ARCH 2003 - Building

Structures
FALL 2024
September 16, 2024
Dr. Bashir Elmabrouk
AES 300
E-mail: belmabro@msudenver.edu
303/229-4121
 Students Project Guide
• The project is your opportunity to explore an area of
interest that is unique to you. It is usually something
that you pursue outside the confines of school work or
your profession. It is a project that you are excited to
pursue because you’re intrinsically motivated to learn
about the topic and to devote time and energy to it.
• Most importantly, it is something that brings
you a sense of joy, intellectual and creative
fulfillment, and personal satisfaction, and
something you can proudly showcase on work
applications.
• Traditional Research Project Outcomes
1. Writing a research paper exploring a hypothesis or a question
2. Writing a review paper
3. Writing an experimental proposal
4. Competing in a science fair or a competition
• Creative Project Structures and Outcomes
1. Publishing a personal blog documenting your learning process
2. Producing a podcast on a topic you care about
3. Designing an infographic
4. Writing
5. Creating a piece of art
6. Presentation
Architectural Models
• This transform an abstract idea into a tangible model is
crucial for study, testing, and presentation. Crafting
these detailed models involves carefully selecting tools,
techniques, and materials, each playing a significant
role in the outcome.
• This guide explores these essential approaches,
providing invaluable insights for the students,
and hobbyists alike. Whether you’re a seasoned
professional or just starting out, mastering the art of
architectural model making can elevate your design
process to new heights.
Architecture student projects can take various
forms, includes:
1. Hand-drawn sketches
2. Digital renderings
3. Physical models and
4. Small-scale prototypes.
5. Blueprints
• Working on such projects can allow you to explore potential
career paths in architecture, interior design, urban planning,
or related fields, and understand what the work is like.
• Additionally, these passion projects provide an opportunity
for you to potentially collaborate with peers or seek
guidance/feedback from mentors in the architecture and
design community.
Find the Best Architecture Project
• The architectural landscape is very vast so it might
seem intimidating to approach an architecture project at
first, especially for first time.
• As a result, it’s important to first consider what you’re
as a teamwork interested in and your design
preferences before diving into any one project.
• It can be useful to first gain an understanding of the
different types of architecture, and then narrow down to
a few that stand out to you.
 Architecture Student
Project Ideas
• Architecture is the art and science of designing and
constructing buildings and other physical structures. It’s a
very interdisciplinary topic, with fields like civil
engineering, interior design, and environmental
sustainability all playing a key role.
• Perhaps you already have an innate interest in
architecture, or maybe you’re interested in one of the
adjacent fields mentioned above. Regardless, a research-
focused passion project can be a great way for students
to demonstrate their creativity and think critically.
Steps for Best Project
1. Understanding of the different types of architecture,
and
2. Narrow down to a few that stand out to you.

For example, you could search a type of architecture

like “healthcare architecture", explore various examples,
and read about the unique nature of the architecture
type and why it matters.
Techniques And Materials For
Architecture Models
Model Planning Basics for a Good Start
Good planning is the first step toward creating a
successful model. Determine the following:
1. Purpose: Is the model for study, display, or a
working prototype? The purpose will guide
your approach.
2. Scale: Smaller scales like 1:500 are suitable
for larger areas, while larger scales like 1:100
are better for showing finer details.
3. Level Of Detail: Study models can be basic,
while presentation models require realistic
materials and finishes.
4. Base: Think about the base of your model.
How will the model be mounted and displayed
for viewing?
5. Materials: The choice of materials should
align with your skills and the model’s purpose.
Steps to Bring Your Project to Fruition
Take an architectural idea and turn it into a digital
rendering or even a small-scale prototype. Here are some
steps to take to get you on the right path.
• Concept Development: Start by fleshing out your
idea. Define the purpose, function, and goals of the
project. Consider the site location, user needs, and any
specific design requirements.
Steps to Bring Your Project to
Fruition
• Research and Analysis: Research similar projects, relevant building codes
and regulations, and environmental factors. Start to analyze the site's
topography, climate, and surroundings.
• Sketching: Begin sketching rough concepts to explore different design
possibilities. Let your creativity flow and just see where it takes you!
• Preliminary Design: Develop the most promising ideas further, creating
more detailed sketches or digital representations. Consider the spatial
layout, building massing, and potential materials you would use for the
project.
• Design Development: Refine your chosen concept by adding more detail.
Create floor plans, elevations, sections, and 3D models to visualize the
project better.
• Budget and Cost Estimation: Develop a rough budget for the project by
estimating the costs of materials, labor, and other expenses. This will help
you determine if the project is financially viable.
• Sustainability and Energy Efficiency: Try to integrate sustainable design
principles and energy-efficient features into your plan. Consider factors like
natural ventilation, daylighting, and renewable energy sources.
 Essential Model Making Materials
• In architectural model making, choosing the right materials is as important
as mastering the techniques. Here are some common materials:

