Following a resounding success at Aedes Gallery in Berlin, international design practice Austin-Smith:Lord is bringing the Informal City of Century XXI and Measure of Man/Measure of Architecture exhibitions to London, England starting with an invitation only conference on January 19th followed by their public exhibition open from January 20th to the 25th. The event will take place at The German Gymnasium, 26 Pancras Road, London N1C 4TB More images and event description after the break.
Developed by Aedes Network Campus Berlin and the city of São Paulo, the Informal City of Century XXI portrays a vision for the future of the ‘favelas’ in São Paulo, Brazil. The city of São Paulo agglomerates more than 1,500 slums and it is an immense challenge to transform them into districts integrated within the territory, a reality common to almost all metropolises on all continents. The exhibition displays the results of various collaborations between Brazilians and international architects, incorporating alternative technologies for water, sewage, energy, erosion control and transport, as well as proposals for housing, infrastructure and parks.
In contrast to the Informal City’s conceptual approach, the built or proposed projects displayed within the Measure of Man/Measure of Architecture exhibition (curated by Aedes East International Forum for Contemporary Architecture NPO) depict the growing global responsibility in architecture and urbanism, particularly in developing countries or regions struggling with harsh natural environments. Based on the observations of patterns and needs of indigenous life, these projects have developed insightful, practical solutions and new typologies to increase social, educational and economic potential, whilst offering a local response to global challenges such as migration, poverty or energy sustainability.
Austin-Smith:Lord will launch the exhibition at The German Gymnasium, 26 Pancras Road, London N1C 4TB on 19th January with a half-day conference (by invitation only). Speakers will include: Áine Ryan – Aedes Network Campus Berlin; Elisabete França – SEHAB, Department of Housing, The City of São Paulo; Eike Roswag – Ziegert, Roswag, Seiler Architekten Ingenieure, Berlin; David Satterthwaite – International Institute for Environment & Development/Senior Fellow, Human Settlements Group/ Team Leader, Urban Poverty & Local Organisations and Felipe Hernandez Lecturer at the University of Cambridge.
This will be followed by a series of lunchtime lectures on 20th 21st 24th and 25th January, which will be open to the public. Speakers will include: Áine Ryan; Eike Roswag; Ricardo de Ostos – NaJa & deOstos; London Metropolitan University. The event is sponsored by São Paulo Municipality, Aedes Berlin and Kings Cross Central.
For details of opening times and booking please visit here.
