Model Builder Career Description
In the world of architecture, interior design, landscape architecture and town planning, models have been used for ages in countries such as the USA and the UK. In South Africa, architects and draughtsman generally built models in the architect's office. Over the past twenty to thirty years, model building has developed in South Africa into a profession of its own, with developers realizing only in the past decade the true value and advantages of scale models.
What am I going to do in this occupation?
Model builders' interpret and transpose the architect's drawings into a three-dimensional reproduction. The model constructs will be on a specific scale and the materials used will imitate the proposed building materials. Their miniature construction enables the architect to present the developer or owner with a concrete example of the proposed building or project.
The model greatly contributes towards the final decision as to whether the architect's proposed building is to be built or not and therefore it is important that the model is a neat, impressive reproduction of the architect's plans and design. The model has to reflect the precise proportions and balances of colour that the architect intends.
Presently models are one of the greatest marketing tools for developers. Drawings and plans alone often confuse potential clients. The model will more or less show them what the finished project will look like, thus enabling developers to sell space or time-share before the actual construction of the building has started.
Model builders manufacture various types of models, which may be divided into the following categories: block models, semi detailed or working models, fully-detailed models and interior models.
The general purpose of the block model is to visualize architectural forms three dimensionally. The model usually shows the contours and all buildings are mainly blocks with no detail.
Semi-detailed models are used where the scale is too small to show detail, as well as in cases where developers or architects want a "quick" model to visualize the effect and position of a building.
Fully-detailed models show precisely what the project or building will look like after completion and it is important that the finest detail is depicted.
Interior models depict the interior decorating of the building. Model builders are expected to make the furniture to scale.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need?
Model builders are expected to have some artistic talent, be adept at working with fine detail and be able to visualize two-dimensional drawings three-dimensionally. Neatness, initiative, creativity, accuracy and good concentration are important. They must have patience and co-ordination to produce the finest detail.
Model builders must have good human relationships, for all projects are usually done in groups of three or more persons. Model building is labor-intensive with very tight deadlines, which means that long working hours are often required. Model builders should therefore be dedicated towards their work.
It is however a very rewarding and satisfying career. Like buildings, no two models are ever the same. Every project involves new challenges and new ideas.
Where can I work?
Job opportunities for model builders depend entirely on the state of the building industry. During an upswing, model builders may be employed by model building firms.
Some architectural firms, town planning firms and large building firms may also be able to employ model builders, depending on the amount of models that these firms build per year. Architectural firms usually require that persons have experience in model building as well as draughting.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
With the necessary experience and cash, persons can start their own model building businesses and do work for architectural and building firms.
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