Building Capacity
This duo-lecture presents and reflects on the most recent work of OOZE, in relation to cultural contexts for research by design such as the International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam (IABR). Working across scales, from tempo- rary art works to regional strategies, the cyclic closed-loop processes found in nature are the foundation for each of OOZE’s interventions and integrate the human scale with a comprehensive design vision. OOZE’s work has been realized and exhibited in many places around the world. The work of OOZE will be critically discussed in a broader cultural perspective, highlighting its relevance for a world in transformation. Commissioned by IABR, OOZE analysed all energy flows in the Rotterdam neighbourhood Bospolder-Tussendijken and designed the strategic intervention LEAP – a Local Energy Action Plan. How can design be understood as an agent of change? What role can be played by knowledge institutes and cultural platforms such as the International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam?
Eva Pfannes is an architect and urban designer working in Europe, In- dia and Brazil. Eva studied at the Stuttgart Art Academy and at the Bartlett in London. She co-founded the international design practice OOZE in 2003 with Sylvain Hartenberg. OOZE works internationally for governments, property developers, arts and cultural institutions and private clients, at the intersection of art, design and urbanism, focusing on urgent societal challenges, such as water and agriculture.
Saskia Van Stein is an independent curator, moderator, and educator with an emphasis on design and architecture. Saskia is Director of the International Architecture Biënnale Rotterdam. She’s also Head of The Critical Inquiry Lab at the Design Academy in Eindhoven, a department with artistic (design) research at its core. The course provides an environment for the development of a design practice understood as a cultural signifier and an agent of change.