Architects take on modern mapping at the Building Centre

Buildings.

Photos
Francesco Russo

Contemporary Cartography explores modern methods of mapping in the digital age, and how these address human experiences, climate change, and even the ways technology itself might perceive or misperceive the surrounding environment. Forming part of the London Festival of Architecture, the exhibition includes work by the makers of the High Line park in New York, James Corner Field Operations; the technical experts behind the BBC series Invisible Cities, ScanLAB Projects; architectural academics, Smout Allen; and award‐winning designers, Studio Mutt.

Running until 30 August, the exhibition proposes a re‐engagement with maps and acts of cartography as creative, generative processes – positive cultural tools with the potential to transgress boundaries and reimagine environments. The associated events programme explores broader themes through acclaimed international projects, architects and theorists.

Taking Measures Across the American Landscape map drawings by James Corner

James Corner’s original map drawings from the seminal Taking Measures Across the American Landscape publication are being displayed in the UK for the first time. The works were originally produced for the award‐winning landscape book, created with photographer Alex S MacLean, to record the landscape of America and understand how it has been shaped by cultures of the past, and will be shaped in the future.

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Alvsjo Flatbed by James Corner Field Operations

Brought to the UK for the first time from Harvard’s Collection, the lightbox is an example of how the landscape architect and creator of the High Line, James Corner, uses mapping in the concept, design and proposal process. The collage is part of a proposal for the growth and expansion of Stockholm into the neighbouring suburb of Älvsjö. The collage of maps and data represent various factors which need to be harmoniously developed for a successful development plan.

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The Dream Life of Driverless Cars by ScanLAB Projects

Originally commissioned and published by the New York Times Magazine, The Dreamlife of Driverless Cars by ScanLAB Projects is being exhibited as a film installation for the first time. It weaves a 3D laser scanner through the streets of London in search of how driverless vehicles might perceive ‐ and misperceive ‐ the world. As the cartographers of the future, autonomous vehicles will perpetually reference and update three-dimensional models of our cities. While the initial intention of this mapping by computer vision is clear – to navigate the streets and avoid collisions – The Dreamlife of Driverless Cars aims to highlight the other potential use and misuse of this data.

Ordnance Pavilion by Studio MUTT

Studio MUTT’s Ordnance Pavilion celebrates Ordnance Survey maps, reinterpreting the symbols used as identifiers in the topographical landscape. The structure, originally created for the Lake District, draws on the history of the ‘Retriangulation of the UK’, which took place between 1935 and 1965 and saw the manual, analogue measurement of the land to be plotted on the OS map. The installation synthesises elements from this narrative of retriangulation through a collage of scenes and characters, reflecting on the processes of measure and documentation, which shape our understanding of a landscape and navigation through it.

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Liquid Kingdom by Smout Allen

Sited on the Isle of Sheppey in the Thames Estuary, Smout Allen’s Liquid Kingdom is a speculative design proposal for landscape and architectural installations. It responds to the island’s unique character and prepares it for the future demands of society and climate change. This ‘super‐size miniature’ proposal provides a place to see, experience, measure, analyse and enjoy the landscape; bridging the gap between research and local user groups.

‘Contemporary Cartography’
The Building Centre, London WC1
Until 30 August

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