In 2021 as part of the Shaping Space - Architectural Models Revealed exhibition, the Building Centre and V&A launched an Open Call for the submission of architectural models from around the world.
Shaping Space spotlit the essential yet under-explored role that architectural models play in shaping the spaces we live in, and we asked for submissions to focus on three questions:
- Why do you make models?
- How do you make models?
- Who are models for?
We received many incredible submissions that revealed the diversity and significance of making architectural models. You can view them in the online gallery below!
Earlsman chat show, by Aaron Jones, made from faux finish prints, 3d prints and paints.
Design Proposal by Adam Burgess. Made from Balsa wood, cardboard and polystyrene.
Dulwich Pavilion by Pricegore. Made from timber, piano wire, paint, cork and paper.
Social Housing Project for Pembury Estate in Hackney by Mowatt & Company. Made fromoak, card and etched metal.
Homebase Building in Brentford by Grimshaw Architects, made from all metal.
Biotica by Ben Waldron, made from foam cylinder, resin, fibre glass and Perspex.
Hydrosocial Cities by Carrie Coningsby, made from wooden dowels and recycled-plastic-terrazzo plaster.
Planning Permission Granted by Mobile Studio Architects
Chimaera by Atelier W!P, made from Ramin Wood and glue.
1:20 Interior Model by Donal O'Cionnfhaolaidh, made from car, balsa and clay.
Outdoor Pavilion by Eleena Jamil architects, made from balsa wood, model cards, black string, latex and glue.
Repurposing of derelict garages for Poplar Works by Adams & Sutherland, made from Balsa wood, card and tracing paper.
Model Study of Spatial and tectonic potentials by Gomes + Staub Architects, made from weathered timber, copper wire, foamboard, gypsum plaster and asphalt.
1:50 working model of Bag: Inside Out at V&A by Studio MUTT, made from hand-cut card, paper, ink, pen.
Model for Bicycle Workshop by Grisilda Kalci, made from Coper foil and foamboard.
The Beauty of Violence by Jack Boyle, made from paint, CNC fabrication and 3D printing.
1:50 Long Section of an Art Gallery for Bradford by Jamie Reed and Jonathan Barker, made from balsa wood, plywood, paint, card, glue and greyboard.
Family House - Interweaving in Prague by Sepka Architects, made from solid wood and veneer and transparent resin.
The Moss Hut by Jeremy Melling, made from timber, moss, steel, sheep's wool, felt and 3-D printing.
Public Playground in Eastleigh, Hampshire by John Puttick Associates, made from timber veneer, 3D printed polymer and foamboard.
Poliart Studio by Julia Mitsidi and Stefanos Nearchou, made from white cardboard and dried dyed gypsophila.
1:100 Working model by Kaspar ter Glane, made from paper and glue.
Bantam Stair 2009-2017 by Keith Wiley, made from ebony and wood.
Proposal for an intervention in Market Square in Letterkenny by Howland Evans Architects, made from foamboard, greycard, coloured paper, balsa wood, glue and double-sided tape.
Final 1:10 Model for Solus Project by Jack Mewett, Emma Wilkes, Monty Lau and Lola Leforestier, made from raw wood, balsa, salt dough and string.
Shortlisted competition model by Fettle Studio, made from laser cut and sprayed MDF.
Unfinished Symphony: Reimagining/ e-building/ Re-using Mozart's London House by Studio Dera, made from a Jesmonite cast and 3D printing.
Saigon's Women Business Hub by Max Friedlander, made from plywood, mdf, paper and polymer.
Undergraduate Proposal by Melissa Eagleton, made from lasercut and timber.
1:50 scaled Sectional model for the Photography Centre at V&A by Gibson Thornley Architects
3D printed SLS model by Ingenhoven LLP, Singapore, made from 3D printing.
Process model by Nathalie Hurlestone, made from watercolour paper with grey base
Series of models at varying scales testing material and spatial qualities by NVBL, made from spruce timber, plaster and oak samples.
Building Proposal by Oliver Cummings, made from concrete.
1:200 pop-up model of Roupell & Brad Streets, London, SE1 by Phillipa Longson, RARA Collective - made from 300gsm Aquarelle Arches French Rag Cotton Paper sheets.
1:250 Marketing model by Glenn Howell Architects, made from laser cut, acrylic floors, resin and 3D power printed base.
Hackney New Primary School 2021 by Studio Youel, made from lime and wood.
Dolphins Hall Community and Sports Pavilion by Archio, made from timber, paper, wood veneer, foamboard and corrugated paper.
Interior Study Model, New Dining Hall, Homerton College, Cambridge by Feilden Fowles Architects, made from softwood ply, walnut sheet, printed paper and brass.
Third Year University Project by Ryan Birch, made from balsa, card and foamboard.
Sectional & Elevational Model through lecture Hall and Roof garden by Ryan Hillier, made from laser cut, ply/foamboard, acrylic, card zinc sheet and haematite.
Experimental Model 2021 by Samuel Bradford, made from foamboard, plaster, sand, earth, balsa wood and plastic sheets.
1:50 First Year Project by Shix Wang, made from cardboard, craft paper and balsa wood
Colour Field by Studio Naama, made from lasercut, MDF, acetate sheets, polycarbonate envelope and LED lights.
El Gouna Concert Hall by Studio Seilern, made from lasercut Plexiglass and timber veneer.
Parma Forum by Theo Jones, made from handcut card and acrylic.
Alfred Place by DSDHA, made from 3D printing and etched brass.
1:50 Sectional Model of Final BA Project by Tom Matthews, made from plywood and cardboard
Kai McLaughlin's model of the reuse of an ancient Roman cistern at Piscina Mirabilis. Made of cast of a mixture of cement, sand, plaster, polymer and pigment, paper, metal.
Fraser Architects' 1:50 scale model of a community youth space in Newhaven East Sussex, plywood.
Shaping Space: Architectural Models Revealed was funded by the AHRC, led by the V&A and the Building Centre.
We would like to thank our supporters; Amalgam Modelmaking, 4D Modelshop, B.15 Workshop, Drawing Matter, GHA Group, The University of Manchester, MAP Laboratory (CNRS), and Model Platform.
