How can architecture take care of the planet and its inhabitants? In addition to the Critical Care exhibition Care for Space for Care explores how architecture in Flanders and Brussels interprets the concept of care. Nine contemporary projects reflect on three themes: interdependence, maintenance and posthumanism.
Care for Space for Care. Scenes from Flanders and Brussels
The exhibition includes nine contemporary projects with an emphasis on co-creation processes and spatial experiences. The selected projects offer a varying range of approaches in interpreting care in architecture. Instead of a typological approach that focuses on care facilities such as hospitals and nurseries, Care for Space for Care explores how the concept of care can be implemented in architectural practice. The exhibition provides the visitor with a clear and thought-provoking whole, that exists together with the travelling Critical Care exhibition.
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Caring for others
Caring about and for others is about empathy, making people included in the project visible, and ensuring their voices are heard. Extending the boundaries of formal participatory models, interdependence reintroduces the personal affairs, emotional labour and humanistic side of spatial production. It is a reminder for us that architecture is by, for and with people.
Projects:
- House Perrekes, Oosterlo by NU Architectuuratelier
- House for Seasonal Neighbours, Borgloon by Ciel Grommen and Maximiliaan Royakkers
- Sporthaven, Mortsel by Import Export Architecture
Oscar Rommens about care
Caring for materials
Designing buildings that can easily be maintained is also an act of care, a preventive measure. It is a careful design decision to sustain the life of a building with durable materials, precise details and an open design that allows for adaptation and appropriation. A maintenance perspective considers the existing building stock as a crucial resource to be benefitted from as long as possible and aims to extend the lifespan of buildings as much as possible as a sign of respect to nature and its limited material resources as well as to collective urban memory.
Projects:
- Z33, Hasselt by Francesca Torzo
- Le Rideau, Brussels by Ouest
- Actiris, Brussels by Laura Muyldermans & LDSRa
Francesca Torzo about care
Caring for the planet
Posthumanism implies a new understanding of caring for the planet and all beings and materials sharing a common space and future. Posthumanist architecture is a practice of working together with all actors, materials and energies in creating a space that is enjoyed by all.
Projects:
- Ecotron UHasselt, Maasmechelen by NoAarchitects
- Charleroi Grand Hopital landscape design, Charleroi by Bas Smets
- Observation Tower, Dilsen-Stokkem (Negenoord) by De Gouden Liniaal Architecten
Laura Muyldermans en Sander Rutgers about the scenography
Vernissage
Join us on 27 May for the opening of the double exhibition Caring Architecture. Discover how architecture can play a key role in protecting our planet, resources and people.
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Public Programme
On the occasion of the double exhibition Caring Architecture the Flanders Architecture Institute organizes a series of excursions and debates on how designers can take care of the future of our planet. Register now If you want to join us during this reflective moments.
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Guided Tour
Want to know more? Book a guided tour via Expeditie De Stad! A guided visit is also possible outside normal opening hours.
Practical information:
- Price: € 80
- Maximum 20 people per guide
Practical
- DATE:
28.05.2022 - 11.09.2022
- OPEN:
From Wednesday to Sunday - 02:00 pm until 7:00 pm and during evening performances until 10:00 pm
- ADMISSION:
free
- VERNISSAGE:
27.05.2022
Register here - LOCATION:
De Singel (Expo)
- ADDRESS:
Desguinlei 25, 2018 Antwerp (BE)
- CURATORS:
Hülya Ertas, Sofie De Caigny
- PRODUCER:
Flanders Architecture Institute and De Singel
- SCENOGRAPHY:
Laura Muyldermans & LDSRa
- WITH THE SUPPORT OF:
the Flemish Community
- WITH ADDITIONAL SUPPORT OF:
Caring Architecture
In 2022 the theme for the architecture programme is care. With this broad theme, the Flanders Architecture Institute and De Singel are focusing on the impact of care on the built environment. Care is about nurturing, maintaining and securing for the future. Architecture that cares sets itself apart due to its empathy for the context, the users and the makers. Caring architecture pays attention to the long term effects of its creation and existence, and is critical with regard to human activity on the planet.