Caring Architecture

Press release
R-Urban by atelier d’architecture autogérée (aaa), Colombes, France; © atelier d’architecture autogérée (aaa)
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Double exhibition Caring Architecture argues for architecture that cares for both people and planet


Architecture that cares lasts longer

How can architecture care for both our planet and its inhabitants? The exhibitions Critical Care. Architecture for a Broken Planet and Care for Space for Care explore what forms caring architecture can take, and what influence this has on the liveability of our environment. A surprising selection of national and international case studies allows you to familiarise yourself in a unique way with building for – and the buildings of – the future. From 28 May at the Flanders Architecture Institute at De Singel.


Caring Architecture
Critical Care. Architecture for a Broken Planet
Care for Space for Care. Scenes from Flanders and Brussels

Double exhibition
| from 28.05.2022 to 11.09.2022
Opening event | on 27.05.2021 at 20:00h

Flanders Architecture Institute in De Singel, Antwerp

Caring Architecture

“Architecture that cares is striking for its empathy towards its context, users, makers and materials. It is an architecture that takes a long-term view and adopts a critical position with regard to human activity on the planet. It keeps an eye on the bigger picture and connects natural, material and immaterial values. Caring architecture consciously considers the effects of interventions in the (built) environment on humans, ecology and society.” With this approach, the curators of the double exhibition clarify the crucial role played by architecture in the liveability of our planet.

"With the crises we know today, people wonder whether change is still possible. The projects in the Critical Care exhibition prove that it is indeed possible."
‐ Angelika Fitz, curator Critical Care. Architecture for a Broken Planet

exhibition 1

Critical Care. Architecture for a Broken Planet

Following halts in Vienna, Zürich, Dresden and Berlin, Critical Care. Architecture for a Broken Planet alights in Antwerp. Via twenty-one sensational international projects, the exhibition demonstrates how architecture and urban development can contribute to our future. Projects from Africa, Europe, the Near East, the Caribbean, the US and Latin America are brought together and grouped into five themes: ‘care for water and land’, ‘care for public space’, ‘care for talent’, ‘care for maintenance’, and ‘care for local production’. Each project deals with a specific problem. Whether set in a rural or urban space, all redefine the relationship between work, economics and ecology. Large-scale drawings, objects and videos offer a tactile insight into the design process, the execution and the ultimate usage.

Behind the scenes of Critical Care

Care for Public Space

  • For the planning of Ruskin Square muf architecture/art convinced the private developer of the London borough of Croydon to take public space as the point of departure in the new master plan.
  • With the introduction of the Superblock model, the city administration in Barcelona is giving people back their street space, in connection with a 21 percent reduction in private traffic.
  • StudioVlayStreeruwitz developed a model for the urban development area at Vienna's Nordbahnhof railway station grounds that is based on what is there rather than a tabula rasa. The Freie Mitte with its urban wilderness is the continuation of natural, cultural and social resources. In 2017, the Care + Repair project curated by Angelika Fitz and Elke Krasny worked with six international architectural teams in tandem with local experts to repair the future for Freie Mitte. The resulting exhibition was the first cultural use of the Nordbahnhalle, part of the three-year research project led by Vienna University of Technology, Mischung: Nordbahnhof.

exhibition 2

Care for Space for Care. Scenes from Flanders and Brussels

The exhibition Care for Space for Care is the Belgian answer to Critical Care. It illuminates nine recent projects from Flanders and Brussels with a focus on the process, those involved and the preliminary research. Care for Space for Care prompts you to consider the ecological and social role of architecture.

"The architecture of Huis Perrekes invites you to participate and interact with others. The very walls seem to provide the stimulus."
‐ Carla Molenberghs, Co-founder and Director, Huis Perrekes
"Taking care of a building starts with listening to the materials and to the various users."
‐ Kurt Geraerts, Building Manager and Prevention Adviser Z33
"It is less about the eco label that the materials have, and more about the way in which we use them."
‐ Jan Thys, Architect and Owner, De Gouden Liniaal Architecten

Press Kit

Download below the full press text and the HR press images.

Caring Architecture

Critical CareArchitecture for a Broken Planet

concept
Architekturzentrum Wien
production
Flanders Architecture Institute and De Singel
curators
Angelika Fitz en Elke Krasny
graphic design

Alexander Ach Schuh
with the support of
the Flemish Community

exhibition
Sat 28 May 2022 → Sun 11 Sep 2022
De Singel, Desguinlei 25, 2018 Antwerp (Belgium)
open Wed → Sun / 14:00 → 19:00 h and during evening performances until 22:00 h
no admission

opening event
Fry 27 May 2021 – 20:00h
De Singel, Blue Hall
Desguinlei 25, 2018 Antwerp (Belgium)
info and tickets at desingel.be

book
Critical Care. Architecture and Urbanism for a Broken Planet

publisher: 2019, Architekturzentrum Wien, MIT Press
editors: Angelika Fitz, Elke Krasny, Architekturzentrum Wien
graphic design: Alexander Ach Schuh
language: EN
€ 40
304 pages
ISBN 9780262536837

Care for Space for Care. Scenes from Flanders and Brussels

production
Flanders Architecture Institute and De Singel
curators
Hülya Ertas and Sofie De Caigny
scenography
Laura Muyldermans & LDSRa
with the support of
The Flemish Community
special thanks to
material sponsor Beddeleem

exhibition
Sat 28 May 2022 → Sun 11 Sep 2022
De Singel, Desguinlei 25, 2018 Antwerp (Belgium)
open Wed → Sun / 14:00 → 19:00 h and during evening performances until 22:00 h
no admission

opening event
vr 27 mei 2021 – 20:00u
De Singel, Blauwe Zaal
Desguinlei 25, 2018 Antwerpen
info en tickets op vai.be of desingel.be


Press Contact

Egon Verleye
Press & Communication Officer
Flanders Architecture Institute
T +32 (0)3 242 89 73
E egon.verleye@vai.be