iconic sydney buildings come to life as brass-clad tactile maps by axolotl

to mark the 50th anniversary of the sydney opera house, axolotl applies aged brass to 3D printed touch maps of iconic buildings.

Kris Torma edited by thomai tsimpou July 26, 2024 3 min

Axolotl reveals tactile maps of iconic Sydney buildings

To mark the 50th anniversary of the Sydney Opera House, Axolotl unveils Touch Maps, tactile maps of iconic buildings, created to a 1:800 scale and finished in handcrafted applied aged brass. The 3D printed model of the Opera House, produced by Modelcraft model makers, consists of nine fused components, each showcasing an array of textures that reflect the brass accents found throughout the structure. Axolotl, in collaboration with Modelcraft, has also produced a Touch Map of Sydney Hyde Park Barracks, with both models featuring less than 1 mm thick applied bronze metal surfaces that adhere to the strict guidelines for braille and tactile maps. This allows the models to accurately represent architectural forms and historical context while maintaining accessibility for visually impaired individuals. Currently on public display at the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Hyde Park Barracks, these models invite visitors to engage with and appreciate the architectural significance of these landmarks.

iconic sydney buildings come to life as brass-clad tactile maps by axolotl - 1 — all images by Cassandra Hannagan, courtesy of Axolotl

Touch Maps provide an inclusive way to experience architecture

Human-centered design has increasingly become a hallmark of quality in recent decades. For those who are blind or vision impaired, tactile maps provide an alternative way to experience architecture and design. These maps offer a 3D representation of objects, buildings, or cities to scale, guiding users through a tangible journey that extends beyond braille. The design solutions company uses high-quality materials and advanced techniques for the models of the UNESCO World Heritage Site buildings to create detailed, accessible representations of these landmarks. Using advanced 3D printing technology, the models, realized in collaboration with Sydney Living Museums and Vision Australia, provide a detailed tactile narrative of the heritage sites.

iconic sydney buildings come to life as brass-clad tactile maps by axolotl - 2 — to mark the 50th anniversary of the Sydney Opera House, Axolotl unveils Touch Maps

iconic sydney buildings come to life as brass-clad tactile maps by axolotl - 3 — tactile maps of iconic buildings are created to a 1:800 scale

iconic sydney buildings come to life as brass-clad tactile maps by axolotl - 4 — finished in handcrafted applied aged brass, the 3D printed model consists of nine fused components

iconic sydney buildings come to life as brass-clad tactile maps by axolotl - 5 — an array of textures reflects the brass accents found throughout the structure

iconic-sydney-buildings-tangible-brass-clad-touch-maps-axolotl-designboom-1800-01 — the models accurately represent architectural forms

iconic sydney buildings come to life as brass-clad tactile maps by axolotl - 6 — Axolotl has also produced a Touch Map of Sydney Hyde Park Barracks

iconic sydney buildings come to life as brass-clad tactile maps by axolotl - 7 — both models feature less than 1 mm thick applied bronze metal surfaces that adhere to the guidelines for braille

iconic sydney buildings come to life as brass-clad tactile maps by axolotl - 8 — the hand-polished, aged brass surface enhances the tactile experience

for those who are blind or vision impaired, tactile maps provide a way to experience architecture and design a 3D representation of buildings to scale guides users through a tangible journey extending beyond braille, the maps showcase high-quality materials and advanced techniques the models provide a tactile narrative of the heritage sites

project info:

name: Touch Map for the Blind
designer: Axolotl | @axolotlgroup
collaborators: Sydney Living Museums, Vision Australia | @visionaustralia, Modelcraft | @modelcraftmodelmakers
location: Sydney Opera House and Sydney Hyde Park Barracks, Australia
photographer: Cassandra Hannagan | @cassandrahannagan

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