1. Balsa Wood: This is easy to cut and shape, making it ideal for creating strip-like framing elements.
2. Basswood: Thin sheets of basswood are perfect for surfacing or creating laser-cut detail parts.
3. Foamcore: This material coats easily and carves well, making it great for shaping base forms.
4. Acrylic Sheets: These are optically clear, making them a good choice for windows and glass
features.
5. Clay: You can sculpt and carve clay into any form.
6. Paper And Cardboard: These versatile sheet materials are often used for model surfaces.
7. Wood Veneer: For ultra-thin, real wood cladding texture, wood veneer is a great option.
The choice of material can greatly influence the look and feel of your model. Choose wisely
based on your design and the level of detail you want to achieve.
Tools To Create Models
Creating architectural models involves
various hand and power tools that aid
in cutting, shaping, and assembling:
1. Cutting Tools: These include hobby
knives, chisels, saws, snips, sanding files,
and miter boxes.
2. Drills And Drivers: Both manual and
electric drills are used to create clean pilot
holes.
3. Clamps: These tools are helpful in
holding parts together for gluing and
driving screws.
4. Tweezers: They’re used to place small
details and apply glue precisely.
5. Set of parallel pliers: They’re useful
for gripping, holding, and bending tasks in
metal parts.
Techniques For Architectural Model
Making
• Creating an architectural model is a meticulous process
that involves various techniques.
1.Cutting And Shaping
2.Joining And Gluing
3.Smoothing And Filling
4.Priming
5.Painting And Coloring
6.Protective Coating
1.Cutting And Shaping
• After planning your model and gathering your tools and materials, the next
step is cutting and shaping.
• Measure And Mark: Start by carefully measuring and marking the cuts
needed for each component. This step is crucial as it sets the foundation for
the rest of your model.
• Use Straightedges And Hobby Knives: With your measurements marked,
use straightedges and hobby knives to cut sheet materials accurately.
Precision in this step ensures a clean and accurate representation of your
design.
• Score And Snap: For materials like foamcore or basswood, employ the score
and snap technique to achieve clean curved cuts. This allows for greater
control and precision.
• Sand Cut Edges: After cutting, sand the edges smooth before assembly. This
improves the fit and enhances the overall finish of your model.
• Cutting and shaping require precision and patience, but the end result makes
it all worthwhile.
2.Joining And Gluing
• Once the components are cut and shaped, it’s time for joining and
gluing. This is more than just sticking pieces together; it’s about
creating a strong and stable structure.
• Different types of adhesives are suited to different materials and
purposes. For instance, white glue is effective for bonding foam and mat
boards. It creates a neat and sturdy bond, making it ideal for larger
pieces. On the other hand, cyanoacrylates, commonly known as
superglue, offer quick adhesion and are particularly useful for detailed
sections that require a strong bond in a short amount of time.
• When working with materials like basswood framing, you might need to
drill pilot holes to attach components with pins or micro-screws. This
ensures a secure fit without splitting the wood.
• Regardless of the type of adhesive you use, it’s important to apply it
sparingly. Too much glue can lead to messy seepage and smudges on
visible materials, which can detract from the overall appearance of your
model.
3.Smoothing And Filling
• After the assembly of your model, you might notice some gaps, seams, or
imperfections. These can be filled using specialty hobby putty designed
for models. This putty is formulated to adhere well to model materials and
dries hard for durability.
• Once the putty is dry, the next step is sanding. Sand the filled areas until
the fix blends smoothly and invisibly into the rest of the surface. This step
ensures a seamless look and feel, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your
model.
4.Priming
• Once your model is assembled and smoothed, it’s time for priming.
Priming prepares your model for painting by creating a uniform surface
that paint can adhere to effectively.
• Prime all surfaces with gesso or specially formulated model primer. This
step also helps bring out the details of your model by providing a neutral
base for your paint colors. Remember, a well-primed model will result in a
more professional-looking finish.
5.Painting And Coloring
• After priming, your model is now ready for painting and coloring. This is where your
model starts to come alive as you add colors and textures that reflect your design vision.
• Brush Painting And Airbrushing: Brush painting provides coverage, while airbrushing
adds a level of smoothness and uniformity that can’t be achieved with a brush alone. The
choice between the two often depends on the level of detail and finish you’re aiming for.
• Adding Dimension: To add dimension and depth to your model, consider using colored
pencils, pastels, and washes for detailing and shading. These tools can help highlight the
unique features of your design and make your model more realistic.
• Simulating Real-World Finishes: Use wood stains, metallic paints, and stone texturing
paints to simulate real-world finishes. These can give your model a more authentic look
and feel, closely mirroring the materials you would use in a full-scale version.
• With the right painting and coloring techniques, your architectural model can accurately
represent your design vision.
6.Protective Coating
• After all the hard work of planning, cutting, shaping, joining, smoothing, filling, priming,
and painting, it’s important to protect your model with a protective coating.
• Seal your completed models with matte, satin, or gloss clear coats to protect your paint
jobs. This preserves your work while enhancing the overall appearance of your model.
• With these steps, your architectural model is now complete. Each step in the process,
from the initial planning to the final protective coating, has a crucial impact on the
outcome of your model.
What are some ideas for a project to get
started?
• Looking for inspiration about what your architecture project
focus should be? Here’s a list of possible research topic areas to
consider:

