Construction models, more than just a marketing gimmick

by  — 23 November 2013

Making models for construction projects is more than just a marketing gimmick. Khalid Al Jaber explains why investing in good quality models is a good idea.

This model, done by Innovation Technologies GmbH, shows the inside view of MyZeil Mall in Frankfurt City.

Size does not matter. The quality of a construction model depends on how well it reflects the actual building regardless of its small size. Some might think, especially in the Middle East, that the use of these models is to enhance sales and is therefore only required at the beginning of the project, thereby tempting many companies to go with low-quality models made of cheaper material.

However, investing in a good quality model can enhance projects. Investors all over the world, particularly those in Europe, pay a great deal of attention to the details of a project’s model, focusing on various stages from introduction to execution.

In Germany for example, most advanced companies allocate a large amount of money for models to be made with high quality materials and supported with lighting which work as a mirror image of the project, as well as an exhibition tool. For international exhibitions, modular models can be dismantled and transported anywhere in the world. 

To fit the changing requirements of the project, model companies have now started to provide post-sales services as well, which includes periodic maintenance and installation work on the model and its components. Sometimes, changes in the project also occur. For instance, a change in the surrounding area of the project can be easily incorporated in the model through these post-sales services. 

Some companies require the models to be executed in several stages, similar to the stages of the project itself. Many times, these companies request two copies of the model, a complete version of the final project, and a version in several phases parallel to the phases of execution of the project. 

Ultimately, the budget allocated for a model defines its quality. The standard of materials used also plays a significant role. High quality materials such as acrylic, glass, steel and porcelain can be used, as opposed to cheaper materials such as wood, thin cardboard and plastic. 

While models have their place in the world of construction, a more advanced technique is now being used in the international market. Three-dimensional visualisation of the project not only provides the elementary design of a project, but can also offer many internal details added to those not viewable in a project model.

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