Future Systems

Jan Kaplický Drawings, on show until December 16th 2016 at University of Greenwich's School of Architecture & Landscape, makes for an unmissable journey into the works of one of the most influential architects of the past century. Curated by the university's head of architecture & landscape, Nic Clear, and hosted in association with Circa Press and support from the Czech Embassy, the exhibition harnesses print and digital media at a variety of scales. Perusing the assemblage of imagery, it will likely come as no surprise to those unfamiliar with Kaplický's life and works to hear he was the son of a botanical illustrator and a sculptor. What architectural wonders evolve from the mind of a man born and bred of both the arts and the sciences!  

Extract from University of Greenwich Galleries press release:

"This exhibition commemorates Jan Kaplický, who was one of the most gifted and visionary architects working at the end of the 20th and the beginning of the 21st century. His death in 2009 at the age of 71 robbed the world of a designer whose virtuosity was only just coming to wider public attention, having been a benchmark in the world of architecture for nearly three decades.

His trademark ‘futuristic’ style was formed from the intersection of the bold elegance of Czech modernism, the sweeping lines of the Baroque and intricacy of the exploded technical diagram. His work moved beyond a simple categorisation as High Tech into a realm where technology was both a utopian image and absolute fact.

Kaplický always felt that drawings were the epitome of the ‘decisive creative act’ and the care and intricacy of his drawings show the workings of a man who was passionate in the pursuit of precision. Produced before the rise of computer aided drafting (CAD), the complexity of form and the delicacy of line are astonishing, and coupled with a wit and originality around programme and a genuine commitment to an ethical use of technology and materials Kaplický’s works represent a liberating and joyful approach to architecture."

Read more at: http://www.greenwichunigalleries.co.uk/jan-kaplicky-drawings/