Architectural Model – The Capitol
About the project
How did we manage to fit a grand architectural monument into a space just 118x118 inches, while preserving every detail?
The legendary US Capitol is striking even in photographs — a symbol of American democracy, embodied in monumental neoclassicism with ancient columns, a vast dome, and impeccable detail. Now imagine this grand structure reduced 87 times in scale and placed within a 118x118 inches space. Minibricks Studio was the first in the world to make this vision a reality. We created a miniature masterpiece that impresses with its realism and intricacy.
A large team worked on the model — 3D modellers, model makers, artists, CNC machine operators, and electricians. The job of the 3D modellers is not only to recreate the building’s appearance, but also to design a structure that can actually be assembled and will hold its shape over time. The same applies to small details — columns, sculptures, carvings. Even the tiniest components require an internal frame for support.
The actual process of building the model took six months of careful work. Simple elements such as walls and roofs were cut from polystyrene on CNC milling machines. The more complex parts — columns, capitals, mouldings, windows and balustrades — were 3D printed in photopolymer resin. Around 70% of all the small parts in the model were made using photopolymer printing.
