Join us on Thursday, 17 September for a talk by architect Nana Biamah-Ofosu. As founder and director of YAA Projects, she presents the work of the practice, which explores counter-histories and material cultures of diasporic communities through making, writing, and speaking architecture.
17 September 2026, 6pm to 7:30pm
Exploring Counter-Histories with Nana Biamah-Ofosu
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Description:
Join us on Thursday, 17 September for a talk by architect Nana Biamah-Ofosu. As founder and director of YAA Projects, she presents the work of the practice, which explores counter-histories and material cultures of diasporic communities through making, writing, and speaking architecture.
articles
Desire Paths
19 May 2026
Desire Paths
Giovanna Borasi interviews Álvaro Siza on his approach to community engagement in Évora
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textual records
AP206.S2.010
Description:
File was originally housed in a binder along with content arranged in AP206.S2.011 and AP206.S2.012. This file contains the following papers: "The role of Architecture and Community Planners in the Planning, Development and Management of Urban Systems [...]," seminar talk, 1981 "Sobha Singh," 1981 "Energy Crisis and Future Pattern of Human Settlements in Developing Countries" "The Role of Architects in Urban and Rural Growth," 1984 "Chandigarh: Capital of Two States," circa 1966 “Aesthetic: Reflections on Beauty of Line, Shape and Form,” by P. Jeanneret
circa 1966-1982
Published and unpublished papers (folder 1 of 3)
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AP206.S2.010
Description:
File was originally housed in a binder along with content arranged in AP206.S2.011 and AP206.S2.012. This file contains the following papers: "The role of Architecture and Community Planners in the Planning, Development and Management of Urban Systems [...]," seminar talk, 1981 "Sobha Singh," 1981 "Energy Crisis and Future Pattern of Human Settlements in Developing Countries" "The Role of Architects in Urban and Rural Growth," 1984 "Chandigarh: Capital of Two States," circa 1966 “Aesthetic: Reflections on Beauty of Line, Shape and Form,” by P. Jeanneret
textual records
circa 1966-1982
textual records
ARCH277035
Description:
Group contains oversize "presentation folders" for several projects. Photographs and presentation plans are the originals prints from Arthur Erickson Architects for media release, publication and presentation reproduction. Projects include: Vancouver Art Gallery, Man in the Community Pavilion, Midtown Terrace, Christ Church Cathedral, Bagley Wright Residence, Napp Laboratories, Roy Thompson Hall (includes press clippings), National Gallery Competition, Abu Dhabi Office Tower United Arab Emirates, Waterfront Center, UBC Faculty Club Addition & Alterations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Interim Headquarters, Jeddah, University of Victoria Development Plan.
n.d.
Photographs and presentation plans for various projects
Actions:
ARCH277035
Description:
Group contains oversize "presentation folders" for several projects. Photographs and presentation plans are the originals prints from Arthur Erickson Architects for media release, publication and presentation reproduction. Projects include: Vancouver Art Gallery, Man in the Community Pavilion, Midtown Terrace, Christ Church Cathedral, Bagley Wright Residence, Napp Laboratories, Roy Thompson Hall (includes press clippings), National Gallery Competition, Abu Dhabi Office Tower United Arab Emirates, Waterfront Center, UBC Faculty Club Addition & Alterations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Interim Headquarters, Jeddah, University of Victoria Development Plan.
textual records
n.d.
Project
Casal das Figueiras, Setubal
CD034.S1.1975.PR02
Description:
This project series contains seven reproductions of drawings displayed in the exhibit to document the Casal das Figueiras neighbourhood, in Setúbal, south of Lisbon, Portugal. The exhibit text explained that: ... the Setúbal port-city experienced the political vibrations of the revolutionary year with great intensity. The Casal das Figueiras neighbourhood was designed for a fishing community living in a difficult area to build on due to its steep incline. The challenge that the project architect Gonçalo Byrne faced was to maintain the structure of single-family housing with the outhouse or courtyard, the typology that the local populations requested, while making a large urban gesture. The proposal was based on two types of housing (the square and rectangular plans). This overcame the problem of the 36 percent slope in an architecturally striking manner, while it also managed to fulfil the major requirement inherent in any SAAL operation of minimizing costs. (The SAAL Process, Housing in Portugal 1974–76) Gonçalo Byrne worked for SAAL/Lisbon and Central South with Ana Ferreira Rebocho, Berta Sá Caetano and the residents' association Casal das Figueiras, that was founded on October 30th, 1975. The project included 420 dwellings. The operation began in July 1975 , with a construction date in October 1976. This project series contains reproductions of implementation plans and design development drawings. The original drawings were produced in 1978-1979 and were reproduced in 2015 for the exhibit.
