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The Art of the Model: Our Physical Design Process

byStudio HKADTakes projects across Delhi NCR, Himachal Pradesh & Uttarakhand; Visit studio in NoidaStarts from₹400 per sq. ft.View full gallery

We do not just sketch on a screen. Physical modeling is our primary tool for testing scale, light, and spatial relationships before we ever break ground.

An experimental acrylic model exploring vertical living concepts. Using miniature figures helps us visualize human scale and experience within the architectural forms we create.

A top-down view of a conceptual massing model. This kind of study helps us understand the building's footprint and the relationship between different volumes in the early stages of design.

A detailed section of a physical model showing the relationship between different levels, ramps, and outdoor spaces. This tangible approach allows for a deeper understanding than a 2D drawing can offer.

A work-in-progress model on the studio table, surrounded by the tools and materials of its creation. Our studio is a workshop where ideas are constantly being built, tested, and refined.

A member of our team working on a detailed architectural model. The process is a patient and focused dialogue between the hand and the material, bringing a design to life piece by piece.

A collection of our study models, each one representing a different stage of exploration for various projects. This library of physical ideas showcases our iterative and hands-on design journey.

Our process is collaborative and hands-on. Here, we are in a model-making session, meticulously crafting components to understand how they will come together in the final structure.

Team members discussing the details of a model. These sessions are crucial for problem-solving and refining the design, ensuring every aspect of the space is considered from multiple perspectives.

A wider view of a model-making session in our studio. The table is our canvas, where sketches and raw materials are transformed into tangible architectural explorations.

About The Art of the Model: Prototyping in Physical Form

A model is not just a representation. By building in physical form—using wood, cardboard, or acrylic—we catch issues with scale and volume that simple renders often miss. This approach allows us to test how light enters a room and how transitions between spaces actually feel, ensuring your project works in reality just as it does on our drafting table.

Physical scale modeling for every project. — Approved by the tribe
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Studio HKAD

Takes projects across Delhi NCR, Himachal Pradesh & Uttarakhand; Visit studio in NoidaStarts from ₹400 per sq. ft.

We are a small team that values the weight and texture of physical design. Our studio in Noida is where we trade screens for cardboard and wood to truly see how a space will live.

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A 3D printed model of the 'Tetris' house concept, internally lit and displayed on a wooden pedestal. This physical model helps to understand the complex spatial relationships and the play of light.6
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Physical models are an integral part of how we design. This model allows us to test facade concepts and understand the play of light and shadow in a tactile, intuitive way that drawings alone cannot capture.
On-site at the TCI Express World Centre in Gurugram. Our team is seen here inspecting the rebar framework before a concrete pour, ensuring that the structural foundation is executed according to our precise design specifications.

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An initial concept sketch for a neoclassic villa's bar and lounge area. These early drawings are crucial for establishing the spatial relationships and overall atmosphere before moving to detailed 3D modeling.
A conceptual sketch for our own office, illustrating how we break linearity with angular walls and diagonal sightlines. This drawing reveals the thinking behind creating a dynamic and productive workspace.
Physical study models for a project in Alibaug. We use these old-school scale models to explore form, volume, and spatial design in a tangible way, allowing us to refine the architecture from every angle.

The Design Journey: From Sketch to Structure

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My team and I presenting a new design within a building designed by the great Charles Correa. My process involves deep research and respect for the architectural context, ensuring new designs are in thoughtful dialogue with their surroundings.5
A physical scale model of a bungalow, a crucial tool in my design process. This work-in-progress shot shows how I use models to study the building's form, proportions, and relationship to the contoured landscape.
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A close-up of a physical model, focusing on the facade details. This hands-on method is invaluable for understanding the tangible quality of a space and making informed design decisions.

Our Architectural Design Process

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A conceptual diagram showing the geometric logic of the 'lantern' partitions in the Lucknow penthouse. The drawing reveals the underlying structure that creates the maze-like pattern of wooden beams.
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An architectural section drawing for a residence, illustrating how different levels and spaces connect to a central courtyard. The colors denote different materials and zones, including outdoor yoga areas.

Architectural Design Process & Concept Development

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