In the realm of architectural design, client communication is key. By incorporating mockups or tangible representations of your design into the conversation, you can introduce a deeper level of connection and understanding to the project’s vision. These prototypes, available in both full-scale and miniature-scale versions, serve as critical checkpoints in the design process, ensuring accuracy and validation to concepts.
What are Architectural Design Mock Ups?
Mockups are three-dimensional representations of architectural designs, crafted to simulate various aspects of a project before its actual execution. They play a pivotal role in testing the feasibility and practicality of design elements, offering architects and designers invaluable insights into the project’s potential success. LGM 3D can convert 2D or 3D data from sources like Revit, Rhino and Sketchup, and develop real world 3D mockups of your architectural design.
Large Scale & Full Size Architectural Mock Ups
Large scale and full sized physical replicas allow architects to assess the functionality of the project’s elements. These mock ups can focus on facade design, structural integrity, or user experience. By introducing full scale mock ups into the design workflow, communication and comprehension can benefit. For instance, these 1:12 scale counter designs by Schiller Projects showcase three unique counter designs for a custom designed home. This scale clearly delineates materials like wood and concrete. By having these form samples for their client review, the architect was able to efficiently move forward with a chosen design.
This two foot tall structural engineering model for Moss Construction offered floor-to-floor design insight, enhancing both internal and external discussions about the building’s interior configuration. By investing in this design process tool, decisions were made quickly and with confidence, allowing the project to proceed to the next stage.
3D Printed Miniature Studies for Design Iteration
As an alternative, miniature scale models can act as powerful visual aids as well. Their compact yet comprehensive form can articulate design expression and intent for a wide audience. By taking advantage of their small footprint, DDG Partners iterated an exterior metal facade form several times to refine the design.
In another instance, DDG utilized a 3d printed section for a glazing and mullion study to develop the building facade of 180 East 88th Street in New York. These scaled down versions can be produced rapidly for a variety of project needs. We later developed a larger showroom model for their real estate sales experience. You can view the showroom model here >>
From Mock Up to Reality: Real World Installations
For design stages beyond an initial form study or mock up, we offer real world, install-ready components tailored to your project needs and specifications. The generative parametric wall mural design seen on the Minturn Public Restrooms is an example of this. CNC Machined wall panels were sliced from provided Rhino 3D data, then cut, labeled and shipped to the on site installer. There were 300 individual pieces.
F & M Architects envisioned whimsical hot air balloons floating throughout their client’s custom designed space. Due to the specified size, nothing was readily available on the market for purchase. LGM designed and manufactured these balloons, while F & M Architects completed the final construction documents for the space.
Creating mock-ups can come with challenges such as lead time, resource allocation, and in some cases upfront cost. However, leveraging advanced technologies like 3D printing and augmented reality can streamline the mock-up creation process, making it more cost-effective and time-efficient than ever before. The benefits of these design tools can help reduce long term communication hang ups and avoid scheduling hurdles, which has the ability to reduce overhead costs on the project.
Whether you are in the beginning stages of the design process or if you have construction documents in place, LGM 3D is here to assist. By developing prototypes of the design, architects ensure that the final product not only meets but exceeds expectations, delivering on the promise of uniqueness and functionality. From large scale mocks ups that are 4×4′ size to pint size replicas, we look forward to partnering on your next project.