Modelle und Architektur Les Maquettes d ... - Aktuell - TUM

display scientific evidence as well as in terms of teaching tools.
Ziele - Objectives - Aims
4. Historic constructions and development of new technical structures
Models are employed for researching technical possibilities in building projects or
representing constructive details. The scientific discipline of engineering sciences
includes the exploration of existing structures as well as applying models for the development
of new construction types. The example of the reconstructed hanging model
for the church Colonia Güell in Barcelona by Gaudí illustrates the interlock between the
topics: A historic, though unfinished, building is being concerned and will be displayed,
but not just representing but rather in terms of researching means to accomplish the
building and, at the same time new construction techniques will be examined on the
basis of the model. Especially research projects in the long run, such as the `hanging
model´ running since 1982, indicate the necessity of interdisciplinary exchange between
European scientists.
5. Architectural visualisation
The field of architectural visualisation can be divided into practice and theory: `practice´
includes new technologies in model building and recently developed representation
techniques, such as three-dimensional scanning of buildings. Whereas `theory´ hints
the models´ future prospect.
Model versus three-dimensional perspective – counterpoints ever since models compete
with an explosion of computer aided representation techniques and the pioneering
development of new technologies, such as three-dimensional printing methods. Recording
buildings by three-dimensional scanning and enabling therefore a virtual representation
is contributing to a changing approach of architectural visualisation.
Physical models still hold their centre position, as no other media of communication
equals their potential in non-verbal communication of ideas without being restricted by
cultural limits or languages. The exhibition of rare Chinese models, displayed contemporaneously
at the `Architekturmuseum´ acknowledges impressively the inter-cultural
presence of models.
The overview on the history of models will also regard aspects as material and possibilities
of representation. Especially most modern methods of model building ought to
be considered, which enable the realisation of architectural visualisation by using laser
mills and 3-D-printers.
Elke Nagel
Scientific assistant lecturer
Institute of Building History, Building Archaeology and Heritage Conservation
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Manfred Schuller
Technische Universität München
Modelle und Architektur - Les maquettes et l´architecture - Models and Architecture 19