Practice Profile - Periscope

Practice Name and Location: Periscope Landscape & Architecture Ltd. London

Practice Website: https://www.periscope.uk/

Contribution by: Marilena Barmpalia, Architect

Practice statement: Models are a testing ground, a communication tool and sometimes a co-design mechanism. We incorporate modelmaking into the design process. We see it as a tool to enable design testing and design development. Models are made by the design team and all members of staff (architects, architectural assistants, etc. ) as part of the internal design process, Hence why there are no specific employees who only do modelmaking.

Physical models form an important part of the practice’s design process. When time and fee allow, we incorporate physical modelmaking into the design. The chosen scale and materiality vary based on how best to communicate the project’s design approach or core narrative. ‘What does the design need?’ is the key question that helps the decision-making on materials and processes. It is worth acknowledging that for large-scale projects modelmaking can be a time-consuming process. What is important for the practice’s approach is that models are made from an early design stage and can be used as a testing ground. We have a coherent way of making model bases so that they can be reused later on. Model making is a design process itself, it allows the designer/architect to reflect upon the spatial qualities of a proposal, the interface of materials, the experience of the space, and the technical complexities and enables seeing the proposal from multiple viewpoints by the use of a camera.

As mentioned earlier, physical models are not only used as a testing and design ground but also as a communication tool during design team meetings and workshops with other disciplines. It is a tangible object that fosters a ‘workshop-like’ dialogue internally and externally, including engagement events. All models are photographed either for options appraisal purposes or to be included in final submissions.

In-House Modelmakers: 0

Machines/equipment/workspace available for modelmaking activity:

The office has large tables that can be flexibly converted to accommodate different sizes of models, there is a workstation with modelmaking tools, cutting mats, varying modelmaking material (cardboard, honeycomb, plywood, particular profiles, etc.), Styrofoam cutter (although this is a material we refrain from using for sustainability purposes), and a Cricut Maker 3 digital die paper cutting machine. There is also a particular Periscope manual on modelmaking that guides every member of staff on the process of modelmaking.

Materials/processes/styles used:

The practice focuses a lot on landscape design and topographic processes hence 80% of the models are made out of kinetic sand that allows flexibility and has a mouldable character. In general, the level of detail and the materials used are defined by the project timeframe, the project’s nature and the scale of the model. Model bases are made out of plywood for durability.

We usually use grey cardboard and honeycomb for the architectural massing and other urban elements. For the vegetation, we opt for seafoam trees as a more sustainable and natural way of showing planting. Multiple colours overlaid can help create a more natural outcome.

Casting is also another way of modelmaking. Concrete casting is chosen for architectural outcomes that are more monolithic, and earthy and for scales 1:50 and above. Jesmonite casting is used for smaller scale models and/or when small details need to be tested as it provides high level of accuracy due to its elastic quality.

Laser cutting might form part of the modelmaking process. It depends on the scale and the level of detail needed. Usually, this is not used for testing models but for developed designs.

Paper cutter is used for more colourful, inviting models that aim for public engagement or to facilitate co-design sessions.

This is not an exhaustive list.

Modelmaking activities that take place within the practice.:

· Architects make models

Architects outsource models - Architects outsource laser cutting of particular elements of a model if needed, but models are