Designing the Model

• 1). Choose the skyscraper that you will model. Get pictures and diagrams of that specific skyscraper if they are available. Get exact measurements of the skyscraper. Include height, width, and length of all surfaces and any additional features, such as antennas, that may be on the building. Write down all of the measurements on a sheet of paper.
  
  
• 2). Choose a scale according the size of the real skyscraper. A sample scale for a large skyscraper such as the Empire State Building is 1 foot = 1/100 inch. A smaller skyscraper could use a scale of 1 foot = 1/16 inch. Use the scale to convert all measurements of the real building into the measurements for the model. As an example, if the skyscraper is 1,400 feet tall and 420 feet long on each side the model would be 1,400/100 = 14 inches tall and 420/100 = 4.2 inches long.
  
  
• 3). Draw the model to scale in pencil on a piece of paper. Draw a rectangle with long sides of 14 inches and short sides of 4.2 inches for the example. Draw a square with sides 4.2 inches on each side for the base and roof sections for the example. Verify all measurements are correct.
  
  

Building the Model

• 1). Choose appropriate materials to work with. Skyscrapers will require solid materials such as cardboard or balsa wood, so the weight will not cause the walls to become concave when the model is standing. Other choices include Styrofoam and popsicle sticks.
  
  
• 2). Cut out the design previously drawn on paper. Lay the large rectangle on the balsa sheet and trace it four times. These rectangles will be the walls. Trace the square twice on a balsa sheet to create the floor and roof. Cut out the rectangles and squares with a utility knife. Paint details on the exterior of the balsa wood rectangles. Details may include windows, doors or architectural surfaces such as arches. Allow the paint to dry completely before beginning construction.
  
  
• 3). Set all of the rectangles on a flat surface with the painted side down so their long sides touch. Tape across the joints in two places so the sides are joined. Set the sides up vertically and bend at the joints to form a square. Tape the last joint together on the inside of the square. Adjust the sides as necessary.
  
  
• 4). Glue one of the squares to the top of the walls. Flip the building over and glue the walls together along the inside of the building. Wait for the glue to dry and add glue the roof onto the top of the building. Add any additional details required for the model. This may include landscaping, water features, doors or decorations.