Scaling and scale models

This example begins a thread on scaling and scale models.

A good general discussion of scale models is Ian Gibson, Thomas Kvan, and Ling Wai Ming, “Rapid prototyping for architectural models,” pdf.

Here are pictures of our scale model for the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, at a scale of 1/4 inch = 1 foot, or 1/48th size. The purpose of the model is to prepare for my upcoming sculpture show at the Aldrich. We also made sculptures and human figures at 1:48. This set of pictures shows the pieces Rocket Science, Zerlina’s Smile, and 2 sizes of Tong Bird of Paradise (10 feet and 20 feet tall or 2.5 inches and 5 inches in scale) placed on the model.

Here are studies of sculpture placement near the Aldrich buildings (our plans for the 1.5 acre Aldrich Sculpture garden are still in progress).

The scale model is on a fairly high table. I then roll around the model on a low chair so that my view of the model simulates the view of a museum visitor. Everyone seems to enjoy the model and especially all the little scaled sculptures that we usually see 48 times larger.

The model shows shadows over time. Our sun shadow is not all that different from the Aldrich sun shadow. The model is correctly oriented NSEW and is located only 35 miles away from the Aldrich:

model location   41.49N,  -72.91W

Aldrich location 41.25N,  -73.49W

So far I’ve learned that the abrupt contours shown in scale models are contrary to the land, visually noisy, and sometimes are alas the strongest visual element in the scene. Maybe we’ll drape some grass-colored light paper over the abrupt foam contours. I also learned that scale models should be checked for errors and omissions.

For the sculpture show, it appears that Zerlina’s Smile will cast good shadows on the museum building, that Rocket Science should be moved away from its planned position, and that it is great fun to move the little pieces around the little buildings and grounds.

Below, images of the real museum: