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Urban Miniature Cities So Detailed You’ll Need A Magnifying Glass
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Urban Miniature Cities So Detailed You’ll Need A Magnifying Glass

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You have to look incredibly close to see it, but Joshua Smith packs an immense amount of detail into his miniature worlds. The Australian artist has a flair for the microscopic, and his latest project captures the familiar grit of urban life in a fascinatingly small-scale model.

The centerpiece of his recent work, Temple Street, is modeled after a real apartment block in Kowloon City, Hong Kong. Using finely carved cardboard, medium-density fibreboard and paint, he manages to emulate every minute aspect of a rough, big city landscape. Rust, graffiti, tiny advertisements, and other touches are perfectly placed and look realistic.

“I want viewers to be fooled, if I take a photo of the completed work in sunlight, to think it is the real thing,” Smith told ArchDaily. He has also produced models of more modest buildings, garbage dumpsters, and shops that fall under a running theme of urban darkness, which we previously wrote about here.

More info: Joshua Smith, Facebook

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    Daria B
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Makes me wanna play with Polly Pocket once again. ♥

    Susann Campbell
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Play with your Polly Pocket and find new things for her to own . Make a house for her out of a shoe box or any other object you think will make a lovely home or zany home for her. Did you know that acorn caps make lovely wooden bowls?

    Load More Replies...
    Dinah J
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    right down to little leaves and empty cigarette packs...these are pretty fantastic. something magical about miniatures...i would definitely love to hear more about the process :)

    Samantha Manley
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was just scrolling through the pictures without reading the article, as a miniature painter I let out a squeal of delight at each photo and as a South Australian now living in the US I let out an extra squeal of delight when I saw the tiny Farmers Union Iced coffee container. Now I'm homesick & jealous of his skill.

    Kate Baxter
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wonderful. I built a doll house for my niece when she was small. It took me hours to make the little furniture etc by hand. Make all the carpets etc. She had it destroyed in a month. I cried when I saw it. I wish I had never given it to her. I have always been fascinated by miniatures and these are incredibly creative.

    Amanda Cariker
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is awesome! The tiniest of details are amazing! loves the leaves so much!!!

    Rachel Rosky
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've had an obsession with the miniature world since I was 5, I eat this kind of artwork up!

    Sheralyn
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Incredible! Could he make mini HK policemen, do you think?

    Loredana Cornea
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think that he actually found a shrinking device. Where do I find one? I need it for when I'm traveling...

    Glynis Lailann
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The majority of buildings in Hong Kong look exactly like this. His sculpture is accurate.

    Full Name
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These are really, really good. One tiny detail that would help sell the one with the rooftop door with the sticker of the girl kneeling would be to put the grime in a circle around the k**b area, on the door itself. Peoples dirty fingers always leave marks on the door when they open rooftop doors with round knobs.

    Azure Adams
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love these so much. Miniatures are awesome and we need more of them in this world

    Susann Campbell
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Daria B If you want to you can make a hidden hide out for hero action figures or what would their Apartments look like if it was a one room apt in N.Y. Would they collect action figures too. I have found one inch dolls and smaller that are in the doll house for the dolls that live there. If I have a doll or a stuffed animal they also can have a doll and a stuffed animal. So imagination can be limitless.

    StarbeamGirly
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These are absolutely amazing!! I also loved all of the Star Wars references! 😁

    Kuriosity Studio
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Beautiful & inspiring work... so much detail brought to life. Thanks for posting

    Toumai Q
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The buldings in miniature are very amazing, I wanna a true house like that. https://goo.gl/Y6LizC

    Rin Rin
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Holy mother of all miniatures!! This is just amazing and so beautyfull in it's own way.

    Susann Campbell
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is fantastic. Facebook has clubs that share their work. Dr. Ruth has a dolls house that she shared on line. I just love small things too. LOL

    Jace
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I once or thrice tried to get into 3D modeling and rendering because I love stuff like this, but the software is ABYSMAL. I realized I'd be better off building models like this artist... but my hands suck (shake) and I have no idea where I'd even start to learn it.

    Jace
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I LOVE stuff like this. I wish I had the steady hands and patience (and money) to acquire this kind of skill (it would rock for my photography ideas). It looks fantastic. Though I'm not convinced the interior lighting is at all right (way too cool; looks blue in the photos, which were probably taken in a room with warm lighting, making the camera compensate with its white balance).

    Amy Carter
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Love these! Wow! I love the expression on the guy's face in the last photo, he looks so happy!

    Tiffany Zhu
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OMG even on the table there is a cup and a magazine if I remember correctly. I believe that if I saw the inside of the building, it would look like the real thing!!!

