Forensic Architecture is one of the biggest names in the field of investigative journalism, uncovering crimes and human rights abuses through interactive maps, navigable 3D models and animation. Join us on 26 August for a special presentation and live Q&A with Eyal Weizman (founding director of Forensic Architecture), moderated by Arjon Dunnewind (artistic director of IMPAKT). This event is part of the new IMPAKT web-project OSINT, which will be launched on the same evening.

Forensic Architecture came to prominence in 2016 for creating an interactive model of a notorious prison in Syria, using information seen, heard and shared by detainees. Other investigations include the analysis and reconstruction of the Grenfell Tower fire in North Kensington, West London, which killed 71 residents in June 2017, and environmental violence and climate change in the Guatemalan highlands.

To visualise their findings, Forensic Architecture collaborates with artists, filmmakers and architects. In 2018 they were shortlisted for the prestigious Turner Prize for ‘developing highly innovative methods for sourcing and visualising evidence relating to human rights abuses around the world, used in courts of law as well as exhibitions of art and architecture.’ How do investigative journalism and art relate to each other? Can they be combined? If so, how?

Weizman will give us an insight into Forensic Architecture’s mission and methods, using well-known and lesser-known examples of their work. Forensic Architecture often undertakes investigations on behalf of international prosecutors, human rights and civil society groups, and political and environmental justice organisations such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and the UN. Forensic Architecture works with and on behalf of communities and individuals affected by conflict, and Weizman’s presentation will look in-depth at what collaboration with communities looks like, as well as the role of activism in their work.

About OSINT

OSINT is an IMPAKT web-project that highlights and presents the work of organisations engaged in online investigative journalism and open-source intelligence. Its aim is to offer an outstanding overview of the leading players in the field, contributing to dialogue and sharing information and resources with professionals and the public. With contributions from Bellingcat, Forensic Architecture, Airwars, the Centre for Investigative Journalism and Follow the Money.