photographic scenes capture hand-built rooms by Seb Agnew
CUBES is a long-term photographic series, developed between 2018 and 2025 by Seb Agnew, composed of 27 hand-built miniature interior architectural environments. Structured across three interconnected chapters: CUBES I, CUBES II, and CUBES III, the project examines how spatial design reflects human presence, historical continuity, and technological systems.
Each image originates from a physically constructed model room built from scratch. Traditional model-making methods are combined with contemporary fabrication tools, including laser cutting and 3D printing. After construction, the miniature sets are carefully lit and photographed, then digitally assembled into final compositions. Although presented as photographic works, the images are grounded in tangible architectural fabrication.
Modern Cube (2021, from CUBES II) | all images by Seb Agnew
cubes Reinterprets interior elements contained in a cubic frame
The first chapter focuses on enclosed domestic interiors, investigating themes of privacy, confinement, and individual isolation through tightly framed cubic spaces. The second chapter reinterprets architectural motifs drawn from different historical periods. Visible cracks are introduced into the structures, operating as spatial indicators of fragility and temporal disruption. The third chapter relocates the cubic rooms into a fictional rotating space station, situating the architectural language within a speculative technological environment defined by artificial systems and controlled conditions.
Across all three chapters, each scene maintains the same cubic framework, establishing a consistent spatial logic throughout the series by designer Seb Agnew. While the individual works function independently, the repeated geometry connects them into a unified architectural system that evolves from domestic interior to historical reconstruction and speculative infrastructure.
Yellow Cube (2019, from CUBES I)
Cyan Cube (2019, from CUBES I)
Magenta Cube (2020, from CUBES I)
White Cube (2020, from CUBES I)
Gothic Cube (2021, from CUBES II)
Victorian Cube (2022, from CUBES II)
Baroque Cube (2021, from CUBES II)
Earth Cube (2024, from CUBES III)
Mercury Cube (2024, from CUBES III)
Jupiter Cube (2024, from CUBES III)
Neptune Cube (2025, from CUBES III)
project info:
name: CUBES
designer: Seb Agnew | @seb.agnew
designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.
edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom
The post CUBES photo series explores spatial design through 27 hand-built miniature interior models appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.