Understanding the Architectural Model: Research Applications for 3D Imaging

Investigating how 3D imaging technologies can be used to digitize architectural models

Project Details

 A scale model of a building constructed in balsawood with accents in crumpled copper and panels painted silver sits on a plywood base.

High-resolution photogrammetric 3D scan of the American Center in Paris Model, ca. 1988-1994, Frank O. Gehry and Associates, architect. Getty Digital, digital capture and 3D render. Frank O. Gehry papers, Getty Research Institute, 2017.M.66. © Frank O. Gehry

About

Goal

Though architectural models are undeniably central to design and production, they have largely remained an untapped resource for architectural historians. By developing strategies for digitizing architectural models using 3D imaging technologies, this project seeks to establish best practices for the application of these technologies in art historical research in order to make these models more widely accessible. 

Outcomes

  • A workshop that gathered professionals from the fields of architectural history, technical imaging, and information science to address the challenges of providing access to architectural models
  • An exhibition of Frank Gehry's architectural models from the Research Institute's collection at the Walt Disney Concert Hall to celebrate the building's twentieth anniversary (Oct 2023)
  • An interactive website featuring models, sketches, archival photographs, and interviews documenting the development of the Walt Disney Concert Hall to celebrate the building’s twentieth anniversary (Oct 2023)
  • A proposal to digitize more of the Research Institute’s collection of architectural models (forthcoming)

Background

Full Project Team & Collaborators

Contact the Team

  1. Ian Webb

    Project Manager

  2. Gary Riichirō Fox

    Curatorial Assistant

Resources