Analog Despite Digital: The Significance of Architectural Model Making in a Digital World
A large part of our work today is digital and virtual—we design with CAD, enhance plans with BIM data, and visualize projects in 3D. Still, sometimes the tried and true methods prove their worth. Take model making, for example, which continues to play a significant role in architecture. Surprisingly, this might seem counterintuitive given the indispensable tools like 3D renderings and simulations, making physical model making appear almost outdated. However, as in life, the magic often lies in the mix: combining digital and analog methods unlocks unique potential. Why Analog When Everything Is Digital?
Anna Stärk
09. December 2024
Share article
Architectural models are tangible and intuitively comprehensible, making them an effective communication tool not only for architects but also for laypeople. They allow for an intuitive grasp of proportions, light, space, and scale—qualities particularly appreciated by those less experienced in interpreting technical construction drawings. Models help convey complex concepts without requiring technical expertise, which is why physical models continue to hold a prominent place in presentations and architectural competitions.
Beyond their tactile and spatial experience, physical models offer more. They serve as a critical tool for identifying errors early in the planning and design process. The three-dimensional representation clarifies how a design functions in real-world space, enabling the adjustment of problem areas before construction begins. The model maker—a recognized profession, by the way—must carefully plan the assembly of components and their sequence, effectively simulating a prototype construction process.
Analog and Digital – Working Hand in Hand Even when the final product is a handcrafted model, digital technologies are often integral to its creation. Laser cutters enable precise cuts and engravings that are nearly impossible to achieve manually. Delicate details such as façade textures, patterns, or railings can be rendered efficiently and precisely. The integration of laser cutting with CAD software saves time, reduces material waste, and opens new creative possibilities.
Similarly, 3D printers are particularly useful for experimental shapes, complex geometries, and situational models. These digital tools complement traditional craftsmanship rather than replacing it, allowing architects and professional architectural model makers—still a relevant profession in our industry today—to deliver precise results.
Conclusion Architectural model making remains an indispensable part of the creative process, even in a digital age, demonstrating how tradition and innovation can harmoniously coexist. Architectural models often serve as cultural artifacts, documenting projects and their development processes over the long term. They frequently find their way into archives or exhibitions, telling stories that inspire not only architects but also viewers.
Anna Stärk
09. December 2024
Share article
Sign up for our newsletter
This will keep you up to date with events and news.
Your subscription to our newsletter has been sent, thank you. You will shortly receive an email with a confirmation link.
Something went wrong when you submitted your registration. Please try again later
Founded in 2006, the non-profit foundation Architektur Dialoge (AD) aims to raise public awareness about architecture and urban issues while fostering dialogue between the industry and private users. To achieve this, Architektur Dialoge offers a wide range of events on architecture and building culture, inviting the public to learn more through lectures, guided tours, and workshops. One of these offerings is the Making Of series, which provides insights into craftsmanship and architecture. Hosted by Christian W. Blaser, a member of the AD Foundation Board, the series not only highlights completed projects but also tells the stories behind their creation—from the initial idea to their realisation...
Workplace Creation at Primeo AG through pioneering building technology with antique building material... Founded over 125 years ago, the Primeo Energie cooperative is headquartered in Münchenstein and reliably supplies over 180,000 households in Switzerland and France with energy. Under the motto ‘We bundle energy’, the infrastructure company focuses on the decarbonisation of the energy supply and offers intelligent, unique solutions in the areas of smart homes, sustainable mobility and energy efficiency. These are aimed at private and business customers as well as energy supply companies, cities and municipalities.
Auch wir bei Blaser Architekten befinden uns mitten in der digitalen Transformation aller Geschäftsabläufe und können von uns behaupten, dass wir bereits vieles umgesetzt haben. Die Digitalisierung ist aber kein Sprint, auch kein Marathon – viel mehr ein Weg, den wir nicht mehr verlassen werden. Laufend werden neue Tools entwickelt, KI wartet in immer kürzer zu werden scheinenden Intervallen mit neuen Möglichkeiten auf. Das bedeutet, dass wir die digitale Transformation nicht als Prozess verstehen, der nun bald abgeschlossen sein wird, sondern als selbstverständlich gewordener Teil unserer täglichen Aufgaben. Deswegen ist es uns wichtig, diesen Weg aufmerksam zu gehen, was heute möglich ist zu implementieren, aber auch neue Entwicklungen nicht zu verschlafen. Einer unserer Mitarbeitenden ist in diesem Thema besonders zuhause und legt sich dafür ins Zeug. Zamri Thüring ist Student des Master-Studiengangs in Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) an der FHNW und arbeitet bei Blaser Architekten in der Qualitätssicherung für Computer Aided Design (CAD, QS). In diesem Blogbeitrag teilt er seine Erfahrungen und Einsichten.
Efficient, cost-effective and high-quality: our new-build project in Basel/Binningen with prefabricated façade elements. What convinced us... We are currently working on the construction of a new apartment block (MFH) in Basel/Binningen, where we are in the middle of the shell construction and suggested a kind of modular system to the client, more precisely the use of prefabricated façade elements.
