Computers have completely altered this traditional scene. Beginning in the late 1950's architects and engineers began to utilize the computer to represent three-dimensional space. Computer graphics has become an irreplaceable part of the profession. The means exists to represent space in a digital manner than can duplicate three-dimensional space. The power of the computer has enabled the professional to examine air-flow dynamics, sound and light reflections, thermal dynamics and many other technical aspects that were impossible only a decade ago.
Architecture has a very deep tradition of model making.
They remain a critical part of exploring the three-dimensionality of space. The actual construction of a model helps many architects gain a better understanding of their designs. They can, and should, be used to test ideas and pre-conceptions. One major difference between most digital and physical models is that a physical model can be made very quickly and cheaply. It does not require expensive software and hardware to create an understandable sketch model.