Ben Klumper’s Post

We are honored to share that Canada Council for the Art has selected MODA as the recipient of the 2023 Prix de Rome in Architecture Prize. This Prize is awarded to a young practitioner of architecture or an architectural firm that has completed their first built works and has demonstrated exceptional artistic potential. With this prize, the recipient may travel abroad to develop their skills and their creative practice, and to strengthen their position in the international architecture world. Inspired by the Prix de Rome in architecture, which was created in the 18th century and helped young architects train in Italy, the Prix de Rome in Architecture – Professional was established in Canada in 1987 in pursuit of a more outward-looking vision towards the world. While, as a profession, we are actively exploring how contemporary concerns related to affordability, equity, diversity, inclusiveness and environmental sustainability hold the potential to reshape the ‘methods’ in which we approach design, we feel that the ‘means’ in which we construct our physical environment are often taken as a given and outside the agency of architecture. As such, we feel that this ‘blind spot’ demands further inquiry, not only with respect to the disruptive potential of robotics at the scale of architecture, but also the generational opportunity for architects to perhaps re-enter the world of ‘making’; a PAST/forward if you will to a time when architects “leveraged the benedictions of science and technology towards the betterment of society.” (quote by Reinier de Graaf - OMA) Over the next couple of weeks we will unpack PAST/forward by way of first introducing some of the problems or challenges inherent within the current paradigms of constructing our built environments, followed by various innovations or new trajectories with respect to disruptive construction technologies; namely robotic fabrication at the scale of architecture... please stay tuned!

Simone Sfriso has been invited to the UMA Talks at the UMA, Umeå School of Architecture, Sweden on 20 September to discuss the social role of architecture. In recent years, extreme global events (pandemic, wars, climate crisis) are making the lives of marginalized communities even more precarious. As architects, it is crucial that we take into account social dynamics, needs and expected impacts, especially when it comes to building hospitals, schools, green spaces, neighbourhoods and shared spaces. More here: https://lnkd.in/dd8GpCZW #umatalks #sustainablearchitecture #sustainabledesign #healthcarearchitecture #designforall #designforchange #impactdesign #socialimpact

https://lnkd.in/dfQpJ3zN <<PLEA is now launching the call for abstracts for the 37th PLEA Conference for Sustainable Architecture and Urban Design (25-28 June 2024 Wrocław) in the following research tracks: Sustainable Architecture and Urban Design – together for climate resilience Architecture for human resilience and well-being (including e.g., biophilic design, nature-based solutions, climate adaptation strategies for buildings and spaces) Analysis and methods for resilience and sustainability (e.g., new design and simulation tools, evaluation methods) Re-thinking resilience through renovations and adaptations of buildings and spaces (including cultural and natural heritage retrofitting, methods to improve performance of existing buildings and spaces) Building resilience with innovation and technology (e.g., innovative materials and sustainable technologies) Together we can – think, learn, teach and take the leadership (e.g., education and training, environmental activism)>> #sustainablearchitecture #heritatge #resilience #performance #culture #leadership #culture #ESG #innovation #ESG #spaces #research #papers

In a remarkable convergence of creative genius and technological advancement, some of the world’s most acclaimed works of architecture were built in a period of just 20 years. This period, from roughly the early 1950s to the early 1970s, produced what we commonly know today as mid-century modernism.

Deconstructivism: Breaking The Barriers In the realm of architecture, certain movements leave an indelible mark, challenging the status quo and propelling the discipline into uncharted territories. Deconstructivism, a bold and audacious style that emerged in the late 20th century, did precisely that. Read more:

Good appointment for those interested in good urban design and planning. I especially like Carlo Ratti's quote “We architects like to think we are smart, but real intelligence is everywhere. The disembodied ingenuity of evolution, the growing power of computers, and the collective wisdom of the crowd. To face a burning world, architecture must harness all the intelligence around us." #Architecture #Design #urbanplanning #urbandesign

African architecture offers valuable lessons to the world, showcasing #innovative solutions rooted in culture, #sustainability, and community. When it comes to sustainable design, #African #architecture often incorporates natural materials like mud, thatch, and locally sourced wood, promoting #ecofriendly practices and reducing #carbon footprint. #Climate adaptation is also present in many #African architectural designs, which are tailored to local climates, utilizing passive cooling techniques, shading structures, and natural ventilation to combat extreme temperatures and promote comfort.

*Spiritual Sustainability and Inclusive Architecture* In the interconnected world of architectural dialogue, we often find ourselves grappling with lofty ideals and intricate terminologies. Yet amidst this complexity, do we sometimes overlook the essence of our architectural pursuits? It's with this understanding that we at WIE Design approach it important to delve deeper into the spiritual underpinnings that guide our endeavor, not just as a practice, but as a dialogue with society. A recent interaction with Arch. Dong Kong, the founder and principal architect of Vector Architects 直向建筑 at YACademy special lectures, brought forth the term 'Spiritual Sustainability,' a concept that resonates with our ethos. It's about creating spaces that not only stand the test of time but also nourish the human spirit. We owe a debt of gratitude to YACademy for the chance to get in touch with the leading firms, and special thanks to Arch. RAUL PANTALEO from TAMassociati for his invaluable insights that have enriched our perspective. His guidance has been instrumental in exploring the depths of 'Universal Design' and 'Ethical Architecture.' Our latest blog is a reflection of these shared ideas. It's an invitation to explore how architecture can be adaptable, ethical, universally inclusive, and spiritually sustainable. We're not just talking to architects and designers; we're reaching out to everyone who believes in the power of well-conceived spaces. We encourage you to join this conversation by participating in the survey "Architecture for Inclusion." Your input is crucial as we strive to shape environments that embrace diversity and foster community. 🔗 Engage with our thoughts here: https://lnkd.in/dqZQfrug Let's embark on this journey together, crafting a future where architecture transcends mere construction and becomes a catalyst for unity and well-being. #UniversalDesign #EthicalArchitecture #AdaptiveDesign #SpiritualSustainability #ArchitecturalDialogue

Call for Abstract! Welcome to submit your abstract to the 6th International Conference on Structures and Architecture (ICSA) 2025. Our Session is titled "Structural and Architectural Spolia — Exploring Reuse as a Cultural and Aesthetic Practice". Existing literature on the reuse of building components within architecture focuses primarily on materials, cost, and logistics. These rather technical considerations neglect other immaterial forms of the value of such elements, such as their history, former function, appearance, or unique identity. Looking into the specificity and agency of single reclaimed components allows us to widen the potential of reuse as a dialogue across time and space and between the ambiguity of the built environment and the people using and perceiving it, just like a complex culture of modern spolia. As such, the session invites to explore the cultural and expressive capacities that arise from creatively reusing architectural building components while examining the intricate interplay between structural functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability. Contributions are invited to address design, culture, and visual expression in relation to sustainable structural reuse in practice, academia, and education. The discussions should explore the opportunities and challenges of reused structures from historical, contemporary and futuristic perspectives. https://lnkd.in/gmQWXYjz

How To Balance Between Creativity And Technicality In Architecture The realm of architecture is a captivating convergence of art and science, where the boundless realms of human creativity intersect with the unyielding laws of physics and engineering. In this intricate dance, architects must navigate a delicate balance, harmonizing their artistic visions with the practical realities of construction and functionality. It is this equilibrium that gives birth to architectural marvels that transcend mere shelter and become enduring monuments of human ingenuity and aesthetic expression. https://lnkd.in/grHPhwwi