Mockup as a Proof of Concept

Architectural building mockups play a crucial role in the construction process for several reasons:

1. Visualization and Planning: Mockups provide a tangible representation of the final building design. They allow stakeholders, including architects, clients, and builders, to visualize the scale, proportions, and aesthetic details of the structure before actual construction begins. This helps in refining the design and identifying potential issues early on.

2. Design Validation: They serve as a validation tool for design concepts. By physically constructing a scaled model, architects can verify if their ideas translate well from drawings to real-world dimensions. This validation ensures that the design meets functional requirements and adheres to aesthetic goals.

3. Material Selection and Testing: Mockups allow for testing different materials and finishes. By incorporating actual building materials into the mockup, architects and clients can assess their appearance, durability, and performance under various conditions (such as exposure to weather or wear). This helps in making informed decisions about material selection for the final construction.

4. Client Communication: Mockups are invaluable for communicating design ideas to clients who may not be familiar with architectural drawings or technical jargon. A physical model provides a clear, concrete representation that helps clients understand what the final building will look like and how it will function.

5. Error Detection and Resolution: Constructing a mockup can reveal design flaws or construction challenges that may not be apparent in drawings or digital models. Identifying these issues early allows for adjustments to be made without costly rework during the actual construction phase.

6. Quality Assurance: Mockups facilitate quality assurance by allowing builders to test construction techniques and methodologies. This helps in refining construction processes to ensure that the final building meets quality standards and regulatory requirements.

7. Cost Savings: While building a mockup incurs upfront costs, it often leads to cost savings in the long run. By resolving design and construction issues early, the likelihood of expensive changes or delays during construction is reduced.

8. Marketing and Stakeholder Engagement: For large projects, mockups can serve as marketing tools to attract investors or tenants. They also engage stakeholders by giving them a tangible representation of the project's progress and final outcome.

In essence, architectural building mockups bridge the gap between conceptual design and actual construction, offering numerous benefits that contribute to the overall success and efficiency of building projects.

Real World Application

In our Blume – North Kansas City project, the client had requested the use of a mostly brick façade to reflect on the historic warehouse buildings, and for the longevity the material provides.  In order to keep costs down, the façade was limited to a flat, straight line of masonry.   This doesn’t provide the most interesting appeal for patrons (or the city).  Different brick colors, patterns, sizes, and orientations were used to help create a visual interest.  While it looked good on paper and with the small sample boards we had for the materials, seeing it on a mockup helped showcase the design for everyone involved on how to create a cost effective façade with limited costs.  

Functional Application

Another very important aspect we use these mockups for, is for a water test on the window and assembly.   Water mitigation and control of its path is always the number one responsibility in our exterior designs.  Mockups allow for extensive water tests at various points of exterior façade erection to prove its waterproof capabilities.

Client Buy Off

Constructing a building is hard.  Having everyone on the same page from the very beginning helps.  Getting buy off on how it is designed, built, and finished is paramount to having a smooth project.  Using a mockup allows everyone to see and understand what is being built (and what a client is purchasing) so that there are no questions or finger pointing during the months of construction.  If a project is pushing an aspect of construction, or how trying a new detail that a designer hasn’t done before – push for a mockup on the project.