Take a journey through the world of architectural student projects with these nine intricate 3D models. Representing a variety of creative designs, these models showcase the meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship of undergraduate and postgraduate architecture students. From cross-sectional views of former movie studios to structural schemes exploring the utilization of voids between buildings, these models demonstrate the students’ use of materials such as clay, concrete, wood, and plastic. As the field of architecture increasingly embraces digital tools, these handmade models are a testament to the enduring artistry of traditional architectural craftsmanship.

Project 1: Future Histories: LA’s Film Industry

Description of the project

The project titled “Future Histories: LA’s Film Industry” by Morgane Copp and Wei Qiu explores the future of abandoned movie studios in Los Angeles, speculating on the impact of emerging technologies for digital scene-making. The project presents a mixed media model that showcases a cross-sectional view of a former movie studio. The model includes red scale figures to show the scale of the space, as well as stage curtains and miniature trees and shrubs to bring the model to life. The project imagines a new urban fabric by flipping the figure-ground, removing the roof of the obsolete sound stages, and building a program in between these containers.

Materials used

The materials used in the model for “Future Histories: LA’s Film Industry” include clay, concrete, wood, and plastic. These materials were carefully chosen to accurately represent the different elements of the former movie studio and bring the model to life.

Concept behind the model

The concept behind the model is to speculate on the future of abandoned sound stage typologies of movie studios in Los Angeles due to the emerging technologies for digital scene-making, which will eventually render the currently required physical spaces obsolete. By flipping the figure-ground, removing the roof of the obsolete sound stages, and building a program in between these containers, the project imagines a new urban fabric that redefines the space and repurposes the existing infrastructure.

Student details

• Morgane Copp and Wei Qiu are the students behind the “Future Histories: LA’s Film Industry” project.
• They are enrolled in the UCLA School of Architecture.
• Morgane Copp and Wei Qiu are pursuing a degree in Architecture.

Project 2: Intervening in the City – Ground or Facade?

Description of the project

The project titled “Intervening in the City – Ground or Facade?” by Jiang Xinzi explores how voids between buildings can be more effectively utilized. The project presents a structural scheme that creates opportunities for climbing via stairs and ladders, as well as platforms that could be used for a variety of purposes. The project aims to rethink the relationship between the ideas of facade and ground and imagine new ways of inhabiting the space between them.

Materials used

The materials used in the model for “Intervening in the City – Ground or Facade?” include plywood and other construction materials. These materials were carefully chosen to accurately represent the structural scheme and highlight the different elements of the project.

Concept behind the model

The concept behind the model is to explore how voids between buildings can be more effectively utilized. By creating different inhabitable spaces for a variety of views, shifting the ground level with each platform, and allowing the inhabitants to climb along the wall for multiple uses, the project rethinks the relationship between the ideas of facade and ground. It envisions a new way of inhabiting the space between buildings and offers a unique perspective on urban intervention.

Student details

• Jiang Xinzi is the student behind the “Intervening in the City – Ground or Facade?” project.
• Jiang Xinzi is enrolled in the University of Hong Kong’s Architecture program.

Project 3: Timescapes Workshop Sculpture

Description of the project

The project titled “Timescapes Workshop Sculpture” by Niya Lijo Kankapadan explores the mining heritage of the Bradford district in Manchester. The project proposes subterranean tunnels that both educate about the environmental impact of mining and aid in the research of soil. The model showcases an underground view of the project and demonstrates the proposed tunnels and their relation to the surrounding landscape.

Materials used

The materials used in the model for “Timescapes Workshop Sculpture” include various construction materials, such as wood, clay, and plastic. These materials were carefully chosen to accurately represent the proposed subterranean tunnels and the surrounding landscape.

Concept behind the model

The concept behind the model is to celebrate the rich coal mining past of the Bradford area in Manchester and provide a space to commemorate this history. The project proposes the creation of spaces for the research of the soil condition on site, helping to understand the impact of mining on the natural environment. By showcasing the proposed tunnels and their relation to the surrounding landscape, the model brings the concept to life and highlights the importance of preserving and educating about the mining heritage.

Student details

• Niya Lijo Kankapadan is the student behind the “Timescapes Workshop Sculpture” project.
• Niya Lijo Kankapadan is enrolled in the Manchester School of Architecture.
• Niya Lijo Kankapadan is pursuing a degree in Architecture.

Project 4: Working Retreat

Description of the project

The project titled “Working Retreat” by Helena Gatland presents a model for a stone dwelling and workspace situated in the limestone coastline of the Spanish island of Majorca. The model showcases a block-like building and the topographical site it is nestled into, including steps and terraces made from white plaster. The project aims to celebrate the landscapes, climate, and material of the place while providing a functional and immersive retreat.

Materials used

The materials used in the model for “Working Retreat” include stone, white plaster, and other construction materials. These materials were carefully chosen to accurately represent the stone dwelling and workspace and emphasize the unique characteristics of the site.

