Hoachlander Davis: Photographing Spaces
February 14–March 23, 2018
February 14–March 23, 2018
Architects rely on photographers to interpret and communicate their work—capturing light, material, and spatial intent for awards, publications, and public audiences. Hoachlander Davis: Photographing Spaces highlighted the Washington, DC–based studio’s two decades of collaboration with architects, builders, and nonprofits.
The exhibition featured 20 projects and more than 100 images across commercial and residential sectors, demonstrating how photography shapes the way architecture is perceived, remembered, and shared. Behind-the-scenes stories from the photographers deepened the dialogue between image and intention.
Objective
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Conceive and produce a photography exhibition that elevates the architectural photographer’s role while showcasing the work of regional design firms.
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Conceive and produce a photography exhibition that elevates the architectural photographer’s role while showcasing the work of regional design firms.
“Congratulations on the current Hoachlander Davis Photography exhibition; it is extremely well done.”
—Maxwell MacKenzie, Architectural Photographer
—Maxwell MacKenzie, Architectural Photographer
Challenge
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The District Architecture Center relies on mobile panel stands for its exhibitions. While economical and flexible, the system limits display variation and depth. The challenge was to work within this fixed format while presenting each project in a way that felt comprehensive and visually engaging.
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The District Architecture Center relies on mobile panel stands for its exhibitions. While economical and flexible, the system limits display variation and depth. The challenge was to work within this fixed format while presenting each project in a way that felt comprehensive and visually engaging.
Approach
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Commercial and residential projects were organized into distinct sections, each presented through structured photo grids featuring five to seven interior and exterior images. Labels paired architectural context with the photographers' anecdotes, emphasizing collaboration. Quotes displayed on the storefront extended the exhibition into the street, drawing passersby inside.
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Commercial and residential projects were organized into distinct sections, each presented through structured photo grids featuring five to seven interior and exterior images. Labels paired architectural context with the photographers' anecdotes, emphasizing collaboration. Quotes displayed on the storefront extended the exhibition into the street, drawing passersby inside.
Poster, including a postcard and a project panel with a label.
Story Plan
Outcome
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Large-format photographs visible from the storefront invited spontaneous entry and curiosity. Inside, visitors—many practicing architects and designers—gained a renewed appreciation for the photographer’s interpretive role in shaping architectural narratives. The exhibition reinforced that architecture is not only built, but also framed, edited, and revealed through the lens.
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Large-format photographs visible from the storefront invited spontaneous entry and curiosity. Inside, visitors—many practicing architects and designers—gained a renewed appreciation for the photographer’s interpretive role in shaping architectural narratives. The exhibition reinforced that architecture is not only built, but also framed, edited, and revealed through the lens.
Project Details
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Venue: District Architecture Center
Size: 1,212 SF
Content: Panels (24)
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Roles: Coordination, Exhibition Planning and Design, Visual Design, Program Development
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Co-organizers: AIA Washington DC and Hoachlander Davis Photography
Curators: Anice Hoachlander, Judy Davis, and Allen Russ with Jill Milbrett
Printer: BluEdge
Photos © Hoachlander Davis Photography
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Venue: District Architecture Center
Size: 1,212 SF
Content: Panels (24)
—
Roles: Coordination, Exhibition Planning and Design, Visual Design, Program Development
—
Co-organizers: AIA Washington DC and Hoachlander Davis Photography
Curators: Anice Hoachlander, Judy Davis, and Allen Russ with Jill Milbrett
Printer: BluEdge
Photos © Hoachlander Davis Photography