Hand and Machine Architectural drawings
Explosive technological development and various global crises have left their mark on society in recent decades. What impact do such upheavals have on architects and the way they work?
The exhibition explores this question through a selection of drawings and installations. The earliest works on display date from the time of the global financial crisis of 2008. In the aftermath of that upheaval, a younger generation of architects started to work more locally, collectively and non-commercially. The most recent drawings in the exhibition are by architects who were becoming established during the corona pandemic.
Technological innovations, new software and computers influence how architects approach their discipline. Today, most architectural drawings are done on the computer rather than by hand. What the drawings in the exhibition share is a critical attitude towards the aesthetics of the computer.
The exhibition includes drawings by around forty Norwegian and international architectural firms. In addition, there are three installations by the architectural offices Søstra100, LCLA and Secretary. These investigate the roles of drawing in architecture – and of architecture in society.
Participants in the exhibition:
Andreas Angelidakis, Arkitekt Folstad, Knut, Atelier Adam Nathaniel Furman, Atelier Particular, Bouwman Zago, Brendeland & Kristoffersen Arkitekter, DRDH Architects, Dyvik Kahlen Architects, Teodor Javanaud Emdén, Exutoire & Safe Space Collective, Fala, Gartnerfuglen Arkitekter, Hesselbrand, Sam Jacob, Kastler Skjeseth Architects, Lala Tøyen, LCLA OFFICE, Malarchitecture, OFFICE Kersten Geers David Van Severen & Wonne Ickx, OMMX, Opa Form & Mir Visuals, Andrea Pinochet, Point Supreme, San Rocco Magazine, Philipp Schaerer, Secretary, Studio Christine Petersen, Studio ØSA & Clara Claussen, Søstra100, Jørgen Tandberg, Transborder Studio, Vardehaugen & Arkitekt Aslak Haanshuus, Espen Vatn, ViO, Øystein Aasan.
Exhibition design and graphic design: Kellenberger-White
Photo essay: Max Creasy
Media coverage
– “Hand and Machine. Architectural drawings” at Norway's National Museum investigates the roles of drawing in architecture, and of architecture in society.
“Hand and Machine. Architectural Drawings” included in Domus’ list over exhibitions to visit in 2024.
– ‘Hand and Machine’ allows us to sit behind the architect’s desk – mind engaged, pen in hand – and experience the freedom inherent in drawing.
– Looking behind (and beyond) the drawing could uncover where the hand goes when the machine writes poetry and paints utopias.
– Explosive technological development and various global crises have left their mark on society in recent decades. What impact do such upheavals have on architects and the way they work?
