An Architectural Physical Model is a tangible, three-dimensional scale representation of a building, structure, or site. Architects use it to visualize, test, and communicate design ideas in a way that drawings or digital models sometimes cannot.

A physical model can represent:

• Overall massing (shape and volume)
• Spatial relationships between buildings
• Façade design and proportions
• Site context (roads, landscape, neighboring buildings)
• Structural concepts or circulation paths

• 1:500 / 1:1000 – Urban planning & site context
• 1:200 / 1:100 – Building massing & layout
• 1:50 / 1:20 – Detailed interiors or façade systems

• Foam board
• Basswood or balsa wood
• Cardboard or paper
• Acrylic or plastic sheets
• 3D-printed components