Why are architectural models rarely made at random sizes, and instead almost always described with ratios like 1:100 or 1:500?
This seemingly simple number is actually the bridge between the world of imagination and the real world—and the fundamental logic behind the existence of architectural models.

So, why is scale so important?

1. It is the “translator” of size
Architectural drawings are two-dimensional documents with precise dimensions. A scale (such as 1:100) acts as a unified translation rule, telling us that 1 centimeter on the model represents 100 centimeters (1 meter) in reality. With this rule, massive structures tens of meters tall can be accurately reduced to tabletop size, while preserving correct proportional relationships between all elements.

2. It is the “remote control” of the whole
When building a model, it’s impossible to memorize the real-world dimensions of every window or stair. Scale solves this problem. You simply measure the drawing: if a window is 1.5 meters wide, then in a 1:100 model it should be 1.5 centimeters wide. When every component follows the same rule, all parts fit together seamlessly in the final assembly.

3. It determines the model’s focus of expression

• Large scales: Used to study construction details, interior spaces, and material junctions. You can clearly see wall thicknesses and stair handrails.

• Small scales: Used to express urban relationships, massing, and skyline profiles. A skyscraper may be no taller than a pencil, with emphasis placed on its relationship to the surrounding blocks.

Without a unified scale, models become distorted. Windows may appear oversized, doors undersized, and the entire building can look like a cartoon toy—offering no reliable reference for real construction. Scale is the foundation that elevates a model from a “toy” to a design tool.

Therefore, scale is not a restriction, but a language that ensures accurate communication of design intent. It allows a model to be more than just an attractive display—it becomes a precise instrument for thinking, discussion, and decision-making. Before making a model, the very first parameter to determine should be: What scale should I use?