Sensing Spaces
We went to the Sensing Spaces exhibition a few weekends ago after I did a quick shoot in town. Surprisingly they were happy to let me in with my camera gear and even had no issue with the tripod! Everyone should judge for themselves but for me it was a refreshing take on an Architecture exhibition. No boring boards, models, sketches and pages of text as usual. Even the 18 minute long film was enjoyable and thought provoking. It felt like it treated the viewer with some intelligence of their own and seems to invite people to explore and make their own minds up about the spaces and broader issues of Architecture. Perhaps it will also stimulate further awareness in the public of the environment, built or otherwise. Furthermore it wasn’t the usual suspects* showing their wares but new and interesting people.
Go and see it and make your own mind up. It seemed to be a real hit with children too. What was also nice was the space around each area. Whereas our experience of the Photographers Gallery was of a conveyor belt there was plenty of space at the RA to spill over and wander around. This space is so important to the overall experience. Go before 11am on a weekend if you want to get the best out of it.
Emma went a bit crazy for the coloured straws! She completely loved them.
*When I saw usual suspects.. well I’m referring to this design competition. The shortlist had me hopping mad and I’m so glad the RA avoided the same mistake.