ARKIOS

Concept Models

By Mark Delahoussaye

Crafting Spatial Narratives Through Materiality

In architecture, the model making process can be explored as more than just a study tool. The act of building models bridges the gap between abstraction and physical form, making it a vital aspect of architectural exploration.

Through this concept model, I pushed the boundaries of material articulation through a hands-on approach involving cement and wood. The design explores form and composition while constantly striving for refinement in craft throughout the course of the design.

Material as a Design Catalyst

The interplay of a model’s materials, form, and experiential qualities can combine to create a unique, intriguing design.

My model employs concrete and wood to establish a dialogue between mass and lightness, and solidity and openness. The raw, textured concrete anchors the structure, while a delicate wooden framework adds layers of precision and spatial depth. The organic, natural texture of the wood heavily contrasts the artificiality of the concrete, providing a dialogue between the natural environment and the built world.

My experimentation with these materials led to refined connections and enhanced structural tension, producing a model that speaks to both stability and fluidity.

Spatial Explorations in Miniature

Beyond material experimentation, the study engages with spatial sequencing and movement. The sectional quality of the model enhances depth perception, creating framed openings that invite interaction.

Key aspects of this approach include:

Material Contrast: The juxtaposition of rough concrete with refined wooden details adds a tactile dimension.
Craftsmanship Development: Fine-tuning structural intersections elevates the precision of the model.
Structural Balance: The thoughtful distribution of weight and openness informs the overall design narrative. This can be seen in the contrast between the lightness of the wood elements and the imposing weight of the cement.

The Role of Photography in Architectural Representation

Photography plays a crucial role in architectural representation, capturing the depth, materiality, and spatial dynamics of concept models. Through controlled lighting, focus, and perspective, images of the model enhance the understanding of its spatial relationships and material contrasts.

My personal photography strategies consist of the following:

Dramatic Lighting: Highlights texture and depth, bringing out the contrast between solid and open elements.
Close-Up Shots: Reveal craftsmanship details, structural connections, and the interplay of materials.
Perspective Views: Offer a sense of spatial relationships, mimicking the experience of moving through the space.

By integrating photography as an analytical tool, this project not only refines physical modeling techniques, but also strengthens visual storytelling in architectural exploration.

From Study to Architectural Value

Concept models serve as critical design tools, offering insights that extend beyond their scale. This project underscores the importance of iterative making in developing architectural language and generating meaning in spatial relationships.

About the Author

Mark Delahoussaye is a fifth year architecture at LSU. He has a strong interest in photography, model making, and fabrication, using each as a way to explore form, material, and craft. He spent a semester studying abroad in Paris, where the city's architecture and culture shaped his eye and creative sensibility. Mark's work reflects a thoughtful, hands-on approach to architecture, and a deep respect for the process of making.

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