Concept behind the model

The concept behind the model is to create a retreat that celebrates the local landscapes, climate, and material of Majorca. The project takes inspiration from the brewing history of the area and aims to provide an educational environment in which the processes of making beer and fishing are made visible to the public and local communities. By showcasing the block-like building and the topographical site it is nestled into, the model brings the concept to life and highlights the integration of architecture with the natural surroundings.

Student details

• Helena Gatland is the student behind the “Working Retreat” project.
• Helena Gatland is enrolled in the Oxford Brookes University’s BA (Hons) Architecture program.

Project 5: The Eco-Deconstructivist Design Handbook

Description of the project

The project titled “The Eco-Deconstructivist Design Handbook” by Daryl Quayle and Elliot Flynn presents a model that represents a scheme for a mixed-use site in a former abattoir. The model showcases a building with a tower and includes miniature shrubs and wet soil detailing. The project aims to create a space accessible to humans and non-human communities, emphasizing the importance of redeveloping areas to remove road networks and create habitats for various species.

Materials used

The materials used in the model for “The Eco-Deconstructivist Design Handbook” include various construction materials, such as wood, plastic, and other detailing materials. These materials were carefully chosen to accurately represent the proposed mixed-use site and highlight the different elements of the project.

Concept behind the model

The concept behind the model is to repurpose a former abattoir site and create a space that is accessible to both humans and non-human communities. The project aims to remove road networks and create habitats for non-human species, including wetlands, scrublands, mixed woodlands, and lush brownfield sites. By showcasing the building with a tower and including miniature shrubs and wet soil detailing, the model brings the concept to life and emphasizes the importance of creating spaces that prioritize sustainability and the coexistence of different ecological systems.

Student details

• Daryl Quayle and Elliot Flynn are the students behind “The Eco-Deconstructivist Design Handbook” project.
• Daryl Quayle and Elliot Flynn are enrolled in the Manchester School of Architecture’s Master of Architecture program.

Project 6: Amphibious Hydrological Dwelling

Description of the project

The project titled “Amphibious Hydrological Dwelling” by Oli Rash presents a model of a brewery situated in an ex-industrial, riverside area of Norwich. The model showcases the brewery made from copper piping and plywood and highlights its relation to the surrounding landscape. The project aims to celebrate beer brewing and fishing, two local trades, and create a space that engages with the wider ecology of Norfolk.

Materials used

The materials used in the model for “Amphibious Hydrological Dwelling” include copper piping, plywood, and other construction materials. These materials were carefully chosen to accurately represent the brewery and emphasize its connection to the local trades and ecological context.

Concept behind the model

The concept behind the model is to create a brewery that celebrates the brewing history of the local area and intricately connects the processes of making lambic beer and fishing. The project aims to provide an educational environment in which these processes are made visible to the public and local communities. By showcasing the brewery made from copper piping and plywood, the model brings the concept to life and highlights the integration of architecture with the brewing and fishing industries and the wider ecology of Norfolk.

Student details

• Oli Rash is the student behind the “Amphibious Hydrological Dwelling” project.
• Oli Rash is enrolled in the Oxford Brookes University’s BA (Hons) Architecture program.

Project 7

Description

This section does not have a specific project description. Please refer to the original article for more information.

Materials used

This section does not have a specific list of materials used. Please refer to the original article for more information.

Concept

This section does not have a specific concept behind the project. Please refer to the original article for more information.

Student details

This section does not have specific student details. Please refer to the original article for more information.

Project 8

Description

This section does not have a specific project description. Please refer to the original article for more information.

Materials used

This section does not have a specific list of materials used. Please refer to the original article for more information.

Concept

This section does not have a specific concept behind the project. Please refer to the original article for more information.

Student details

This section does not have specific student details. Please refer to the original article for more information.

Project 9

Description

This section does not have a specific project description. Please refer to the original article for more information.

Materials used

This section does not have a specific list of materials used. Please refer to the original article for more information.

Concept

This section does not have a specific concept behind the project. Please refer to the original article for more information.

Student details

This section does not have specific student details. Please refer to the original article for more information.

Conclusion

Summary of the student projects

The nine student projects showcased in this article demonstrate the creativity and innovation of young architects. Each project presents a unique concept and utilizes intricate 3D models to bring the designs to life. From exploring the future of abandoned movie studios to reimagining urban intervention, these projects showcase the diverse range of ideas and approaches within the field of architecture.

Importance of architectural models

Architectural models play a crucial role in the design process. They provide a tangible representation of ideas and concepts, allowing architects to better visualize and communicate their designs. Models allow for a deeper understanding of the spatial qualities, materiality, and overall experience of a design. They also serve as valuable tools for collaboration and feedback, enabling architects to refine their designs and make informed decisions.

Future of architectural modeling

While digital technologies are becoming increasingly prevalent in the field of architecture, the creation of physical architectural models remains an important practice. The tactile nature of physical models allows for a deeper engagement with the design process and a more intuitive exploration of spatial relationships. As technology continues to advance, the integration of digital and physical modeling techniques will likely become more common, offering architects new possibilities for design exploration and communication. However, the unique qualities and value of physical models will continue to be appreciated and utilized in the future of architectural modeling.