Little new London

I love a map. They combine something functional with something that can, in the right hands, be really beautiful. London's had her fair share, including the ones that were on show here and are on sale here. 

I stumbled almost literally (thanks shoes) across this one as I was wandering, dazed, into work. A sprawling, room-sized scale model of London.
 
 It looked like something out of a Bond movie. Any second now an evil genius was going to explain to me his plans for turning the entire metropolis into plaid, residents too. 

I gawped happily at some slightly beige buildings and the new Crossrail track as it weaved its way insidiously around other established landmarks. A vibrant city strewn with so many evocative landmarks, all toned done into subtle shades.

Accidental close-up of
a roundabout. Pfwoar!

New or proposed buildings stood out in white, like they hadn't had the time to take on the tones of their neighbours. It all seemed a quaint, enthralling, rather British waste of time. I bloody loved it.

(For some decent camerawork and a full explanation of what this was all about, have a gander here)

Man kept in shot for scale
(and because he wouldn't move)