A scale is one of the first choices made during model making. It sets the size of the final result in relation to the actual subject. This single factor changes what details are shown, how the design is understood, and how the model is experienced by model makers in Dubai and others. Each scale presents different qualities and purposes.
Small scale for large settings:
Smaller scales such as 1:500 or 1:1000 are often used for wider site layouts or collections of buildings. These models provide a broad view, showing the general structure and how one object sits with others. At this level, shapes are simplified, and finer details are left out. It allows for quick reading of proportions and distances, especially when reviewing larger plans.
Medium scale for building form:
Scales like 1:200 or 1:100 are more focused on individual structures. These models are used when the shape and parts of a single building are the main subject. Windows, stairs, and entry points may be added at this stage. The model shows how one area connects with another while still remaining compact enough for transport and display.
Large scale for detailed study:
Larger scales such as 1:50 or 1:20 allow for deeper exploration of specific elements. A wall section, a room interior, or a corner façade may be built at these sizes. More time and materials are required, but this approach is used when observing finer parts such as structure, openings, and how layers fit together. These models are less about the whole design and more about studying one part clearly.
Impact on viewer perception:
The chosen scale affects how someone reads the model. Small scales invite broad inspection, while large ones pull attention to precision and parts. Viewers often step back for small-scale models and move in close for large-scale ones. This change in behavior is shaped by the level of information that each model can hold.
Practical aspects of scale choice:
Selecting a scale also depends on available time, budget, and location for display. Smaller models take less time to build and are easier to move. Larger ones want more preparation and may not fit into certain spaces. The purpose of the model often guides the final decision presentation, study, or testing.
