¹⁄35

Building a Diorama from Scratch

Creating the Working Template
After deciding on a draft concept, typically drawn out on graph paper or a sketchpad, we begin by tracing the final scheme to the matt board. This product is a common artist material found in most art supply stores. It consists of a Styrofoam-like material, sandwiched between two sheets of smooth, thick white paper. As you can see in comparing the final draft to the initial sketch, we made a few minor alterations to the desired pattern. This includes grouping tall buildings to one end of the street, and modifying the rooftops and building types. In this configuration, we will be creating (in order from left to right) a pharmacist shop, general market, a small café, and a boarding house/hotel.

I first measured off scale dimensions and widths to each building, so the desired scale of 1:35 will be derived. I made the first floor of each building approximately 9 scale feet in height, and additional floors are about 8 feet tall. Tall ceilings were quite common in the early 1900’s through the 1940’s, as so few buildings had any form of air conditioning. The taller ceilings allowed for warmer air to rise to the top, providing more comfort for the inhabitants inside the dwelling.

Realizing that a six-foot man is just about 2 inches in scale height, we worked with 3.5 inches on the ground floors, and 3¼ inches on additional floors. All measurements are marked and indicated with a felt-tipped pen. The soft tip won’t mar the finish of the matt board with a depression line like a ballpoint pen or sharp pencil might. Once satisfied, the final outline is marked in a heavier permanent marker (photo 1.1).

(photo 1.1) Mark off basic structure with a felt-tipped pen. (photo1.2) Lay out the initial design elements, then experiment.

Having defined the basic shape of the building, I advise laying out the detail pieces to be incorporated into the final design (photo 1.2). This allows you to better visualize the way the completed piece will actually look. Now is your last chance to decide on doors, windows, and positioning.

As there are so many “window cuts”, I always like to “x-out” the outline of the details, indicating the areas that are to be cut away (“drops”). Trust me on this; you’ll be amazed at how confusing the work can be if you omit this step.