Technology's impact on the building industry can be seen in the superslim towers that would have been structurally inconceivable even a decade ago as well as the photorealistic renderings that we've come to expect from starchitects. On a smaller scale, fabrication technology and cheap microcontrollers have changed the game for building sales tools. SkyriseCities recently stopped by Myles Burke Architectural Models, where a high-tech model for The World Towers in Mumbai was being assembled.

Rendering of World Towers Plaza, image via LODHA

The model was commissioned for the sales office of the Pei Cobb Freed & Partners-designed three-tower condo complex from Lodha Developers. The tallest of the towers is World One, which is currently rising towards a final height of 442 metres, and will offer 290 suites across 117 storeys. The 57-storey World Crest tower has already topped out at 222.5 metres, and the 90-storey World View tower has yet to begin construction.

Sheet of laser cut tower components, image by Jack Landau

The curved balcony floors for the trefoiled towers were first etched and then cut out using one of Myles Burke's three laser cutters. These machines were also used to create small palm fronds out of painter's tape, although the palm trees themselves were crafted by hand.

Model palm trees in progress, image by Jack Landau

The wooden balcony floors slide into the laser-cut plastic structural components of each tower, adding authentic material details that are tucked away behind the building's paperboard cladding. The balconies of the two-leaved second tier of World One also offer private swimming pools for future residents of the two suites found on each floor of this section. Double-height balconies appear in the third tier, where two-storey penthouses will offer expansive views of Mumbai.

World Towers model assembly, image by Jack Landau

The interior of the model has been equipped with tricolour LED lights that sales office employees will be able to control from a tablet onsite. The towers have been programmed with a variety of static or dynamic light patterns, and individual suites can be illuminated during sales demonstrations.

Balconies of World Towers model, image by Jack Landau

The wiring required to operate the LED system takes up the full core of each tower, leaving no room for the pegs that typically hold vertical model sections together. According to Ken MacLean at Myles Burke, the vertical components of World Towers will probably be secured with silicone upon arriving at their final destination in Mumbai.

World Towers model assembly, image by Jack Landau

The model was shipped in pieces, with two Myles Burke employees travelling a week behind to handle the final onsite installation.

Illuminated World Towers model, image by Jack Landau

Unlike the LED-lit tower levels, the model's podium will have a separate lighting scheme with clear windows and interior furnishings. This level of detail can also be seen on the podium roof and courtyard, which include miniature water features, playgrounds, gardens, and athletic courts.

Courtyard of World Towers model, image by Jack Landau

You can see the World Towers' dynamic lighting system in action in the video below, while other videos on the Myles Burke Youtube Channel capture closeups of the finished model and different light programs.

Learn more about the World Towers in our Database entry, linked below. Let us know what you think about the model and the project in our dedicated Forum thread or in the comments below.