Different Maps: A Unique Blend of Art and Design

Creating Personalized 3D Maps with Przemyslaw Koczkodaj

It all started when Przemyslaw and his wife, Anna, realized that it was nearly impossible to find high-quality, original maps of their small hometowns in Poland. They wanted to capture the essence of these special places in a unique way, but the options were limited to well-known cities like Rome or New York. This sparked an idea: what if they could create custom maps that showcased any location on Earth, no matter how small or obscure?

The strength of Different Maps lies in its ability to bring any place to life in a three-dimensional form. Using a combination of wood and epoxy resin, Przemyslaw meticulously crafts each map to perfectly imitate the infrastructure of the chosen location. The layering of the wood and the deep, multi-tone resin create a sense of depth that draws the viewer in. What makes each map truly one-of-a-kind is the use of real wood and resin, which result in slightly different shades and patterns for every piece.

Creating these intricate maps requires a blend of modern technology and traditional carpentry techniques. Przemyslaw starts by laser-cutting individual street layers from plywood, but it is the manual grinding that gives them a flawless finish. The epoxy resin is then poured in a special way to enhance the 3D effect and create the water reservoirs. The result is a stunning piece of art that captures the essence of any place on Earth.

Measuring at 530 mm x 530 mm x 35 mm, Different Maps is designed to be a part of our closest environments. Whether displayed in a home, office, hotel, or any other space, it serves as a reminder of our favorite places and cherished moments. The project took two years to develop, starting in 2018 and concluding in 2020.

Przemyslaw and Anna's creative process for Different Maps draws from a wide range of experiences. While Anna brings her artistic perspective to the project, Przemyslaw's expertise in modern technologies ensures that the maps are not only aesthetically pleasing but also made with the highest quality. The use of lasers, printers, and computers allows for precise craftsmanship, while the natural variations in wood and resin create a unique shade and pattern for each map.

Of course, creating such intricate pieces came with its fair share of challenges. The most significant hurdle was finding the perfect balance between the wood and resin. Countless attempts were made to eliminate bleeding and achieve a clean background with saturated resin reservoirs. Additionally, obtaining a smooth and undisturbed surface for the resin required careful experimentation and the right choice of materials. Through perseverance and dedication, Przemyslaw and Anna overcame these obstacles to create the stunning maps that we see today.

Different Maps has garnered recognition for its exceptional design and innovation. In 2021, it was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Fine Arts and Art Installation Design category. This prestigious award is given to creations that demonstrate outstanding practicality, innovation, and adherence to professional and industrial standards. Different Maps has successfully integrated industry best practices and technical characteristics, providing a sense of fulfillment and contributing to a better world.

Przemyslaw Koczkodaj's Different Maps is not just a piece of wall art; it is a testament to the power of design to capture the essence of a place and evoke cherished memories. By combining traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, Przemyslaw has created a truly unique and personalized form of cartography. Whether you want to commemorate your hometown, a favorite travel destination, or a significant moment in your life, Different Maps offers a visually stunning and meaningful way to do so.