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Plaza Scale Model for K11 Ningbo: A Comprehensive Design and Production by QZY Models

Plaza Scale Model for K11 Ningbo: A Comprehensive Design and Production by QZY Models

QZY Models crafted the K11 Ningbo Plaza Scale Model to precisely represent the architectural and design elements of Ningbo New World Plaza. Through custom scales, innovative lifting techniques, and high-quality materials, this model showcases the project’s complex mix of commercial, residential, and hospitality spaces, offering a visually striking and detailed display.

K11 Plaza Scale Model Project Introduction

The K11 Ningbo Plaza Scale Model project represents the first major endeavor by K11 in Zhejiang, showcasing a highly detailed scale model of the Ningbo New World Plaza. This model highlights an international metropolis design that integrates diverse elements: Class A commercial building K11 ATELIER, the K11 Art Mall, luxury serviced apartments under K11 ARTUS, Rosewood hotels, and premium residences. As a comprehensive plaza scale model, it captures intricate architectural details to reflect the multi-functional nature of the Ningbo New World Plaza, including commerce, office spaces, residences, and hospitality.

 

Ningbo K11 comprehensive plaza scale model
Ningbo K11 comprehensive plaza scale model

Project Characteristics of the K11 Ningbo Plaza Scale Model

 

The QZY team was honored to serve as the designated architectural model design and custom plaza model production unit for the K11 Ningbo project, earning full trust and recognition from the owner. To achieve the precise display effect expected, we undertook a rigorous preliminary analysis of the architectural characteristics and exhibition hall conditions. This careful planning enabled us to develop a tailored plaza scale model production approach, incorporating models of different scales and an innovative display method using floor selection and lifting techniques.

 

Understanding the Model Scale for K11 Plaza Model Production

 

Understanding the concept of Model Scale for Architectural Models

The industry typically defines a large scale model vs. small scale model by the size after scaling. Larger scales allow for more detailed representations, with scales such as 1:100, 1:75, and 1:50 commonly used for detailed architectural scale models. For instance, a 1:200 model is generally considered a large scale, while a 1:500 model would be regarded as a small scale model relative to it.

 

In creating the K11 1:125 scale model for plaza projects and a 1:12 detail facade model to showcase the model building facade design, we factored in both the space constraints of the exhibition hall model scale and the need for intricate display detail. Ultimately, we chose a 1:300 scale for the tower parts, 1:125 for the overall project, and 1:12 for a partial facade to achieve an accurate, impactful visual.

 

Model Scale for Ningbo K11 Architectural Models
Model Scale for Ningbo K11 Architectural Models

Plaza Scale Model Elevation: Lifting Techniques and Display Design

 

Understanding the concept of Architectural Model Lifting Techniques

There are two primary approaches to lifting model display design. Layer-by-layer lifting involves dividing the model by cutting the facade so that all layers can open or close simultaneously. While this method offers lower model production techniques costs and simpler production, it has limitations: excessive height when many layers are lifted, the need for a separate stand, and visible joints on the facade when closed, which can affect visual integrity.

 

Alternatively, layer-selected lifting allows the model facade to separate from its internal structure, with each layer opening individually for cross-section display. This technique supports detailed structural layout display, ensuring the facade remains intact when closed and controlling the model’s height when open, though it increases production complexity.

 

Since the exhibition hall is an unconventional special exhibition hall, we have carefully studied and fully considered various factors such as the rationality of the scale of the model, the advantages and disadvantages of the display effect, the limitations of transportation and installation, and the feasibility of the production period. At the same time, considering that this project’s special facade shape is unsuitable for facade cutting, we finally chose the more costly layer-selected lifting method to carry out the secondary design of the drawings.

