Architecture and the Archives
The Architecture and the Archives studio series aims to address the expanding scope of evidence used to value existing buildings in projects of restoration, reconfiguration or adaption. As methods for valuing architecture develop, existing buildings are often the focus of intense argument involving cultural, political and economic debate. Both public pressure and ecological concern make the threshold for demolishing existing buildings ever higher, and assessing when a building’s life is over, or when to advocate repair and reuse, requires a new set of skills from the architect. Tools and methods borrowed from architectural history and theory, preservation and curatorial practices are used to comprehend and communicate cultural meaning. Knowledge about a building’s conception, construction and materials, as well as its previous function and its ownership history, are all relevant.
This studio series expands the Norwegian canon by investigating buildings and architects on the border of mainstream narratives. Students adopt a twofold archival and curatorial approach, researching individual architectural objects and producing display material. Working methods range from archival research, site surveys, re-drawing and re-modelling, to reading seminars and discussions with invited speakers, and to the development of exhibition ideas and the design and construction of display cases.
Jørgen Johan Tandberg teaches the Architecture and the Archives studio series.
Former studios and seminars in the series have been taught by Mari Lending and Mari Hvattum, with exhibitions at Kunstnernes Hus, the Norwegian Parliament, the Architecture Museum, and the Museum of Cultural History.
People involved
