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


'a l’ombre de la sieste' by avignon - clouet


'tower flower' by edouard francois


'passe au black' by avignon clouet