 

Understanding the concept of Architectural Model Lifting Techniques
Understanding the concept of Architectural Model Lifting Techniques

Detailed Design Process for the K11 Plaza Scale Model

1:300 Scale Model of Tower Parts in the Plaza Scale Model

 

Since the main tower of this project exceeds 250 meters in height, using the conventional detail display ratio would result in a model over 2 meters tall, with the total height including the booth reaching nearly 3 meters. Given the VIP reception exhibition hall’s typical office building dimensions, this space is not suitable for such tall exhibits, and producing a model of that size would significantly increase costs. To balance production cost with space efficiency, we opted to create a 1:300 scale model of the three towers, displaying them separately on an individual basis. This 1:300 scale model effectively showcases the full architectural design of each tower while remaining practical for exhibition.

 

1:125 Overall Project Plaza Scale Model

The 1:125 scale model of the project provides a detailed representation of both the internal layout and the overall facade design of key commercial floors, along with intricate landscape design details. This 1:125 scale model ratio was chosen to capture finer architectural details while ensuring that the model remains a suitable size for efficient display within the exhibition hall, accommodating more elements without compromising on detail.

 

The difficulty of this project is different from other projects in that its commercial buildings are completely connected, and the number of floors for each group to rise and fall is different. Because the elevator to the 5th floor is of regular size and cannot accommodate large equipment, we repeatedly deliberated and improved the design of the elevator. Finally, we designed three independent elevators to facilitate transportation, and the three independent lifting equipment were lifted and lowered indiscriminately through linkage control.

 

1:12 Facade Detail in Plaza Scale Model

We designed a separate facade detail model at 1:12 scale to emphasize the unique model building facade of this project, creating detailed renderings to ensure the final effect met our standards. Throughout the process, we experimented with various proportions before finalizing the 1:12 scale for the facade detail model, allowing us to capture the intricate design elements with precision.

 

Because the model is huge, the expression of plants becomes very important. We tested four combinations of plant varieties and arrangements, and constantly deliberated on more reasonable, harmonious, and beautiful display solutions.

 

Facade Detail in Plaza Scale Model
Facade Detail in Plaza Scale Model

Material Selection for the K11 Ningbo Plaza Scale Model

To enhance the quality and longevity of the K11 Ningbo Plaza Scale Model materials, we selected a fiberglass base material with an antique copper rough surface and rust texture, achieving a realistic effect while controlling costs. For the 1:300 model chassis and the 1:12 model skeleton and chassis, we used electroplated bronze matte stainless steel, which brings a low-key, luxurious look different from conventional reflective materials and complements the exhibition hall’s design. This architectural model material selection ensures that the model remains durable, impact-proof, non-fading, and non-deforming.

 

For intricate parts, we utilized 3D printing to create all unique components and furniture, and each model building facade was enhanced using metal etching technology, maximizing lifespan and visual refinement. The texture and color of the model building facade presented a unique challenge; through careful research and comparison tests, we developed a specialized color separation method to achieve the desired effect.

 

Material Selection for the K11 Ningbo Plaza Scale Model
Material Selection for the K11 Ningbo Plaza Scale Model

Lighting System and Control Design for the Plaza Scale Model

Since this project has multiple lifting groups, multiple lighting groups, and multiple models that need to be controlled, we recommend the use of modern electronic devices for central control, such as mobile phones, iPads, and touch screens. After consultation with the owner, we finally chose the control method of using an iPad. Then we carried out interface design and control design and equipped with corresponding emergency backup physical button switches for double protection.

 

In terms of lighting design, we restored the lighting effects according to the original design of the project and optimized them accordingly according to the needs of the model to achieve the best display atmosphere, while also saving production time and difficulty.

 

Final Outcome of the K11 Plaza Scale Model Project

 

Final Outcome of the K11 Plaza Scale Model Project
Final Outcome of the K11 Plaza Scale Model Project

 

 

 

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Complex Shapes: One of the key benefits of 3D printing is its ability to create highly complex and intricate geometries that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with traditional manufacturing methods. This makes it ideal for producing intricate architectural models, sculptures, and industrial components.

Fast Turnaround: 3D printing can significantly reduce production time. Once the design is finalized, we can quickly move from concept to finished model, providing faster delivery compared to other techniques like CNC machining or handcrafting.

