

vardehaugen uses real scale drawings to map out its future architectural projects

all images courtesy of vardehaugen

led by architect håkon matre aasarød, vardehaugen is an oslo-based firm currently working on a number of schemes at a variety of different scales. in order to better visualize its work, the design team has developed a method of ‘real scale drawing’ that allows a form of human occupation, even before a project is built. the 1:1 drawings are mapped out in the courtyard behind vardehaugen’s studio using lasers, chalk, and tape. the architects believe that this ensures a greater understanding of size and proportion, enabling them to take a stroll through the ‘building’ to gain an understanding of dimensions and spatial sequences.

‘the ability to visualize the unbuilt is an important part of the architectural profession,’ explains vardehaugen. ‘both in order to evaluate and communicate concepts and solutions. however, the bodily sensation of scale or the notion of simply walking through a room cannot be experienced through traditional 3D visualizations or scaled models. architecture is not an abstract geometrical size, but something concrete that relates to our bodily existence and the world around us.’



the 1:1 drawings are mapped out in the courtyard behind vardehaugen’s studio



see a video and more information on the studio’s instagram



lasers, chalk, and tape are used to map out the various spaces



testing the plan of ‘cabin vardehaugen’ on site