Architectural Model Studio: exteriors

For reference books and articles relating to these pages, see our bibliography
Searching for a particular topic in these pages? Try our subject index (updated frequently)
Go to the Next Plate Go to the Previous Plate Go to the Numerical Plate Directory

Plate 1:  Four Corners, part 1: initial concept, perspective sketch
(This plate added SEP 2007)

HERE are the four corners located? The four corners, as depicted in the perspective sketch seen below, are at the intersection of two imaginary streets in an imaginary upstate town in New York State during the first years of the twenty-first century.

The sketch shown here is the first step in the design and construction of an architectural model depicting the streets, sidewalks and buildings that can be seen in the towns and villages of the Central Leatherstocking Region of New York State.
The buildings and structures appearing on these four corners represent a variety of architectural styles. The bank, at the top of the picture, is built in the stately, formal style characteristic of the early twentieth century.

Across the street from the bank, in the left foreground, is a public library. The architectural style of the library is not as elaborate as that of the bank, perhaps reflecting the budgetary constraints sometimes imposed upon the design of public buildings.

In the foreground are the gasoline pumps of a service station. Out of view in the foreground of this picture is the retail establishment that accompanies the gasoline pumps. Ramps for driving automobiles to and from the pumps intersect the sidewalks on two streets of the intersection. The architectural style of this establishment is simple and utilitarian.

Finally, across from the bank on the right is a block of retail shops with residential spaces on the upper floor.

--more-- 		SUBJECT:Initial perspective sketch of the four corners (executed in black Sharpie permanent marker and Berol Prismacolor pencils) SCANNER: CanoScan 4400F FILE: JPEG from PhotoStudio 5.5 EDITING: Adobe Photoshop
Between some of the sidewalks and the streets are strips of grass, planted with an occasional tree. These strips are known as verges in the United Kingdom.

What is missing from this picture? The artist has omitted the structures of the overworld, the name applied by the artist to the tall posts and poles along with their suspended electrical pathways that conduct power, Internet, telephone and television services to the town.

These omitted poles and cables will appear in the final architectural model, and in the detailed working drawings that are associated with the model.

Go to top of page