New exhibition at the National Museum of Norway shows architectural drawings after the financial crisis

Hand and Machine. Architectural drawings
National Museum, The Light Hall
17 November–31 March

Press preview 15 November, 11 am. Please contact simen.joachim.helsvig@nasjonalmuseet.no for attendance.

"Hand and Machine. Architectural drawings" showcases drawings by architects from 2008 to 2023, a period bookended by two global crises: the financial crisis and the corona pandemic.

During the 1990s and 2000s, the rapid development of digital technology had a significant impact on architecture. Drawing boards were replaced by computers, and complex digital designs became an important element in a global style of architecture. The financial crisis of 2008 caused serious economic difficulties for many architects, but it also led to a period of reflection and reaction. The exhibition shows how many architects reverted to analogue forms of expression, collective working arrangements, community engagement, and a local focus in the wake of the crisis.

What the drawings in the exhibition share is a critical attitude towards the aesthetics of the computer. The architects use handmade methods and styles of expression that are filtered through digital tools and distributed through social media like Instagram.

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.

An accompanying catalogue is published by the National Museum. The exhibition design and graphic design is by Kellenberger-White
Photo essay: Max Creasy

Topics

Architecture

The National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design is the largest art museum in the Nordics. The collection contains 400,000 objects ranging from the antiquity to the present day and includes paintings, sculpture, drawings, textiles, furniture and architectural models. The new museum building opened in June 2022. At the National Museum visitors can experience a comprehensive Collection presentation of around 6,500 works, as well as a varied programme of temporary exhibitions and events.