If you've visited an open house for a new condominium or subdivision, you've most likely seen a scale model of the property in the showroom. It's placed inside a glass box for everyone to see the finished project. After an achitectural design leaves the blueprint and becomes an actual structure you see on the streets, it must first become a scale model. The level of detail in this can be spectacular in its own right -- not just for architectural enthusiasts, but for regular people as well.
Japan has opened its very first architectural model gallery and warehouse called The Archi-Depot Museum where both study maquettes (a small preliminary model or sketch) and final design models are shown on display for public viewing. They practice the concept of both archiving and displaying architectural models from well-renowned professionals such as Shigeru Ban, Kengo Kuma, and Riken Yamamoto. There are QR codes displayed next to each model so that visitors can use smartphones and tablets to find out more about each project, and view accompanying photographs and drawings.
This museum transformed from a simple idea into an actual foundation. Why? It's because contemporary Japanese architecture continues to gain international attention due to the high standard of quality in terms of design and technique. There are 2 key features when it comes to displaying these amazing scale models:
1. Lighting
- Archi-Depot distinguishes itself from other galleries due to the lighting within the museum. Each shelf is set up with a certain lighting that accentuates the architectural model from all four directions making it aesthetically pleasing from wherever you look. The aisles in between shelves are purposely dimly lighted to create the illusion of the architectural models arising from the vast museum space.
2. Optimal Preservation Conditions
- The museum controls the temperature and humidity at an optimal level for preserving architectural models all year round. They also conduct research into the best conditions for preservation with the help of special institutions.
Whether you want to step up your Instagram game or wander through the halls to enjoy the various unique structures, drop by Shinagawa during a trip to enjoy this one-of-a-kind museum.
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