SIMON MCKENZIE ARCHITECTURE
SIMON MCKENZIE ARCHITECTURE
COOP HIMMELB(L)AU
INTERNSHIP AT COOP HIMMELB(L)AU AS A MODEL MAKER
Vienna, Austria - 2012
It is the 21st Century, the digital age, the age of zoom. Much of the world works remotely or in some form of hybridized schedule and virtual interface is the norm. How do we design in this new era? Is physical model-making an outdated and irrelevant tool for design?
At Coop Himmelb(l)au, I spent four months as a model maker. My work was a hybrid of advanced rapid-prototyping blended with traditional model making techniques. Along with building a 3 meter tall model of the Bank of Azerbaijan, along with numerous study models for its design development, I built several presentation models of completed projects to be displayed at 2012 exhibition in Berlin.
Model of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan
Facade of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan
Having the ability to conduct material and formal explorations through physical modelling is an invaluable component of design and essential to innovation. It can augment our capacity as designers and is a physical expression, exhibiting to clients, visitors, as well as ourselves our creative process. In an increasingly digital age, the ability to design through physical craft; the opportunity for a tactile and real connection to form is vitally important.
In the 21st century, physical models remain invaluable in architecture design as tactile, tangible representations provide a holistic understanding of spatial relationships and design concepts. Despite technological advancements, physical models offer architects and stakeholders a tangible and collaborative tool, fostering a deeper connection with the design process and enhancing communication of ideas in a multidimensional manner.
Test Models for the design of the Atrium's Hanging Gardens
The images to the left are the design for the Hanging Gardens in the Atrium of the Tower. The models were constructed by 3D printing the skeletal structure, then laser cutting the panels. These were meant to represent perforated metal panels and structural steel, so everything was painted silver. By lighting the models from different angles, it becomes apparent how light (both natural and artificial) can interact with the hanging garden.
