Using Rapid Prototyping for Free-form Shapes in Architectural Scale Models

The aim of this paper is to spread the use of Rapid Prototyping technology (RP) into architecture. Rapid Prototyping is being used since its origin by designers in different fields as product design, automobile industry, medical applications, arts, and it has been proved that it is an essential tool in any design process. The designer has the possibility of building the scale model in very few hours directly from the CAD system. He can touch the scale model to verify if its shape is the desired one, and use it as reference if any modification is needed during the design process. A methodology of work has been defined, in which has been described the use of threedimensional CAD software in the design stage. As case study, some models have been built to illustrate the effectiveness of this technology in the creation of scale models with free-form shapes and complex surfaces.