What goes into a site model
That depends on the question it needs to answer. Our KBG San Antonio model for Kajima Building & Design Group shows the main building, neighbors, roads and landscaping, plus loading bays, rooftop equipment and water features. For the Buena Vista school proposal, existing buildings appear only as footprints, keeping attention on where the new buildings go.
Choosing the scale
Scale decides how much site you can show and how much detail reads. KBG is about 5 × 7 feet at 1 inch = 40 feet. The HOK competition model is 1 inch = 100 feet, bringing a new main building, a parking garage and existing buildings into one view. The Data Center, which had to show interior systems, is 1 inch = 16 feet. Larger scales show more detail in less area; smaller scales show more surroundings.
Choosing the finish
A finish can quiet a model or give it character. HOK's all-white finish keeps the architecture easy to read. For Denver Riverfront Park, East West Partners asked for wood, and layered surfaces with etched detail gave the model a distinctive presence in the marketing center.
When the land comes first
If the ground is the main story, as with a mountain community, resort or steep site, a topography model puts the terrain first. See what a topographic model is.
How to explain a development at a public meeting
People need a clear view of what is proposed and a chance to ask specific questions. A physical site model can help them find familiar streets, compare building heights and see how new buildings, paths and open spaces relate to their neighborhood.
Begin with the issues people want to discuss. Show enough surrounding context to make the proposal understandable, and clearly distinguish existing conditions, approved plans and options still under consideration. If you’re comparing alternatives, use the same scale and level of detail for each.
For the Buena Vista school proposal, we made building blocks designed to be moved on a site model during an interview. Movable blocks give presenters a way to discuss placement and layout while exploring different arrangements.
At a public meeting, pair the model with plain-language explanations and the studies needed to answer questions about traffic, noise or other impacts. Use readable labels, provide accessible supporting information and give people a way to leave comments about specific locations.
A model can support understanding and informed discussion. Public confidence also depends on the proposal itself, honest answers and how the project team responds to concerns.
Related guide: physical site models for community presentations.
What it costs
Each project receives a fixed-cost proposal after we understand its scope. Cost factors include model size and scale, architectural detail, the number of buildings and unique designs, landscaping, materials and lighting. We also account for the schedule, shipping and installation where applicable. See what a custom scale model costs.
Common questions
What is a site model in architecture?
A physical model showing a building in its surroundings: neighboring structures, streets, landscape and terrain.
What scale should a site model be?
Common site model scales run from about 1 inch = 16 feet for detailed facilities to 1 inch = 100 feet for larger sites. The right scale depends on the area and the detail people need to see.
What's the difference between a site model and a building model?
A building model focuses on the building itself; a site model shows how it relates to everything around it.
Planning a site model?
Share the site, the audience and where the model will be displayed, and we'll help you plan the scale, details and budget.