This book offers an explanation of why scale models are important to the design process. Albert Smith takes the reader through the history and significance of models in architecture from the magic of the Egyptian scale model to the present day.


Through this description of the relationship between architecture and the scale model, Smith demonstrates the most effective process between concept and 'machine', between the idea and the final building. The great value of this book is to reveal the nature of the scale model and to unlock the tremendous potential of this design tool as a thinking and communicative advice.

His chronological analysis goes on from Egypt through Rome to the relationship between the Greek paradigm scale model and then on to Medieval and Renaissance models. It concludes with the models of the Spanish architect Antonio Gaudi, the Russian Constructivists, the American architect Louis Khan and finally looks at the role of scale models in the present day through the work of the Polish/American architect Daniel Libeskind and the American Frank Gehry.

* First book to address the question of why and how architects use scale models for projects allowing designers to learn the most effective ways of communicating their ideas through the model medium * A unique insight into the dynamic thought process of designers through history to the present day to inspire today's practitioners
Reviews

'An extremely well-written and researched piece and, from my perspective, a deeply absorbing work.'
Tom Porter, author of Architectural Supermodels

Book Information
ISBN 9780750656344
Author Albert Smith
Format Paperback
Page Count 178
Imprint Architectural Press
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 272g