Northern Exposure
in association with

Northern Exposure - in association with Northwest Development Agency (NWDA) - is CUBE's most ambitious project to date. It represents an innovative and unique re-interpretation of architectural exhibitions.

This project is designed to generate a greater sense of empathy between designer and onlooker. Drawing upon the work of ten emergent Northwest architecture and design practices, it uses a methodology that seeks to deconstruct and humanise the process of architectural discourse through symbolic representation of experience, influence, desire and aspiration.

Each practice has been allocated a three cubic metre ‘pavilion’ - a confined space and a limited set of physical conditions - in which to create an inventive and resourceful installation. This artistic undertaking is intended to creatively connect with the nature of their design beliefs and disclose their creative processes, sources of inspiration, favourites etc. This approach has spawned a series of wholly original installations. These illuminate the diverse creative approaches taken by the participating practices and celebrate their attitudes and perceptions of contemporary architectural discourse. An integral part of this creative methodology is a short film by each practice viewed within the pavilion. This medium further demystifies the architectural process, enabling the viewer to gain a real insight into those persons who shape our built environment.

In essence, Northern Exposure seeks to explore a phenomenological approach to architectural curation; the exhibition enables the viewer to perceive “things-in-themselves”, that being the creative process, and not simply representations of final forms. This we believe will give rise to a deeper understanding of what constitutes meaningful design work.

Special Thanks to
Graeme Cooper Photography
Andy MacGregor, Edric Audio Visual
and iGuzzini Lighting

Additional information:

1. The Project
The Northern Exposure exhibition represents one of four dissemination channels – exhibition, book, seminar and website – that will take place over the next 12 months. Taken as a whole the chief aim of the Northern Exposure project – in association with the NWDA - is to disseminate information on these ten practices as exemplars of best practice, and thereby demonstrate the fundamental importance of quality architectural design within the urban regeneration process.

2. Context
The Northwest is the UK’s largest and most vibrant commercial, financial, educational and cultural economic region outside London. It is synonymous with leading developments in atomic physics, medical research, technology and the creative industries. The role of architecture and urban design in its flourishing renaissance cannot be underestimated. Over the duration of the last 20 years it has witnessed a considerable transformation, embracing new modes of living, transportation and work. A key component in this new urban dynamism is the intrinsic role of the architect/designer driving change and fostering a renewed sense of confidence and optimism in the way it perceives itself. CUBE's Northern Exposure project is a timely contribution to the debate of how architecture and design can define and effect both physical and social change. ‘Northern Exposure’ will run alongside the Commonwealth Games in Manchester, therefore attracting and appealing to both a diverse national and international audience.

3. Overview
The ten practices in 'Northern Exposure' can be said to be ‘emerging’ either in the sense of becoming established and noticed as a new design presence within the Northwest region, or in the sense of locally established practices of a few years’ standing being recognised on a broader national or international arena. The chosen participants all have strong connections and relationships with the region and share a strong commitment to design quality. They range from town planners to architects to landscape architects to interior designers; in size from 2-man practices to firms of 16 staff; covering a wide range of activities from master-planning to architecture to commercial and domestic interiors.

4. The Ten Practices:
ARCA
ARKHEION
JUDGE GILL
LANDSCAPE PROJECTS
OMI ARCHITECTS
SHED KM
SAGAR STEVENSON
TOTAL ARCHITECTURE
URBED
WILKINSON, EVANS, JEFFERIES