There are several reasons why building a 3D physical model can be better than using digital renders:
Tangibility: A physical model provides a tangible representation of the design that can be held and examined from different angles. This allows for a deeper understanding of the design and can facilitate better decision-making.
Scale: A physical model allows for a better understanding of the scale of the design, which can be difficult to gauge from a digital render.
Lighting: A physical model can be placed under different lighting conditions to assess how the design will look in various settings. This is difficult to replicate in a digital render.
Materiality: A physical model can be constructed using materials that are similar to those intended for the final design. This allows for a better understanding of how the design will look and feel in real life.
Collaboration: A physical model can be used as a collaborative tool, allowing stakeholders to come together and discuss the design in a more hands-on way.
Of course, there are also advantages to using digital renders, such as the ability to quickly make changes and to produce multiple versions of a design. However, when it comes to understanding the physical aspects of a design, a 3D maquette can be a valuable tool.