I think what Michael is getting at is more about waste in the design process... sure physical models are valuable. But today in star-architect firms you have TONS of that horrible blue foam junk that's for quick and dirty studies on form and geometry. With digital 3D modeling software today - we go through thousands of design iterations on screen. It's a wasteful process, and that consumerist mindset translates over to these model shops. I think Michael is saying that it's a needless contradiction when - for example - you're designing a "sustainable" building. The process needs to smarten up... and ultimately, they just don't make models like they used to...