Linked Research

As part of a research project, I worked with a friend to recreate the MANPLAN magazines published in the 1970s. 

In the project, which was supervised by architectural theorist Stephen Parnell, my fellow student and I looked at the history of architecture in England, ultimately focussing on the MANPLAN magazines. This led to the concept of using generative AI to document architectural history that has never happened in order to discuss current and past topics. 

The finished project was featured on the front page of Architect's Journal, as well as in the print version, and was also nominated for the William Glover Award.

On almost 70 pages, I wrote 4 of the 8 articles, which were supplemented by AI-generated images. The articles I wrote dealt with the following topics: Repurposing of abandoned industrial sites, the lack of space and high cost of construction materials, nomadism and green cities through microcars. Although the content was thoroughly researched and accompanying texts carefully crafted, the focus was on the visual elements to mimic the character of MANPLAN magazines. These were known for their image-heavy and socially critical articles. To make the magazine authentic, I not only wrote articles in the style of MANPLAN magazine, but also designed adverts, as well as the well-known MANPLAN letters, foldouts and integrated book reviews. 

The project lasted a total of 3 semesters. One semester was dedicated to general teaching on architectural history and research on AI, while the other two were used for researching topics and drafting the articles.

Below, you'll find my favourite spreads from the magazine. 

manplan ads

To save money, the pages of the original Magazines used to be printed in greyscale. Only the advertisements were printed in colour.

The content and adverts in this project do not reflect my political views, but have been written to be contemporary and experimental*.
*Aside from praising microcars and trams, I love those.