Useful books for architectural model makers
A selection of useful books for architectural model making, ranging from model construction and techniques, to use of materials.
1. Nick Dunn, 2. Modelmaking for architects by Mark Driscoll, 3. Model Building by Roark T. Congdon
1. Architectural model making by Nick Dunn
Nick Dunn is a professor of Urban Design at ImaginationLancaster at the Lancaster Institute for the Contemporary Arts, Lancaster University. He is well known amongst the model making industry. I found his book extremely helpful while I was studying. It focuses on different types of models and how they are used, with a brief history of architectural model making.
This book is available from 4d modelshop here
2. Modelmaking for Architects by Mark Driscoll
Available from 4d modelshop here
3. Architectural Model Building by Roark T. Congdon
This book can be purchased here
4. An Architectural model by Will Strange, 5. Architectural Models by Ansgar Oswald, 6. Construction and Design Manual
4. An Architectural model by Will Strange
Will Strange is a lecturer at the Arts university in Bournemouth, where he teaches architectural model making. His book focuses on basic construction techniques for making models.
From the book’s introduction:
“Many books are available that describe the use of scale models in ‘getting to’ the design of buildings and structures. Many offer insight into the history, meaning and importance of the act of modelmaking. It is the aim of this book to do neither of those and instead to offer a description of the techniques employed by professional modelmakers in the making of a great many commercial models that are commissioned regularly.”
This book can be bought here or here
5. Architectural Models by Ansgar Oswald
Available here
6. Construction and Design Manual: Architectural Models by Pyo Mi Young
Available to purchase here
7. Conceive, Create and Convince, 8. Architectural Supermodels, 9. Construction Techniques by Wolfgang Knoll
7. Model Making: Conceive, Create and Convince by Arjan Karssen & Bernard Otte
Arjan and Bernard offer a step-by-step guide in creating architectural models through their own experience in education and professional practice. The book covers three areas of focus: research, communication and presentation models.
Available here
8. Architectural Supermodels: Physical Design Simulation by Tom Porter
Available to buy here
9. Architectural Models: Construction Techniques by Wolfgang Knoll & Martin Hechinger
This book can be purchased here
10. Modelmaking by Megan Werner, 11. Modeling Messages: The Architect and the Model by Karen Moon
10. Modelmaking by Megan Werner
This book explores many different materials and can be purchased here.
11. Modeling Messages: The Architect and the Model by Karen Moon
Available to buy here
12. Beautiful Lego, 13. Lego Architecture: The visual guide, 14. Origami Architecture
12. Beautiful LEGO by Mike Doyle
13. Lego Architecture: The visual guide by Philip Wilkinson
14. Origami Architecture: Papercraft Models of the World's Most Famous Buildings by Yee
15. Woodwork, 16. Understanding Wood, 17. Complete Guide to Joint-Making, 18. Wood identification
15. Woodwork: A Step-by-step Photographic Guide by Colin Eden-Eadon
16. Understanding Wood: A Craftsman's Guide to Wood Technology by R.Bruce Hoadley
17. Complete Guide to Joint-Making by John Bullar
18. Wood Identification & Use by Terry Porter
