Unfinished Business: Model Behavior

Abstract

Process matters in the making of architecture.

Model Behavior is an exploration into the role of physical models in the process of architectural design, as an act of thinking. In this seminar, the act of playfully sketching through physical material is explored as an integral part of design thinking.

In contrast to “final models,” this course examines the use of massing, sketch, and study models in the development of conceptually and spatially compelling projects. Both historically and in contemporary practice, physical models often hold significance. They may not serve as precise facsimiles to every aspect of an architectural work, but they help one to articulate the qualities of space to be achieved in a physical world.

This exhibition features student work produced for ARCH 4509/6509 Special Topics in Visual Representation: Model Behavior, instructed by Fall 2025 Visiting Critic Iroha Ito.

Credit (*curatorial lead)

• Dillon Bush (B.Arch. ’27)
• Minjoo Jang (M.Arch. ’28)
• Kalven Owen (B.Arch. ’28)
• Freda (Penglai) Qiu* (B.Arch. ’26)
• Eliany Rodriguez (M.Arch. ’28)
• Jiawei Sun* (B.Arch. ’26)
• Jasmine Wang (B.Arch. ’28)
• Jonathan Wilmers (B.Arch. ’26)
• Danielle Zhang (M.Arch. ’26)
• Stephen Zhuang (B.Arch. ’27)

Special thanks to guest lecturers (in order of appearance):

• John Zissovici, Studio-Z; Professor Emeritus, Cornell AAP
• Asuka Fujita, Yuko Nagayama & Associates
• Shohei Yoshida, Shohei Yoshida + Associates