» ScanLAB

The Bartlett School of Architecture runs ScanLAB, a series of research projects exploring 3D scanning in architecture and design. This projects are run by Matthew Shaw and William Trossell, in 2010, they produced 64 scans of the Bartlett Summer Show 2010 using a Faro Photon 120 laser scanner. These have been compiled to form a complete 3D replica of the temporary show which has been compiled into a navigable animation and a series of architectural drawings. These drawings represent the closest record of the exhibition. The process of 3D scanning captures full color spatial data of the models, drawings and exhibition spaces and allows them to be revisited long after the show has finished.

» Shape Shift

ShapeShift is an experiment in future possibilities of architectural materialization. This project explores the potential application of electro-active polymer (EAP) at an architectural scale. It is an ultra-lightweight, flexible material with the ability to change shape without the need for mechanical actuators. ShapeShift bridges gaps between advanced techniques in architectural design/fabrication and material science as well as pushing academic research towards real world applications. The project is being developed by Computer Aided Architectural Design (ETHZ) and the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA). I´ve seen different projects with the same principle and purpose but this one is ahead of every one of them. See the team behind this project here.

» Heatherwick Studio

Heatherwick Studio was established by Thomas Heatherwick in 1994, it is recognized for its work in: architecture, urban infrastructure, sculpture, furniture design and strategic thinking. Their team members come from disciplinary backgrounds that include architecture, product design, model-making, fabrication, landscape design, fine art and curation. Heatherwick Studio’s Associate Directors include Fred Manson, the former environment director of London Borough of Southwark who commissioned Tate Modern, Peckham Library and the Millennium Bridge, and the structural engineer Ron Packman. Heatherwick Studio operates from premises in Kings Cross, central London. This photos are from their UK pavilion at the Shangai's 2010 Expo. The event is the largest Expo ever with two hundred countries taking part and over 70 million visitors. The theme of the Expo was “Better City, Better Life”. For those that didn't had the chance or opportunity to go, here is the rest of this interesting project, watch the video and check out their other projects.

» Alexandre Farto

Alexandre Farto, aka Vhils, is a Portuguese street artist based in London. Using decayed plaster and old walls as his canvas he makes large detailed portraits by carving them with hammers and chisels. He has given a new life to aged buildings and facades across European cities and New York city. He has many works in different materials and disciplines, from graffiti to motion graphics. There is a great video of him working here.

» Alex Roman or ThirdSeventh or Jorge Seva

Even though this piece is from 2009 I just wanted to share it with those who have not met this artist yet. 

He was born in Alicante, Spain under the name of Jorge Seva, he uses "Alex Roman" as an artistic alias, and some people say he is the best CG artist in the world. After being trained in traditional painting at a few academies he discovered the CG world and moved to Madrid to work at a visual effects company. That did not last long due to the lack of demand of visual effects in Spain at the time. It was then, when he switched to the VIZ business. Currently, He works as a senior leading artist in a company based in Madrid. After considering there was a lack of respect for architecture he decided to start a personal journey: to experiment with a more cinematographic and/or photographic oriented point of view of some of his favorites architect's masterpieces. He did this great unprecedented short film called "The third & the seventh". He did everything himself, he even sequenced, orchestrated and mixed the audio based on some original scores. He used 3d Max, Vray and OnyxTree. He recently made a comercial work for Silestone, check it out in his Vimeo page. There is also a great interview in Autodesk's Area, with wireframe images and more info on the rendering. You can also give him a visit on his website thirdseventh.