At HENN, models are an essential tool for visualising design ideas and communicating concepts. Of particular interest to us is how model making can coexist alongside digital technologies – computational design, simulations and AI are all part of our methodology, but we find a lot of design development, decision-making and client communication is best done using physical models. We have dedicated workshops in Berlin and Munich with full-time staff, although all employees are welcome to use the facilities.
The competition-winning redevelopment of the Gasteig in Munich is a good example of how we use models in practice. During the competition phase, sketch models played an integral role in creating a sensitive and appropriate proposal for the existing cultural centre. This can also be seen in the presentation models - the transparent Culture Bridge contrasting with the monolithic existing buildings, providing openness and connectivity through a simple intervention. During further development post-competition, physical models were used extensively across a variety of scales, from 1:1000 to 1:20, aiding with planning topics and communicating important parts of the scheme.
