Exhibition: "Models. Imagining to Scale" (STAM, Ghent)

STAM: Ghent city museum
Exhibition: Models. Imagining to Scale
November 14th 2014 – April 26th 2015
In architecture a model or maquette is a tangible representation of a building project. Scale models are useful in the design process, for pitching the concept to the client, facilitating discussion about urban renewal projects, entering major design competitions and, last but not least, displaying in museums and exhibitions.
These models often disappear from view once the projects they were made for have been completed. And yet they are so fascinating that we can go on looking at them and with time they become even more relevant.
People are enthralled by a world in miniature. Even as children we love scale models. Mini works – it is the very essence of most toys. Think of LEGO, Matchbox and dolls’ houses. And we’ve all bought a mini-Eiffel Tower or Atomium as a souvenir, haven’t we?
This STAM exhibition approaches models as the fascinating objects they are. The (building) project is visualized, but the focus is on the model itself. Models. Imagining to scale shows who the models were made for, who built them, how they were used and why they were kept.
Models are nothing short of amazing. They open up the world and even worlds which don’t, don’t yet or no longer exist.