James Brittain 

CMS Detector (1), 2007


Computer Farm (1), 2007


CMS Detector (2), 2007


 
 
 

Collisions

The photographs are intended as simple observations: A giant machine, accidental spaces in underground tunnels, hardware in computer halls. The quest for knowledge at CERN in Switzerland is intense, both in focus and scale. Scientists want to observe and understand, completely, the architecture of all matter – how everything is made. It became clear that while no attention had been paid to aesthetics, what had been created was exceptionally beautiful. A suggestion too, that when thought and energy is channeled in such a determined way, magical things might occur - blurring old lines between science, art and spiritual belief.

 

Exhibitions

2008

“Collisions”: Architectural Association, London
Large-scale prints from the European Centre for Nuclear Research

2007
“Architecture on the Ramp”: The Royal Academy, London
Jointly exhibited with photographer Helene Binet, celebrating the work of Wilkinson Eyre Architects
2004
Candid Arts Gallery, London
Solo exhibition of work from 3-year commission on new landmark buildings for an education campus in London by Wilkinson Eyre Architects, Gollifer Langston Architects and van Heyningen and Haward Architects.
2003
“OPEN”: The British Association of Photographers Gallery, London
Personal work in joint exhibition
Publications

James’s work is regularly published in international magazines and journals concerned with the built environment. In 2008, these included:

Architects’ Journal
House and Garden Magazine
Architecture Today
Building Design Magazine
The Guardian newspaper
Architectural Digest
BBC Homes and Antiques

Recent book contributions include:

World Architecture Atlas,
Phaidon Anglo Files,
UK Architecture’s Emerging Generation,
Thames and Hudson New London Architecture,
Merrell Exploring Boundaries,
monograph, Wilkinson Eyre Architects Transformations,
The Architecture of Penoyre and Prasad Bennetts Associates,
Four Commentaries

Education
2001
London College of Printing, Professional Photographic Practice
1989
Goethe Institute, Hamburg