and easy to fix such as card, paper and grey board, alongside basic tools such as cutting mats, scalpels, scale rulers and glue. Additionally, we have used model making to test facades finding that, at a smaller scale of perhaps 1:20, the details that are needed become apparent as well as the proposed details that need altering when examining them at a smaller scale. Many of these types of models are not seen by the client and are used for the practices benefit.

We also use model making to present a final design. Often this will involve using more complex tools such as a 3D printer when the design is resolved rather than adaptable card at an earlier stage. This approach of model making allows the client to fully visualise the end scheme and allows us to communicate our ideas clearly with them. The outcome is a polished model that expresses the designs feature points and can often highlight the concept even at a resolved stage through the clever use of colour and material choices. Having models such as these accessible in the office creates a collection of precedents to glance at when finding a way into a new project.