Architectural model through the prism of cultural-historical tradition and new technologies

Abstract

This article provides a comprehensive research of the architectural model as a cultural phenomenon in cultural-historical dimension since its origin to the latest technological solutions applied in modern architectural modeling. Research methodology is based on the structural-functional and semiotic approaches. The analysis of historical-cultural and modern development of architectural model reveals the five sociocultural functions fulfilled by the architectural model in professional activity, society and culture: professional planning and coordination of architectural project; presentation of the project to customer; commemoration of the outstanding results of human activity; educational engineering; art modeling, namely within the framework of the ensemble type of stenographic art.  It is demonstrated that since the beginning of the XXI century, the main function of architectural model – improvement of the project – intertwines with digital modeling for the most part. However, the presentational, commemorative, educational and artistic functions of the architectural model continue to be implemented in actual material, scaling up the distribution and improving the professional methods and techniques of implementation. Analysis is conducted on the role of 3D- printing for the development of modern architectural model. The conclusion is made that the architectural model is a universal form of retaining and transmitting cultural experience, the possibilities of which are not diminished by the advancement of digital technologies and virtual reality. The relevance of architectural model in modern world is associated with the unique quality of the phenomenon- to give a person an enticing illusion of symbolic appropriation of space. Digitalization of the society, professional activity, and education expands the needs for architectural modeling, and simultaneously provides new opportunities for implementation of a number of sociocultural functions of the architectural model on a new level.