ScanLab and the Framerate exhibition at Cromer Artspace

Last week I attended a workshop run by organisation ScanLab who specialise in 3D scanning of landscapes and objects. The workshop was free (hosted by tech education organisation Lab Media Education in Norwich) and was in support of their exhibition Framerate at Cromer Artspace which ended 21st April but will be opening in Bristol on 2 May 2025.

The team introduced us to ScanLab and its backsground as a lab at an architectural school in London and how it has developed into a pioneering creative practice exploring the world through precise, beautiful digital replicas of buildings, landscapes, objects and events.

With approx 8 people in the room, and a collection of small objects we had taken with us, they set up a Faro scanning camera on a tripod which spent approx 30 seconds scanning the room by turning 180 degrees with a rapidly spinning mirror directing the laser beam which very very quickly bounced off all the objects in the room including us. We were reassured that the fine laser beam was not harmful to human tissue and we had to sit still whilst the scan was taking place in order to keep the resolution sound.

Apparently the beam works a bit like sonar where it bounces against surfaces and then mapping the result. In Framerate, the images have been turned into films which show changes in landscape in a timelapse. The exhibition shows four scenarios; the Happisburgh coastline which is eroding, a Glasgow streescape, a rubbish plant and a cattle farm with views from above and from different angles.

FRAMERATE: Pulse of the Earth’s hypnotic imagery bears witness to landscapes in flux. The impact of human behaviour and the immense force of nature unfolds around you across an array of screens. This is a space where your perspective may shift.

By the end of the 90 minute workshop we had a basic understanding of the process although for me personally (with no previous experience of such work) still some large knowledge holes. ScanLab work all over the world and the technology has a place in architecture and design, archaeology, reconstruction of various scenes including road traffic accidents as well as arts and creative uses.