A building model often contains more information than a small physical model can show. Create a separate print revision with a clear presentation goal, checked scale, closed building shell and explicit decisions about details and separate parts.
Download the English project worksheet. Open it as UTF-8 CSV, replace the guide context with your project inputs and record observations separately from acceptance decisions. Blank cells do not indicate a passed check.
Choose what the model must communicate
Define whether the purpose is massing, circulation, façade rhythm or one design feature. Record normal viewing distance and the primary side. Something visible on a computer screen may disappear on a table.
Verify scale with two reference dimensions
The fictional example is a 6 × 4 metre kiosk at 1:100. It is not a real architecture project or a physical print result. At that scale, 6,000 mm becomes 60 mm and 4,000 becomes 40 mm. Check both axes after import: one correct dimension can conceal distortion in another.
Record source and target units. Unknown or mixed units require confirmation from the design owner. Then review small details after scaling. If the model needs several pieces, plan seams, fit and assembly before splitting the files.
Create a dedicated print shell
Keep the original building model unchanged. Remove services, hidden interiors and annotations that do not support the agreed purpose. Close unintended openings and inspect duplicate or disconnected faces. Give the simplified version its own revision and record omissions and merged features so simplification does not silently change design meaning.
Make an explicit decision for each detail
| Element | Scaled example | Purpose | Decision |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main volume | 60 × 40 mm | Show massing | Retain |
| Canopy | 8 mm projection | Recognition | Assess orientation and trial |
| Frame relief | 0.3 mm | Façade rhythm | Enlarge or represent graphically |
| Door handle | Under 0.2 mm | Not central to purpose | Remove |
These synthetic dimensions are not minimum process capabilities. Have walls, openings and relief assessed against the actual execution.
Plan the roof, site and assembly
Mark roofs, terrain, trees and transparent or contrasting features as fixed, removable or excluded. Explain how loose parts locate and the assembly sequence. A removable roof is useful only if it supports the presentation goal. Keep the base flat and handleable and place mounting features away from the primary visible face.
Check the complete preparation record
Record purpose, source dimensions, scale, shell, removed details, minimum features, loose parts and reimport measurements. Use matching IDs on overview and detail images. Proceed when two reference dimensions agree and every essential feature has an explicit decision. Unknown wall thickness, open geometry or loose parts without an assembly plan are unresolved. Digital approval does not prove the final physical appearance.
Request preparation or production of the checked revision
If the source still contains services, disconnected faces or undersized façade detail, request 3D model preparation with the reference, scale, presentation goal and retained-detail list. Ask for a separate print revision so the building source remains intact.
If the print revision is already checked, request a printing assessment. Specify whether roof, terrain and other elements arrive loose or assembled, using Print & Assembly for that agreement. A quotation for the building volume alone is different from a complete presentation model.