1978-1979
Casal das Figueiras, Setubal
Actions:
CD034.S1.1975.PR02
Description:
This project series contains seven reproductions of drawings displayed in the exhibit to document the Casal das Figueiras neighbourhood, in Setúbal, south of Lisbon, Portugal. The exhibit text explained that: ... the Setúbal port-city experienced the political vibrations of the revolutionary year with great intensity. The Casal das Figueiras neighbourhood was designed for a fishing community living in a difficult area to build on due to its steep incline. The challenge that the project architect Gonçalo Byrne faced was to maintain the structure of single-family housing with the outhouse or courtyard, the typology that the local populations requested, while making a large urban gesture. The proposal was based on two types of housing (the square and rectangular plans). This overcame the problem of the 36 percent slope in an architecturally striking manner, while it also managed to fulfil the major requirement inherent in any SAAL operation of minimizing costs. (The SAAL Process, Housing in Portugal 1974–76) Gonçalo Byrne worked for SAAL/Lisbon and Central South with Ana Ferreira Rebocho, Berta Sá Caetano and the residents' association Casal das Figueiras, that was founded on October 30th, 1975. The project included 420 dwellings. The operation began in July 1975 , with a construction date in October 1976. This project series contains reproductions of implementation plans and design development drawings. The original drawings were produced in 1978-1979 and were reproduced in 2015 for the exhibit.
Project
1978-1979
Series
AP193.S1
Description:
Series 1, Water Flux and Scrambled Flat, 2002-2010, documents the conception and evolution of a project that was originally a farm building and later became a geology and glaciology museum and research center focused on the Swiss Alps. The project was never realized. R&Sie(n) conceptualized Scrambled Flat as an experimental farm. The project goal was to reconcile European Union’s agricultural regulations, imposing a separation between animal and human living, to the community of Évolène traditional way of living, contiguously with animals, benefiting from the resources they offer. As conceived, Scrambled Flat creates an environment where fluidity between the existence of the animals and the humans is materialized. The size of the form is also adapted from a typical local rural house and exploits the heat of the animals and the insulation of the hay. For this project, R&Sie(n) approached the mayor of the community with the design proposition. The mayor then called for a competition, while also changing the program to an ecology museum and research center illustrating the local effects of global warming and the thawing of the Alps. R&Sie(n) won the competition with Water Flux, a reinterpretation of Scrambled Flat. The project was intended to uncover and exorcise the anxieties of ecological disaster, and the principle of flux related to seasonal change and, more broadly, climate change. The firm designed rooms that reproduce the geological and meteorological environment of the high mountains making it visible and experimental, offering refrigerated spaces for art installations and scientific demonstrations. The concept was also to build with the use of new technologies such as digital modelling, point scanning, and computer numerical control (CNC), combined with ancient local knowledge of knocking on trees to decide which specific pines have the best wood for construction. The building is designed to be constructed with local lamellar wood milled by nearby CNC. The resulting parts would be used for the structure, the insulation, the waterproofing and both the interior and exterior finishes. The design includes a grille wrapping the building, reproducing the profile of traditional houses and enclosure and making it possible to hold the snow inside a typo-morphological imprint. Therefore, the transformable envelope of the building reacts to the rhythm of the seasons. In the winter, the structure would appear like a solid cut-out of ice and snow, with cavities similar to those found in glaciers. In the summer, it would resemble piles of stones used in these areas to make borders. A small pool would collect rainwater and supply it to an interior artificial snowmaking system designed for the gallery. Transformation of the water is an integral part of the design. The records contain images of plans, sections, details for the structure of the façade, renderings, plans of the engineered structure, and photographs documenting the conception of the models with the CNC machinery. The Rhino 3D modelling files are also part of the records along with AutoCAD models and a video documenting the process. The records contain two physical models: a smaller polymer model at 1:20 scale representing the whole structure of the building, and a larger 1:1 latch wood fragment representing detail of the structure in its integrality.
