The use of different scales in architecture and model making allows for a detailed representation of various elements within a design. The 1:1 scale is used to show full-size details, providing an accurate depiction of the actual dimensions and proportions. As the scale decreases, such as 1:2, 1:5, and 1:10, more emphasis is placed on specific details within the design.


When it comes to interior spaces and furniture, scales like 1:10, 1:20, and 1:50 are commonly employed to showcase these elements in relation to the overall building layout. Moving further out to larger scales such as 1:100 and 1:200 allows for a comprehensive view of building plans and layouts.


For site plans or location maps, scales like 1:5000 or even urban scales at 1:1000 are utilized to capture the broader context of the surrounding area. Additionally, city maps may be created at a scale of 1:2500 or smaller to encompass a wider geographical area.


In some cases, model railroad scales like N scale (approximately 1:160) or HO scale (approximately 87) are adopted due to the availability of commercial figures, vehicles, and trees in those specific sizes. This makes it easier for model makers to incorporate these elements into their designs seamlessly.
Furthermore, when constructing models of large buildings that require significant space considerations but still aim for accuracy in representation, architects often opt for scales around this range as well. This ensures that important architectural features can be showcased without compromising on size constraints.