Five models reflecting Atkins involvement in the London Olympic Park

Designed and built for Atkins Engineers, this group of five interactive models was commissioned to reflect Atkins' huge involvement in the construction of the London Olympic Park. Each model highlights a particular aspect of the unglamorous but essential engineering work Atkins carried out at the site, from creating an artificial level surface for the equestrian event, to installing fundamental infrastructure such as bridges, water supplies and drainage. One of the models, which incorporates scrolling LED messages and allows the operator to lift a table tennis ball into the air by controlling a fan, conveys how Atkins designed complex climate control systems to "engineer" the air in many of the park's specialist sporting venues. The models were used initially at an exhibition event linked with the start of the Olympics but will subsequently be displayed in the reception areas of Atkins' main offices around the UK. There is also a plan to export one of the models to the Middle East. .

Four models with interactive lighting features

This group of models was commissioned by the Cardiff University School of Engineering for their stand at the Royal Academy of Engineering Summer Soiree. The models were used to highlight the university’s extensive research in the field of geo-engineering (underground engineering), covering areas such as nuclear waste containment, ground source heating and other underground activities. The models represent cut-away views of the earth’s strata, using different coloured LEDs to illustrate the various processes happening in the layers of rock and sediments. The lights, which were activated by labelled buttons on top of the models, had to recreate several different effects, including linear flows, pulsing, slow fades, changing colours, random flashing, and some complex, timed sequences.

Life-size Display models for grass protection system.

We’re proud to say that much of our business is from repeat customers and this is one such example. We made a display model for the client last year and they were so pleased with it they came back to us for two more. The company produces grass stabilisation and reinforcement systems and needed some 3D mock ups of how these systems worked to take to trade shows and exhibitions. The first one proved so useful they were delighted to order these new models for use at this year’s shows. All the models were designed to break down for easy transportation.

Three 1:20 scale industrial transformer models completed for export

We actually completed these models last month, a week ahead of schedule and they are now about to head off abroad, two to China and one to Brazil. They are part of an order for four identical 1:20 scale models, the first of which was completed and delivered before Christmas. If you click on the images to enlarge them, you’ll be able to see the high level of detail we can achieve at this large scale (the models are over a metre long). We made a similar model for the client over a year ago and it generated such a positive response from their overseas colleagues that they’ve come back to us for more.

6 display models for HSBC branch refurb in Canada

Our latest confirmed order is for 6 models for display in a newly refurbished HSBC main branch in Canada. Commissioned as part of an ongoing worldwide branch refurbishment programme, we’ve created scores of these models over the past two years and sent them to HSBC branches in cities all over the globe. Designed to fit into standardized glass cabinets, the purpose of the models is to draw attention to newly created information panels featuring case studies of companies the bank has supported. So far we’ve created seven different model types, with more designs pending. All the models began as concept visuals which we then developed from prototypes through to final approved designs, before going into batch production. The main picture above shows four of the models in one of HSBC’s central London branches. The smaller images show close-up views of three of the model types.