Model trees as centerpieces give whichever model to which they are attached, a sense or feeling of life. Model trees make architectural constructs more lifelike. To an architect or to whoever needs a lifelike model, this is an essential asset.
What are the Architecture Model Trees?
Architecture model trees are not real trees. They are just scaled or minimized forms or versions of actual trees. They are designed to resemble real trees to as much of an extent as possible. Hence apart from the fact that they are unrealistically smaller and man-made, architecture model trees are trees (by appearance).
Benefits of Model Trees
First, we will start with the obvious and already stated benefit. Architecture model trees give models a feeling or appearance of being alive. They make models appear more natural. Not to mention that they add to the beauty of the other parts of the model where they are used.
Second, as architectural pieces, they make it easier to highlight or point out key features of the model. So assuming you surround a certain part or structure of your model with model trees, the attention of the viewers will automatically be drawn to the structures close to the trees.
Another benefit of architecture model trees is that they come in various sizes, colors, and shapes. So regardless of the size of your model, there is a perfect model tree just for you.
A lot of these model trees can be done on by yourself. There are numerous DIY videos and articles online. You are reading one right now.
Easy Steps to Making a Model Tree from Scratch
First things first, what do you need? You need you some florist wires of varying sizes, some brown paint, a pair of scissors, plaster of Paris, any available primer, green poly fiber, and some scatter. Of course, you could try other materials.
First, you twist your wires together to form a solid trunk in the middle with some excess at both ends. You flatten one side (of the excess) to become the roots and sort of “stand” the other side for the branches.
Next comes your plastering to give the trunk a more solid look. I mean, whoever saw a tree made of wires? After drying (about 12 hours), then you paint. Make some sides of the tree a darker shade of brown for something of a “shadowing” effect.
Then stretch your poly-fiber but not till breaking point and lay across the branches. Do so repeatedly with various patches of poly fiber until a perfect tree cover (or leaves) appears.
Then spray your primer across the top surface (without it touching the trunk). Then immediately lightly throw in your scatter materials. Gently turn the tree upside down so that those that do not stick (excess) fall off.
You are done with a standard DIY model tree.
Conclusion
As a model maker, a designer, or an architect, the architecture model tree is something you just need. They bring out the beauty of the natural world in whatever model you are working on. The best part of model trees is that you can do them yourself and however you imagine.
