Lecture Performance: Form/Structure/Function
26’10 south architects present:
SESSION 29
performance and presentation of design work relating to themes of improvisation in urban contexts…
by Bernd Kneissl & Christopher Dell
date
Friday 11th May ‘07
time
18h00 for 18h30
venue
shop 25a, 14th Str, Vrededorp, JHB
bring
chair, drinks, friends
FRIDAY SESSIONS ARE ABOUT EXCHANGING IDEAS
For those who still have to attend Friday Sessions, here’s a brief history and why they have come about:
History
Friday Sessions have originated in the beginning of 2005 and are conceptualised and organised by 26’10 south Architects (Anne Graupner & Thorsten Deckler).
The Sessions are informal in nature, entirely unfunded and are held approximately every fortnight at 26’10’s offices in an old shop (heritage listed building) in Vrededorp, Johannesburg. The format varies from film screenings, exhibitions, talks, discussions and site visits. The subject matter is thus diverse and themes are work shopped by 26’10 and interested parties. 26’10 acts as “curator”, endorsing and on occasion developing content.
Purpose
The relative lack of a meaningful culture of debate on architecture, urbanism, art and design serves as a motivation to hold these events. The Sessions enable the exchanging of ideas amongst peers, colleagues, lay-people and other professionals dealing with the urban and built environment and extending a network of likeminded people in the city and across the globe.
Nature of Friday Sessions
Due to their informal nature as well as the subject matter, Friday Sessions are autonomous and spontaneous, a critical aspect we intend to retain as far as possible. Informal discussion after / during presentations are as important as the presentations.
Audience
To date Friday Sessions have gained a dedicated following with new audience members joining through informal networks of word-of-mouth and e-mail. Audiences range from 40 – 80 people per session. About 60% of audience members are architects and architectural students, whilst others are artists, film-makers, activists, lawyers, actors, teachers, IT managers, etc. The Sessions also serve as an informal educational medium for students as well as professionals.
Network
A loose local and increasingly international network of like-minded professionals has grown around Friday Sessions. To this effect Friday Sessions have been launched in London in November 2005 by public works. This network has enabled like-minded people to share information and expertise as well as create confidence in the pursuit of meaningful practice of architecture, art and design.