Models and Dioramas

I’m an exhibition content developer at the Canadian Museum of Architecture, where I research, design, and build models, electronic interactives, and other display content.
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Here are some model projects and my process for developing them, using a model of the Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct in France, as a case.
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At the bottom, you can see some examples of other models I’ve made.

Research

For each model project I begin by reading and gathering sources that will help provide background on the topic, as well as references for when it comes to designing, such as scholarly articles and archival documents.

Drawings

Especially useful at this point are architectural drawings and artists’ renderings that can detail the technical and aesthetic aspects of the building.

Computer Modeling

When I’m satisfied with the sources I’ve gathered, I’ll start building the model on the computer. I start by laying out the basics of the model - the outside measurements, construction lines, etc. Then I begin converting the technical drawings into 3D models.

During this time I'll also settle on a scale for the model, and that can involve building some cardboard mockups of it so see the sizing in real life.

I may also find a pre-existing computer model of a building, and if possible, use it and turn it into a 3D-printable piece.

Model Layout

With the computer model coming along, I can begin planning how it will fit into the model base - the surrounding scene and landscape.

I may import a slice of land from Google Maps, or else design the landscape using topographical maps, scaled down to the appropriate size for the model.

I will then plan out the outside dimensions of the model base, its walls, and whatever support structure it may need.

Physical Model Progress

Once the model base is all planned out, I can create a cut list and begin assembling it.

At this point the model structure will be 3D printed, or else built by hand, depending on the desired look and budget.

Scale model of a stone aqueduct bridge under construction with miniature workers and cranes, set beside a green hill and water.

Detailed miniature model of workers constructing a stone arch bridge using pulleys and wooden scaffolding.

Some other projects:

Pont du Gard

Iron Bridge

Medieval Farm

Eastern State Penitentiary

Built Landscape

Pont du Gard

The Iron Bridge

Early Medieval Farm

Eastern State Penitentiary

Built Landscape