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The largest ever model of Central London, commissioned by New London Architecture and sponsored by OS, will be unveiled for the first time on the London Stand at MIPIM, the annual get together of the most influential international property players.

3D model of London

More than 20 thousand participants, 3 thousand CEO’s and Chairmen from 93 different countries won’t fail to miss this extraordinary interpretation of London vistas and the inspiring development which has happened in the Capital in recent times.

Using a whole suite of OS “height and footprint” digital building data, the New London Model will illustrate the evolution of the capital representing more than £100 billion of current and future development. At a scale of 1:2000, it will cover more of London than ever before. The model itself has a perimeter of 32 metres. You could call it London’s most influential jigsaw puzzle with the 3D interpretation created by more than 60 intricate, interlocking pieces.

The massive change in the London skyline is all there. Major developments and infrastructure in 3D model form from Old Oak Common in the west to the Royal Docks in the east, Nine Elms in the south to King’s Cross and the site of London’s 2012 Olympics in the north. They are all there. Transport infrastructure is showcased too, including Crossrail and the upgrade of London Bridge Station, which are under construction, and future projects such as Crossrail 2 and High Speed 2.

It has taken four months to build with OS data brought to life by the model makers Pipers using state of the art technology, 3D printing and laser cutting. On its return from its French fanfare launch, more will be added at its permanent home the New London Architecture (NLA) galleries at The Building Centre in Store Street London. 
An interactive experience involving projection systems, son et lumiere displays, and one touch, tablet technology will bring London’s development story to life. Anything that can be mapped or animated can be overlaid onto the physical model - from underground lines, geographic areas or features, historic growth and boundaries, people movements and clusters of buildings.

3D model of London from above

David Roberts, Ordnance Survey’s Land and Property Strategic Relationship Manager, commented:

“It is exciting to demonstrate in such a visual way how the use of OS information and solutions can underpin the work of developers, the insurance and legal industries as well as transport planners. OS is driving several exciting advances in 3D and the built environment right now and the opportunity for us to include our premier mapping, building heights and imagery data into the new model has clearly helped reduce the time and costs in production. We are very excited about the prospect of working with NLA to show the benefits of combining data in an interactive display to the wider property community on its return to London.”

Debbie Whitfield, Director of New London Architecture, said:

“Where better to unveil the model than at the London Stand at MIPIM, an international stage where we can show the scale and breadth of continued development across the Capital. Even more people will then be able to see it when it goes on public display at the end of March at the NLA. While the chance to call on OS digital data has ensured that the quality and accuracy of the model will be without peer”.

Patrick McKeogh, Managing Director of Pipers added:

“Pipers are both excited and privileged to be involved in this project. We believe the model will act as a tool for both professionals and the public, helping to make sense of the remarkable scale and mix of development taking place in London.”

Notes to Editors

1. Ordnance Survey is Britain’s mapping agency maintaining and enhancing one of the world’s most accurate and up-to-date services. With hundreds of billions of pounds invested in London’s development, we are relied upon to ensure currency and accuracy when underpinning the Nation’s capital current and future assets. As key stakeholders in the development of the Built Environment, BIM and the Smarter Cities initiatives, OS location data provides the foundation for such decisions throughout the project lifecycle, asset management, risks and costs.
2. Pipers is an international design, events and model making group. Founded in 1959, Pipers Models is one of the world’s most trusted architectural model makers, working with developers, architects and consultants worldwide. With a team of over 50 model makers in the London and Ashford workshops, Pipers has an excellent track record and a reputation for high quality and great value.
3. New London Architecture is an independent forum for debate about the future shape of the city and a permanent information resource about what’s happening in architecture, planning, development and construction across the capital. Permanent exhibition galleries at The Building Centre in central London, featuring the OS Central London Model are open free of charge, six days a week.

Contact us

For more information:

Contact: Andy Steggall, Senior Press Officer

Email: andy.steggall@os.uk

Phone: (+44) 023­80 055447