Axon Communications – 1:43 Scale Conceptual Japanese Landscape Model - Kaiyu-shiki-teien

Project Overview & Commission Funky Lemon was commissioned by healthcare communications agency Axon Communications to design and manufacture a highly bespoke, interactive sales presentation model. Built at a precise 1:43 scale, this unique model replicates an indoor Japanese Kaiyu-shiki-teien (promenade or stroll garden).

In traditional Japanese landscape architecture, a promenade garden is designed to be experienced by following a clockwise path around a central lake, leading the viewer through a series of carefully composed, symbolic scenes. Axon Communications brilliantly adapted this cultural concept into an educational allegory, utilizing the physical journey through the garden to guide prospective clients through the various stages and medical milestones of a diabetes management program. Every bridge, path transition, and garden feature was designed to communicate a core healthcare message.

Engineered for International Travel & High-Stakes Pitching Because this model functions as a core sales presentation piece for high-profile client pitches across the USA, standard fragile architectural model-making techniques were not an option. The model had to withstand the structural rigors of international aviation while remaining effortlessly portable for a traveling sales team.

• Integrated Flight Case Chassis: The entire 1:43 scale landscape was engineered to be completely self-contained within a heavy-duty, airline-grade aluminum flight case. The model's topography was structurally bonded directly into the lower base of the case, ensuring zero shifting during transit in airplane luggage holds.

• Dual-Scale Lid Presentation: To streamline the presentation process during fast-paced corporate meetings, we designed a custom dual-scale display. While the main base contains the macro 1:43 masterplan layout, critical microscopic details of the garden were replicated at a much larger, high-fidelity scale and securely mounted within the interior lid of the flight case. When opened, the case instantly creates a self-contained, multi-dimensional sales display that requires no complex setup or assembly.

Materiality & Craftsmanship To survive the constant climate changes of international travel without warping or degrading, our studio selected high-stability, advanced composite materials:

• Topography & Water Effects: The undulating terrain of the garden was carved from high-density, impact-resistant tooling block, rather than standard fragile foams. The central lake was cast using an optical-grade, non-yellowing polyurethane resin, tinted to provide authentic depth while remaining perfectly stable under varying atmospheric pressures in flight.

• Micro-Foliage & Features: Miniature stone lanterns, bridges, and winding pathways were micro-machined and hard-coated with a protective matte lacquer. The organic elements—such as the iconic manicured trees and mossy banks typical of a promenade layout—were created using stabilized, industrial-grade architectural turf and wire-twisted structures designed to lock into place permanently.

The Ultimate Pitching Tool By combining traditional, meticulous model-making craftsmanship with rugged transport engineering, this piece does more than just show a concept—it drives a narrative. It allows the Axon sales team to arrive at any boardroom in the United States, flip open a premium flight case, and immediately immerse their prospective clients in a tactile, unforgettable physical story.