the third dimension architecture in miniature

the third dimension – architecture in miniature from: now until april 30, 2010 at: maison de l’architecture et de la ville

‘iceberg’ – work in progress by julien de smedt

currently on display at the maison de l’architecture et de la ville is the exhibition ‘the third dimension – architecture in miniature’, exploring the vast topic of the architectural scale model. obviously, scale models in the field of architecture are the archetypal tool of representation, serving to simulate, illustrate, experiment and conceptualise at the various stages of architectural creation. however, far beyond its function as a simple tool or its use to instruct or promote, the scale model can become an artistic object in and of itself and, as such, one coveted by the most prestigious of museums.

the evolution of the techniques of architectural representation and the development of high performance computerised software programmes have not witnessed any sort of decline of this miniature architecture. quite the contrary, in fact, is the case: scale models have proved to be an enduring element for agencies, which have succeeded in lending these objects a power of attraction they have never had before.

more than forty scale models have been brought together, representing twelve french and international architectural agencies. the idea is to evaluate both the on-going, permanent nature of contemporary architects’ use of them and the different aesthetic and technical innovations used to create them.

the architectural scale model – be it for study or research, for technical or representational purposes – is typologically rich, and visitors will immediate appreciate this; models made of wood, resin, cardboard or metal; illuminated models, wall models, white or multicoloured, large or small scale –the heterogeneity found is surprising.

architects featured in the show are: avignon clouet, julien de smedt, dz0 architecture,  edouard francois , frama architects, j. mayer h, kl+nb paris, nabito, radical craft and search.

‘rainbow tower’ by nabito architects