We decided to work with ERNE AG Holzbau, which specialises in prefabricated façade systems. Together, we developed a combination of reinforced concrete ceilings with steel columns and non-load-bearing façade elements for our project. The following advantages drove us to pursue this concept:
A key benefit is the time factor: prefabricated façade elements are manufactured in the factory and can then be assembled on site, which significantly reduces the overall construction time. In addition, you are less dependent on favourable weather conditions, as it is more difficult to work in hail, snow or 35 degrees than under weather-independent conditions in the production hall, where the right tools, materials and expertise are always immediately available.
Founded in 1993, our office can now look back on a career spanning more than 30 years. 30 years in which we have been able to implement a large number of exciting projects, gain experience and, last but not least, continuously develop ourselves. What has remained the same is the passion for our profession and the unconditional thirst for knowledge and the will to share it, because more than ever we believe that it is not about preserving know-how and experience, but about sharing and passing it on - this is the only way to create mutual exchange, progress and participation. Our company claim “sharing experience” is intended to fulfill this desire and is part of our relaunch, which we implemented on the occasion of our 30th company anniversary...
DEEP DIVE – Auseinandersetzung mit Branchen-Themen: Bauindustrie zwischen Politischem Mikromanagement und Europäisierung
Rückblick auf unser Podiumsgespräch im Klybeck Areal am 3. September 2024. Am 3. September 2024 fand im Klybeck Areal ein spannendes Podiumsgespräch statt, das sich mit der Frage beschäftigte, wie die Bauindustrie den Spagat zwischen politischem Mikromanagement und Europäisierung meistern kann. Gastgeberin auf dem Klybeck Areal war Anita Fetz, alt Ständerätin und Verwaltungsrätin der Rhystadt AG. Auf dem Podium waren Hans Peter Wessels, alt Regierungsrat Kanton Basel-Stadt, Gabriela Theus, Geschäftsführerin Immofonds Asset Management AG Zürich sowie Christian W. Blaser, Blaser Architekten Basel. Moderiert wurde das Podium von Manuel Hutter, Verwaltungsrat der Kontur Projektmanagement AG. Anlass für uns, das Gespräch und die Gedanken dieses Abends noch einmal Revue passieren zu lassen...
In the heart of the Gotthard massif lies the small village of Andermatt, which despite its striking location remained untouched by tourism for a long time. Thanks to a comprehensive tourism initiative by the major Egyptian-Montenegrin investor and developer Samih Sawiris, this has now changed and Andermatt has become an attractive destination for winter and summer visitors. We were also involved in this project and, as architect and general planner, have been responsible for getting the largest flat block there, Haus YARA, off the ground in recent months. Our guiding principle for this project was to combine tradition and modernity in order to create a harmonious whole between contemporary living and traditional architecture. MINERGIE certification, which was officially awarded the week before last, is also part of the concept.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
Image Caption. Lorem Ipsum dolor sit amet
Static and dynamic content editing
A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!
Image Caption. Lorem Ipsum dolor sit amet
How to customize formatting for each rich text
Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.
Image Caption
Heading H5
Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.
What’s a Rich Text element?
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat
“Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam.” <span class="author">John Doe, Oceanic Airlines</span>
non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
Image Caption
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
What’s a Rich Text element?
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
Image Caption
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
What’s a Rich Text element?
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
Bevor wir Ihnen YouTube-Videos zeigen können, müssen wir Sie darüber informieren, dass beim Laden der Videos möglicherweise Daten an den Anbieter übermittelt werden. Mit dem Klick auf den Play Button akzeptieren Sie die Erhebung und Verarbeitung dieser Daten gemäß unserer Datenschutzerklärung.
Bevor wir Ihnen Vimeo-Videos zeigen können, müssen wir Sie darüber informieren, dass beim Laden der Videos möglicherweise Daten an den Anbieter übermittelt werden. Mit dem Klick auf den Play Button akzeptieren Sie die Erhebung und Verarbeitung dieser Daten gemäß unserer Datenschutzerklärung.
Bevor wir Ihnen YouTube-Videos zeigen können, müssen wir Sie darüber informieren, dass beim Laden der Videos möglicherweise Daten an den Anbieter übermittelt werden. Mit dem Klick auf den Play Button akzeptieren Sie die Erhebung und Verarbeitung dieser Daten gemäß unserer Datenschutzerklärung.
Bevor wir Ihnen Vimeo-Videos zeigen können, müssen wir Sie darüber informieren, dass beim Laden der Videos möglicherweise Daten an den Anbieter übermittelt werden. Mit dem Klick auf den Play Button akzeptieren Sie die Erhebung und Verarbeitung dieser Daten gemäß unserer Datenschutzerklärung.
Bevor wir Ihnen YouTube-Videos zeigen können, müssen wir Sie darüber informieren, dass beim Laden der Videos möglicherweise Daten an den Anbieter übermittelt werden. Mit dem Klick auf den Play Button akzeptieren Sie die Erhebung und Verarbeitung dieser Daten gemäß unserer Datenschutzerklärung.
Bevor wir Ihnen Vimeo-Videos zeigen können, müssen wir Sie darüber informieren, dass beim Laden der Videos möglicherweise Daten an den Anbieter übermittelt werden. Mit dem Klick auf den Play Button akzeptieren Sie die Erhebung und Verarbeitung dieser Daten gemäß unserer Datenschutzerklärung.
%20(2560%20x%201706%20px)%20(2).jpg)
%20(2400%20x%202400%20px)%20(1200%20x%201080%20px).jpg)
-min.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