1. Slum Redevelopment (How can they be designed for better sanitation and well-
being?)
2. Hospital Architecture (Different temperature and plumbing considerations need to
be made).
3. Redesigning Spaces Under Elevated Roads (How can we put that space to better use and give it a
purpose?)
4. Urban Parks (parks can act as great green spaces for cities and bring communities together.)
5. Reusing abandoned buildings (What are some modern use cases for old buildings?)
6. Jail (To make jails a place of change check out some contemporary examples for
inspiration)
7. Courtrooms (This is a unique opportunity)
8. Disaster - Resilient Structures ( pick one specific natural disaster to focus on.)
9. Nature-Inspired Architecture ( creative, See if you can incorporate visual elements from nature into
your physical project)
10. Train Stations, Bus Terminal, or Airport (require careful designing of spaces)
11. Sport Complex (consider specific sport )
12. Museum (should reflect the kinds of things that are displayed in the exhibitions).
Architectural model
making is a blend of
art and science.
• With the right tools,
techniques, and
materials, you can
transform your design
concepts into tangible
models.
• Keep crafting, keep
learning, and most
importantly, enjoy the
process. Happy model
making!
 How Can I Showcase my
Project?
• Showcasing your work and research is extremely
important.
• After planning, sketching, and visualizing your designs,
work for your architecture project presentation.

• Showcasing research is not only for others; it's for you

too! You deserve to present your project in the most
compelling way possible.
• Many ways you can
choose to present your
architecture passion
project:
1. You could choose to create
a digital portfolio with
images, renderings, or
drawings showing your
designs.
2. You could also create a 3D
virtual tour of your project
using ArchiCAD to create a
more interactive
experience.
3. Presenting your project
must involve creating a
physical model of your
building.
How Can I
Showcase my
Project?
4. Your presentation should stay
consistent the story behind your
project.
5. Show the audience the entire
process - from your early ideas
and sketches to later stage
details.
6. Explain how you came up with
ideas and what might have
inspired you in the process. These
storytelling details can really
enhance a project!
Summary
• The act of creating architectural models by hand is being replaced
over time by increasingly sophisticated digital CAD programs
and rendering software.
• The models vary in appearance according to what they intend to
show, for example, sectional models show a building that has been
cut in half to show the interior and site models show an entire
building and a portion of its surroundings.

• The students, who are enrolled in

both undergraduateand postgraduate architecture degree courses,
have utilised a spectrum of materials to create their models,
including clay, concrete, wood and plastic.
• Conclusion
• I concluded her how
to find the right
architecture passion
project for you, how to
turn your ideas into
reality, different
project ideas, and how
to showcase your
work.
• Architecture passion
projects are a great
way to get hands-on
experience with the
field and there are so
many different
options to explore.
Materials Used in Construction
Building materials are commonly classified into two origins:
A. Natural and B. Manmade.
The list of materials used in building construction is as follows:
1. Bricks
2. Wood
3. Cement
4. Concrete
5. Steel
6. Ready Mix Concrete
7. Binding Wire
8. Stones
9. Aggregates
10. Blocks
 Blocks
• Blocks are modular
construction units made from
materials like concrete, clay, or
aerated concrete. These units
vary in shape and size, each
tailored for specific
construction needs. They play
a fundamental role in creating
walls, partitions, and structural
elements in construction
projects. Blocks are
construction materials known
for their strength, stability, and
ease of installation, making
them a practical choice for
Advantages, Disadvantages and
Uses
 Aggregates
• Aggregates are granular
materials used in construction,
typically including crushed
stone, gravel, sand, or recycled
materials like concrete and
asphalt. These components
serve as the foundational
building blocks for various
construction projects, such as
roads, buildings, and bridges.
• Aggregates provide structural
support, aiding in the
distribution of weight and
enhancing the strength of
concrete and asphalt mixtures.
With a diverse range of sizes
and types available, aggregates