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The architectural model – „idea materialis“
Zusammenfassungen - Résumés - Abstracts
Hardly any science would disregard models: they seem to accommodate the
empiric sciences in particular, as models appear to be well prepared to endure constant
adaptation and advancement. Models seem to be associated more closely to methods
than to theories, although there are great numbers of model-theories, of course. More
important will be the ascertainment of models containing either rather explanatory or,
else, rather aligning/systematising function. The latter often being labelled as
“modelling” – employing, as often done, image and metaphor from the artistic field.
Architectural models are distinguished by their essential link to the object’s physical reality,
in general of a building, anticipated by the model. They prove physical in their own
right – at least in their “base lines”. Leonbattista Alberti allocates the correct “place” of
models in a centralised position in-between the abstract and geometrical simplification
and anticipation of the “lineamenta” and the built “structura”, accomplished to
the “finitio”. According to what will be assembled to the term “idea materialis”, later on.
Subsequently models are an idea or imagination `already´ or `partially´ grown physical;
they are `visible´, and therefore models are referred to in building deeds as
“visualisation”, incidentally. Models ought to be exemplary in reference to sensory
perception, the `aisthesis´, as well. The “physiological simplicity” constitutes the actual
model character or, else, the asset of a model, according to the model’s intention
or suggestion. Since Alberti, this central position is being intentional – including the
accompanying (desired) flexibility; “exemplar” (representing the exemplary, singular
archetype) and “modulus” (representing the authoritative, fundamental model) form the
model term by Alberti.
The physical character of architectural models discloses the entire repertoire of
physical-mechanical applications and opportunities in dealing with – initially – abstract
ideas. Models are centred in the inventive and (modern) design process; their
physical assets are the more weighty, as they permit a close cooperation of
speculative-abstract and empiric-material approaches.
Modelle und Architektur - Les maquettes et l´architecture - Models and Architecture 65