Design & Iterate through Making...

PHYSICAL model as a tool for design

When I started at LMN Architects as an Intern Architect, I was greatly involved in making physical models. At LMN, digital fabrication tools such as Laser Cutter, 3D Printer and CNC Router are available to support design team. Here, physical model is not only for representation, but also a prototyping tool to help visualize ideas, test & evaluate design options, and further iterations.

It is common for the model to be ripped apart, rearranged and updated as the building design evolves over years. For example, the Washington State Convention Center Study Model shown below has been ripped apart and worked on by many hands over the course of three years.

Seattle Waterfront Aquarium Site Model

nov 2017 - dec 2017

project site: seattle, wa

project phase: pre-design

model team: liem tran, sally tsang ( other staffs continue to modify till today)

Aquarium Model

Left: High Fidelity Model 1' = 1/16"

Middle: Low Fidelity Model 1' = 1/32"

Right: Ongoing options of Proposal

AUG 2016

1' = 1/32" Model for Competition Interview

( Made by Competition Team)

AUG 2016

Different Massing Iteractions on the 1' = 1/32" Model for Competition Interview

( Made by Competition Team)

DEC 2016

Since our firm won the project, we have to start designing at higher fidelity. Therefore, Liem and I made a 1"=1/16" site model to house future design schemes.

DEC 2016

Photo shows setup for a fundraising meeting. The 1'=1/16" site model overlaid on a map, demonstrating how our future aquarium will integrate with James Corner Field Operation's vision of Seattle waterfront. The series of objects on left are quick massing studies of the proposed aquarium pavilion.