    Dan Beck
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And he leaves them with dead bodies for Gil Grissom to find...

    Nancy E
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The replicas are interesting microcosms of large cities . I wonder if the builder was making a statement by choosing such drab colors . I'm not a city person, but, I think of cities as lively.

    Catalina Ioan
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh, wow! If I didn't know better, I could swear these were the best tilt shift photos EVER! Amazing work!

    David Sames
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Here we have a prime example of what can be achieved when you have both natural talent and patience. Amazing!

    Daria B
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Makes me wanna play with Polly Pocket once again. ♥

    Susann Campbell
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Play with your Polly Pocket and find new things for her to own . Make a house for her out of a shoe box or any other object you think will make a lovely home or zany home for her. Did you know that acorn caps make lovely wooden bowls?

    Load More Replies...
    Dinah J
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    right down to little leaves and empty cigarette packs...these are pretty fantastic. something magical about miniatures...i would definitely love to hear more about the process :)

    Samantha Manley
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was just scrolling through the pictures without reading the article, as a miniature painter I let out a squeal of delight at each photo and as a South Australian now living in the US I let out an extra squeal of delight when I saw the tiny Farmers Union Iced coffee container. Now I'm homesick & jealous of his skill.

    Kate Baxter
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wonderful. I built a doll house for my niece when she was small. It took me hours to make the little furniture etc by hand. Make all the carpets etc. She had it destroyed in a month. I cried when I saw it. I wish I had never given it to her. I have always been fascinated by miniatures and these are incredibly creative.

    Amanda Cariker
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is awesome! The tiniest of details are amazing! loves the leaves so much!!!

    Rachel Rosky
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've had an obsession with the miniature world since I was 5, I eat this kind of artwork up!

    Sheralyn
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Incredible! Could he make mini HK policemen, do you think?

    Loredana Cornea
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think that he actually found a shrinking device. Where do I find one? I need it for when I'm traveling...

    Glynis Lailann
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The majority of buildings in Hong Kong look exactly like this. His sculpture is accurate.

    Full Name
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These are really, really good. One tiny detail that would help sell the one with the rooftop door with the sticker of the girl kneeling would be to put the grime in a circle around the k**b area, on the door itself. Peoples dirty fingers always leave marks on the door when they open rooftop doors with round knobs.

    Azure Adams
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love these so much. Miniatures are awesome and we need more of them in this world

    Susann Campbell
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Daria B If you want to you can make a hidden hide out for hero action figures or what would their Apartments look like if it was a one room apt in N.Y. Would they collect action figures too. I have found one inch dolls and smaller that are in the doll house for the dolls that live there. If I have a doll or a stuffed animal they also can have a doll and a stuffed animal. So imagination can be limitless.

    StarbeamGirly
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These are absolutely amazing!! I also loved all of the Star Wars references! 😁

    Kuriosity Studio
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Beautiful & inspiring work... so much detail brought to life. Thanks for posting

    Toumai Q
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The buldings in miniature are very amazing, I wanna a true house like that. https://goo.gl/Y6LizC

    Rin Rin
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Holy mother of all miniatures!! This is just amazing and so beautyfull in it's own way.

    Susann Campbell
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is fantastic. Facebook has clubs that share their work. Dr. Ruth has a dolls house that she shared on line. I just love small things too. LOL

    Jace
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I once or thrice tried to get into 3D modeling and rendering because I love stuff like this, but the software is ABYSMAL. I realized I'd be better off building models like this artist... but my hands suck (shake) and I have no idea where I'd even start to learn it.

    Jace
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I LOVE stuff like this. I wish I had the steady hands and patience (and money) to acquire this kind of skill (it would rock for my photography ideas). It looks fantastic. Though I'm not convinced the interior lighting is at all right (way too cool; looks blue in the photos, which were probably taken in a room with warm lighting, making the camera compensate with its white balance).

    Amy Carter
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Love these! Wow! I love the expression on the guy's face in the last photo, he looks so happy!

    Tiffany Zhu
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OMG even on the table there is a cup and a magazine if I remember correctly. I believe that if I saw the inside of the building, it would look like the real thing!!!

    Dan Beck
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And he leaves them with dead bodies for Gil Grissom to find...

    Nancy E
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The replicas are interesting microcosms of large cities . I wonder if the builder was making a statement by choosing such drab colors . I'm not a city person, but, I think of cities as lively.

    Catalina Ioan
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh, wow! If I didn't know better, I could swear these were the best tilt shift photos EVER! Amazing work!

    David Sames
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Here we have a prime example of what can be achieved when you have both natural talent and patience. Amazing!

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