Exhibition has model designs

Tuesday 30 May 2006

A new exhibition will examine the future of the hand-crafted model in the architectural design process in the wake of emerging digital technology.

The exhibition, Homo Faber, is part of a major Australian Research Council (ARC) funded project into architectural design by a team from the University of Newcastle and RMIT University. The exhibition will celebrate the importance of the hand-crafted and computer-generated model in the architectural design process.

Professor Michael Ostwald from the University of Newcastle says that the architectural profession is facing a time when the relationship between craft traditions and digitally based tools needs to be further explored.

"Drawings and models are two of the most important tools for an architect," says Professor Ostwald. "However when it comes to research into the design process, the role of the model is often forgotten."

"Designers use a wide range of devices to conceptualise and visualise three-dimensional forms. Historically the drawing or sketch has been venerated as the primary creative tool and it has been the subject of many exhibitions.

"Models are equally important in most design offices and play a critical role in shaping architecture. Despite this, such models are typically thrown away once they have served their purpose."

Professor Ostwald says the exhibition will feature both physical and digital models and examine the relationship between the two.

"Without sufficient scrutiny, hand-crafted modelling might be presumed to be inefficient, and dropped in the same way that hand drafting has almost disappeared from architectural practice.

"Careful reflection is necessary because there seems to be as much potential for loss, as there is for gain, as a result of this change."

Homo Faber will showcase twenty of Australia's leading architects who have contributed work demonstrating the range of uses of models in the practice of architecture.

Homo Faber will be opened on Wednesday 31 May 2006 at 6pm at Melbourne Museum, Nicholson St, Carlton. A symposium will follow on Thursday 1 June 2006. For more information visit: www.homo-faber.net

The exhibition will run from Thursday 1 June - Sunday 2 July 2006.

For interviews: Professor Michael Ostwald on (02) 4921 5776. Images of models are available on request.