Thursday Posting: Architectural Models

Miniature

“Scale Models are a basic mechanism used to understand, explore and conceptualize architecture.”

            -Albert C. Smith

Smith, Albert.  Architectural Model as Machine. http://books.google.com/books?id=2-9uqRbXk9IC&pg=PA112&lpg=PA112&dq=perfection,+architectural+model&source=bl&ots=JKsvgk5bIn&sig=peKEvoUT03e15NUia00MQHbctlM&hl=en&ei=zwDUScSzONLVlQeL5JnVDA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5#PPP6,M1

 

In his book Smith discusses the importance of architectural models and miniatures in general as an important part of the design process.  Smith’s book breaks down the architectural model into 5 parts: Define/Divine/Design, The changing mechanism of the scale model, Scale model as machine, Machine as scale model machine, Pandora and the modern scale model machine.  In his chapter about the model machine, Smith states: The model machine extends humanity’s modest ability to measure the perceived chaos of the unknown.  However, as Louis Kahn’s example reveals, without the perceived proportions offered by a trusted analogy to mediate, humans may find only a frightening loss of control over their understanding of the world.”

Reading excerpts from Smith’s book was very informative, as I have recently begin to look at my work as being miniature models of communities.  Smith’s essays on the functionality of models in the architectural design process gave me helpful information that will help me in developing a stronger thesis for my series.