Architectural models

I began making models during my BA architecture degree and have been making them both for commissions and for pleasure and as a way to explore architecture. I frequently teach architectural model making to children and adults.

Brookside Close, Liverpool. Architectural model by Wilson Yau, 2012
Image: Brookside Close, Liverpool. Architectural model, 2012, made by Wilson Yau.

In 2012, I was commissioned by the RIBA to build a scale model, 1:100, of the set of British soap opera ‘Brookside’ which was based in Liverpool, read more about it here. At a larger scale, 1:1500, I built a scale model of part of Hackney, London.

Scale model of Hackney, London, 2008
Image: Scale model of Hackney, London, 2008, made by Wilson Yau.

3D printing

Image: SketchUp model of Battersea Power Station, by Wilson Yau

Since late 2016, I’ve been experimenting with 3D printing via additive processes to create architectural models. I create a 3D file suitable to print on iPads or a laptop using software such as SketchUp. Models made have included Battersea Power Station , Villa Savoye, Isokon and the lost Euston Arch.

Image: 3D printed model of Battersea Power Station, by Wilson Yau.
Image: 3D printed model of Battersea Power Station, by Wilson Yau.
Image: SketchUp model of Villa Savoye, by Wilson Yau.