iconic sydney buildings come to life as brass-clad tactile maps by axolotl

Axolotl reveals tactile maps of iconic Sydney buildings

To mark the 50th anniversary of the Sydney Opera House, Axolotl unveils Touch Maps, tactile maps of iconic buildings, created to a 1:800 scale and finished in handcrafted applied aged brass. The 3D printed model of the Opera House, produced by Modelcraft model makers, consists of nine fused components, each showcasing an array of textures that reflect the brass accents found throughout the structure. Axolotl, in collaboration with Modelcraft, has also produced a Touch Map of Sydney Hyde Park Barracks, with both models featuring less than 1 mm thick applied bronze metal surfaces that adhere to the strict guidelines for braille and tactile maps. This allows the models to accurately represent architectural forms and historical context while maintaining accessibility for visually impaired individuals. Currently on public display at the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Hyde Park Barracks, these models invite visitors to engage with and appreciate the architectural significance of these landmarks. 

all images by Cassandra Hannagan, courtesy of Axolotl

Touch Maps provide an inclusive way to experience architecture

Human-centered design has increasingly become a hallmark of quality in recent decades. For those who are blind or vision impaired, tactile maps provide an alternative way to experience architecture and design. These maps offer a 3D representation of objects, buildings, or cities to scale, guiding users through a tangible journey that extends beyond braille. The design solutions company uses high-quality materials and advanced techniques for the models of the UNESCO World Heritage Site buildings to create detailed, accessible representations of these landmarks. Using advanced 3D printing technology, the models, realized in collaboration with Sydney Living Museums and Vision Australia, provide a detailed tactile narrative of the heritage sites. 

to mark the 50th anniversary of the Sydney Opera House, Axolotl unveils Touch Maps

tactile maps of iconic buildings are created to a 1:800 scale

finished in handcrafted applied aged brass, the 3D printed model consists of nine fused components

an array of textures reflects the brass accents found throughout the structure

Axolotl has also produced a Touch Map of Sydney Hyde Park Barracks

both models feature less than 1 mm thick applied bronze metal surfaces that adhere to the guidelines for braille 

the hand-polished, aged brass surface enhances the tactile experience

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for those who are blind or vision impaired, tactile maps provide a way to experience architecture and design

a 3D representation of buildings to scale guides users through a tangible journey

extending beyond braille, the maps showcase high-quality materials and advanced techniques

the models provide a tactile narrative of the heritage sites

project info:

name: Touch Map for the Blind
designer: Axolotl | @axolotlgroup
collaborators: Sydney Living Museums, Vision Australia | @visionaustralia, Modelcraft | @modelcraftmodelmakers
location: Sydney Opera House and Sydney Hyde Park Barracks, Australia 
photographer: Cassandra Hannagan | @cassandrahannagan

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: thomai tsimpou | designboom