In the so-called 'experience economy', architecture and urban design have become vital to place-making and urban branding strategies as cities re-invent themselves on a global stage. Digital visualisations of buildings and places are crucial tools for imaginig and designing new urban developments, as well as for projecting what they will feel like. They have become an ubiquitous part of the urban visual landscape, and now constitute the main platform for interaction and communication between architects, developers, planners, and the public.
This exhibition takes a closer look at digital visualisations. It explores what lies behind the glossy surface of the images we see, and how they are changing the way in which architects work. Focusing on a large-scale urban transformation in Doha, Qatar, designed by British and US architects, the exhibition explores the complex processes of digital image production. It examines how these images circulate between architects, visualisers and their client; it explores the impact they have on design development; and it interrogates their attempt to shape how people will experience urban spaces in the future across the globe.
A conference on 31st August 10.00 - 17.00, brings together a range of design professionals and urban academics to discuss these issues.
'Visualising atmospheres' is curated by Monica Degen, Clare Melhuish and GIllian Rose. It is based on the ESRC research project 'Architectural atmospheres: the impact of digital visualising technologies on contemporary architectural practice' (RES-062-23-3305), at The Open University and Brunel University.
These events are part of the Qatar UK 2013 Festival