Cost-Effective: For small runs or prototypes, 3D printing is generally more cost-effective than other manufacturing methods, especially when dealing with complex designs that would require expensive molds or tooling in traditional fabrication.

Versatility of Materials: We offer a wide range of materials to suit different needs, including transparent, semi-transparent, and white resins, as well as ceramics, metals, red wax, and nylon. Each material has its unique properties, such as varying degrees of hardness, flexibility, and durability, providing greater flexibility in model creation.

Material Options: 3D printing supports a variety of materials, including:

Transparent and semi-transparent resins

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Metal for industrial-grade models

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Other Specialty Materials like white resin for detailed models

Disadvantages of 3D Printing

While 3D printing has many benefits, it does come with certain limitations:

Material Degradation: Some materials, especially those used for prototypes, can be prone to discoloration or deformation over time, especially when exposed to heat, light, or humidity.

Limited Surface Finishing: Certain materials used in 3D printing do not accept paint or other finishing treatments well, which can limit their use for final presentation models without additional post-processing.

Lower Precision: Although 3D printing is highly accurate for most applications, it has slightly lower precision compared to laser cutting or CNC machining, particularly in terms of fine details and surface smoothness.

Post-Processing Required: Most 3D-printed models require additional work after printing, such as sanding, polishing, or painting, to achieve the desired finish and smooth out imperfections.

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Our 3D printing services can be applied across various industries, including:

Architectural models

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We believe that every design holds an underlying narrative, and our skilled team excels at interpreting and expressing this narrative through innovative modeling techniques. By closely collaborating with architects and designers, we ensure that the final model not only serves as a visualization tool but also acts as a source of inspiration, revealing new perspectives and highlighting the elegance and beauty that might otherwise remain unseen.

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Our expertise goes beyond architectural models. We offer comprehensive fabrication services for a wide range of physical models tailored to various industries and purposes. Our team specializes in creating precise, scaled-down models that bring concepts and designs to life, providing visual clarity and technical accuracy for diverse applications. These models are valuable tools for presentations, demonstrations, prototypes, and exhibitions. Our model categories include, but are not limited to:

Landscape Models: Capture outdoor environments with detailed representations of parks, green spaces, urban planning, and natural features.

Interior Design Models: Showcasing interior decoration designs, sectional structure designs, and spatial designs, providing detailed displays of interior environments.

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Medical Device Models: Highly detailed replicas of medical equipment and devices used for demonstrations, training, and exhibitions.

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Engineering Vehicles, Aircraft & Ships: Scaled replicas of construction vehicles, aircraft, and ships used in industrial and educational displays.

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Whether you need a detailed representation of industrial equipment, a landscape design, or a precise medical device model, we ensure each project is custom-tailored to match your exact specifications. Using advanced fabrication techniques, including 3D printing, CNC machining, and laser cutting, we deliver models that meet the highest standards of quality and accuracy.

Our models are designed to support a variety of industries, providing practical solutions for demonstration, training, project development, and marketing. We work closely with our clients to ensure every detail is captured, from material selection to scaling and finishing, creating physical models that are as functional as they are visually impressive. 

We provide comprehensive design solutions that bring your vision to life through expert craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology. Our team is skilled in crafting customized model designs that cater to the unique needs of each project, whether for architectural presentations, urban planning, exhibitions, or development showcases.

Expert Craftsmanship: Our experienced professionals transform your ideas into meticulously detailed models, ensuring precision and quality in every project.

Material Flexibility: We offer a diverse selection of materials, including wood, acrylic, and 3D-printed components, to suit a variety of architectural styles and design preferences.

Innovative Technology: Utilizing advanced 3D printing and laser cutting techniques, we ensure intricate and precise details in every model, delivering high-quality results for even the most complex designs.

Versatility in Project Types: Whether it’s a residential building, commercial complex, urban development, or exhibition model, we adapt our approach to meet the unique demands of each project.

Our commitment to innovation and quality ensures that every model we design aligns perfectly with your vision, making your project stand out and leaving a lasting impression.