Ancient architectural models with lighting effects for display

Case Study of Ancient Architectural Model Making: From Traditional Techniques to Modern Presentation

1、 Project Background

This case focuses on the production of Chinese ancient architectural models, using traditional wooden buildings as prototypes with a restoration rate of over 90%. The model combines traditional craftsmanship with modern presentation, inheriting the wisdom of ancient architecture and adapting to modern display needs. It is a combination of cultural heritage and technological innovation.

2、 Production process: from "making small samples" to "mortise and tenon precision"

The production of ancient architectural models continues traditional construction techniques, and the core process is highly consistent with the logic of ancient architectural construction:

Preliminary preparation:

Sketching: Drawing proportional thumbnails based on ancient architectural drawings to clarify the structure, proportions, and details;

Material selection: Carefully selected corrosion-resistant wood (such as pine and nanmu) is processed through processes such as "pole laying out" and "cutting materials" to ensure the stability of the wood.

Structural construction:

Base production: Using wood or PVC foam board as the base, simulate the foundation of ancient buildings to ensure the stability of the model;

Column and Column Grid: Produce columns using techniques such as "side foot" and "lifting" in ancient architecture to form a supporting framework;

Beam frame and roof: tenon and mortise structure is used to connect beams and beams, simulating the core components of ancient buildings such as "arch of wooden architecture" and "cornice", restoring architectural mechanics and aesthetic characteristics.

Details and Decoration:

Doors and windows: carved antique window panels, restoring traditional styles such as grid centers and grid fans;

Carving: Carving decorative patterns (such as dragon patterns and cloud patterns) on wooden components, or making brick carvings on bricks and tiles to showcase craftsmanship details;

Decoration: add decorative components such as railings and arch of wooden architecture to strengthen the architectural style.

3、 Material selection: Integration of tradition and modernity

Traditional materials:

Wood: as the core substrate, continuing the construction logic of ancient architecture that uses wood as the bone;

Bricks and tiles: using antique bricks and tiles to restore the texture of ancient building walls and roofs;

Paint painting: Using traditional pigments to simulate the painting process of ancient architecture, displaying color layers.

Modern materials:

PVC foam board: used for abutments and some components to reduce weight and improve stability;

Acrylic: making transparent doors and windows to enhance the transparency of display;

LED strip: Embedded in the model, simulating the night lighting of ancient buildings to enhance visual effects.

4、 Post processing and coloring: details determine the degree of restoration

Surface treatment:

Soil filling and polishing: Fill the gaps in the components, polish until the surface is smooth, and eliminate any joint marks;

Primer spraying: Apply matte primer to enhance adhesion and lay the foundation for coloring.

Color expression:

Layered spraying: First lay the base color (such as dark brown, vermilion), then use shadows and highlights to express a three-dimensional effect;

Dry sweeping technique: Dry sweeping on wooden components to simulate wood texture and age marks;

Transparent UV varnish: The cover protects the color, increases glossiness and durability.

Lighting and Display:

Internal lighting: LED strip embedded in the model, simulating the night lighting of ancient buildings, enhancing the atmosphere;

External lighting: The design of the lighting on the outside of the model highlights the contours and details of the building.