Maketid

Maketid are simplified representations used to communicate the form, scale, and spatial relationships of a proposed object, building, or system. In Estonian, makett means a scale model or mock-up, and maketid refers to multiple such models. They are typically non-functional and produced to aid design review, client presentations, or educational demonstrations. Models can be physical, built from materials like foam, cardboard, wood, plastic, or metal, or digital, generated from CAD data and then fabricated.

In architecture and construction, maketid illustrate massing, façade treatment, interior layouts, and sightlines. They help stakeholders visualize scale and proportion before committing to expensive construction work. In product design and industry, maketid support exploration of form, ergonomics, packaging, and assembly sequences, allowing early evaluation of manufacturability and user interaction. They can range from small concepts to larger, more detailed representations.

Maketid are also used in film, theater, and education as visual aids to convey complex scenes or mechanisms. Advances in fabrication methods, especially 3D printing and CNC machining, have expanded possibilities for detailed and rapid production. Materials and finishes vary widely, with painted surfaces, decals, and weathering employed to increase realism.

A key distinction is that maketid are not fully functional prototypes; they convey appearance and dimensions rather than operation. They may incorporate limited moving parts or mechanisms, but their primary purpose is visualization and communication rather than testing performance. See also model making, architectural model, and scale modeling.