Dani Bterani's 3dr Models: Thinking Small To Build Big

One often wonders how the colossal, larger-than-life architectural marvels around the world are planned. Does it all start on a piece of paper or miniature models are built before these giants are erected? The answer is that while it all starts on paper, building miniature designs is also a must for such large architectural designs to shape into reality.

 3dr Models

Among the companies working to bring ambitious construction projects to life through finely detailed miniature 3D models is 3dr Models. Founded by Dani Antoun Bterani in 1989, the Dubai-based company creates miniature versions of residential, commercial and recreational developments for private as well as government projects across the world. The detailing is done in such a way that you will be able to see clear small versions of swimming pools, landscaped gardens and even SUVs. You will be able to see the dining table in the kitchen area, with salt and pepper neatly placed in the middle; you will also be able to see the placement of the television in a restaurant's lounge; you get to see mini underwater hotels, twisting towers with mechanical movement; in some cases, you get to see an entire city in its tiniest form.

(3dr Models)

The Dubai-based company has its factory in China and a satellite office in Hong Kong. Since its modest inception, 3dr has grown to become an internationally recognised full service firm. Its production centre boasts of an area of totally 50,000 sq ft and is equipped with state-of-the-art machines. The factory has 12 sets of laser-cutting machines, 100 sets of the latest computer and more than 500 skillful professional model makers. 3dr works closely with top architectural companies around the world and has completed more than 5,000 projects in the past few years.

(3dr Models)

3dr has designed models for the Hong Kong Airport, the Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai and the World Trade Center Tower One in New York City. The company's latest work is the W hotel being built in Dubai. The company has set its foot in more than 30 countries (over 70 cities) in almost every region of the world, including Asia, Europe, North America and Africa.

According to a CNN report, 3dr's models ranged from $5,000 to $10,000 per square metre, while its most expensive project cost over $5 million. The company has an annual turnover of $120 million.

(3dr Models)

“We tend to see the tomorrow of Dubai,” Bterrani told the The National, adding that models are the first thing to be made, and “we see the new projects before anyone else”. Speaking to CNN, Lebanese national Bterrani said that the model-maker was like the psychic to the world. According to The National report, the details of the models by 3dr are determined not only by the development, but also by the country to which the model is being sent. Models bound for Saudi Arabia, for example, must not contain any miniature of western women, and models going to Qatar must have a higher ratio of Qataris than expatriates.