Scale Models and Topo Tables

As a professional Model Maker who has built Scale Models for some of the largest design, film and media firms in the world, it is my belief that Scale Models have been instrumental in the imagination and creation of design since design’s beginning.

The oldest Scale Model discovered is a small carved boat recovered from ancient Sumerian ruins. Perhaps it was a child’s toy, who dreamed of becoming a sailor. More likely it was used to design a fishing vessel or maybe a military craft.

The two most influential works of U.S. architecture were both built as Scale Models. Thomas Jefferson, the man President Kennedy declared was the smartest person to ever grace the White House, deemed scale models built of his Virginia State Capital Building, his Monticello home, and his University of Virginia “absolutely necessary”. If Jefferson believed this, who can argue?

The same day The New York Times proclaimed the start of The Great Depression, John D Rockefeller Jr announced his plans to build Rockefeller Center. Despite the developing economic crisis, “John Jr” went forward with his plans and hired the best architects and engineers of his day and created a masterpiece in design that set the standard for city planning.

Rockefeller commissioned a Scale Model of his design, and displayed his Model in the 1930’s Chicago World’s Fair, the “Century of Progress International Exposition”, who’s theme was “innovation”. John D Rockefeller Jr wished to show Americans that America can build, despite current economic hardships.

It was my privilege to have been the sole restorer of this original scale model. Fifty years after it was built, John Jr’s Model was brought out of storage to celebrate Rockefeller Center’s fiftieth anniversary. I cleaned, refurbished, and placed this beautiful Scale Model made entirely out of inlaid wood in the exhibit’s center display.

I began my career up in New York, where I met and worked for Rockefellers and Kennedy’s, Muppets and magnates. I assisted Oscar winning film directors, world transforming architects, and the occasional dreamer who’s dream became a reality, such as “The Giant Illuminated Snowflake” that suspends over New York’s Fifth Avenue & 57th Street each holiday season.

Returning to Tampa Bay, where I was born and raised, I began building Scale Models for local architects and developers under the professional name: “Architecte Miniatura”. One of my first was Westchase in Tampa. A beautiful project that, I personally believe, set the standard of local residential golf course living. I continued building Scale Models of beautiful golf course and condo projects up and down Florida’s West Coast. Each of my Scale Models became their Welcome Center’s primary sales display. Other media are used to supplement a Scale Model to help sell, but nothing sells as effectively as a 3-dimensional display.

With every assignment I am always the first to see each new design - in miniature. Delivering my Scale Models I enjoy the look of pleasure on everyone’s face. No other display is appreciated or desired as much by a sales staff as a Scale Model.

A Scale Model, more than any other display, looks real. It’s three dimensional. It can be touched, held in your hands. It is the only display that offers a full view of the entire project from every single angle all at the same time. A Scale Model appeals to everyone - young and old. And, a Scale Model is beautiful.

“Your Scale Model looks like a million dollars!” - Florida Marketing Director

article by : Hans Carl Clausen : “Mr Model”

https://www.linkedin.com/in/architecteminiatura

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