2002-2010
Water Flux and Scrambled Flat
Actions:
AP193.S1
Description:
Series 1, Water Flux and Scrambled Flat, 2002-2010, documents the conception and evolution of a project that was originally a farm building and later became a geology and glaciology museum and research center focused on the Swiss Alps. The project was never realized. R&Sie(n) conceptualized Scrambled Flat as an experimental farm. The project goal was to reconcile European Union’s agricultural regulations, imposing a separation between animal and human living, to the community of Évolène traditional way of living, contiguously with animals, benefiting from the resources they offer. As conceived, Scrambled Flat creates an environment where fluidity between the existence of the animals and the humans is materialized. The size of the form is also adapted from a typical local rural house and exploits the heat of the animals and the insulation of the hay. For this project, R&Sie(n) approached the mayor of the community with the design proposition. The mayor then called for a competition, while also changing the program to an ecology museum and research center illustrating the local effects of global warming and the thawing of the Alps. R&Sie(n) won the competition with Water Flux, a reinterpretation of Scrambled Flat. The project was intended to uncover and exorcise the anxieties of ecological disaster, and the principle of flux related to seasonal change and, more broadly, climate change. The firm designed rooms that reproduce the geological and meteorological environment of the high mountains making it visible and experimental, offering refrigerated spaces for art installations and scientific demonstrations. The concept was also to build with the use of new technologies such as digital modelling, point scanning, and computer numerical control (CNC), combined with ancient local knowledge of knocking on trees to decide which specific pines have the best wood for construction. The building is designed to be constructed with local lamellar wood milled by nearby CNC. The resulting parts would be used for the structure, the insulation, the waterproofing and both the interior and exterior finishes. The design includes a grille wrapping the building, reproducing the profile of traditional houses and enclosure and making it possible to hold the snow inside a typo-morphological imprint. Therefore, the transformable envelope of the building reacts to the rhythm of the seasons. In the winter, the structure would appear like a solid cut-out of ice and snow, with cavities similar to those found in glaciers. In the summer, it would resemble piles of stones used in these areas to make borders. A small pool would collect rainwater and supply it to an interior artificial snowmaking system designed for the gallery. Transformation of the water is an integral part of the design. The records contain images of plans, sections, details for the structure of the façade, renderings, plans of the engineered structure, and photographs documenting the conception of the models with the CNC machinery. The Rhino 3D modelling files are also part of the records along with AutoCAD models and a video documenting the process. The records contain two physical models: a smaller polymer model at 1:20 scale representing the whole structure of the building, and a larger 1:1 latch wood fragment representing detail of the structure in its integrality.
Series
2002-2010
Project
AP056.S1.1991.PR02
Description:
This project series documents the design of Cité Collégiale in Ottawa, Ontario from in 1991. The project number assigned by the office is unidentifiable. This project consisted of a competition entry for the first French language community college to be built in Ontario. The design proposed focused on the balance between the natural landscape of the site, located on Montreal Road at Aviation Parkway, the rigor of the study program and the relaxation of student life. Large wooded areas surrounding the campus would be preserved and four functional outdoor spaces would be created: La Place des Festivals (an esplanade), the theatre (for outdoor festivities), Le Carrefour des Étudiants (the student square), and le Foyer (next to the cafeteria). The campus also proposed la Grande Galerie, a triple-height space filled with natural light to serve as the main area where students could meet and study. Two types of school buildings were included in the proposal, consisting of a long, rectangular building for classrooms and offices, and the other, a less formal, open space with classrooms, amphitheatres, studios and laboratories. The scheme had two main entrances, with a large central tower that was visible when arriving from either direction. This was not the winning entry for the competition and the campus was eventually built by Brook, Brisbin and Baynon. The project is recorded through drawings, presentation paintings and a model dating from 1991. The drawings include site condition maps, sketches, perspectives, plans, elevations, axonometric drawings and presentation panels.
1991
Cité Collégiale Competition, Ottawa, Ontario (1991)
Actions:
AP056.S1.1991.PR02
Description:
This project series documents the design of Cité Collégiale in Ottawa, Ontario from in 1991. The project number assigned by the office is unidentifiable. This project consisted of a competition entry for the first French language community college to be built in Ontario. The design proposed focused on the balance between the natural landscape of the site, located on Montreal Road at Aviation Parkway, the rigor of the study program and the relaxation of student life. Large wooded areas surrounding the campus would be preserved and four functional outdoor spaces would be created: La Place des Festivals (an esplanade), the theatre (for outdoor festivities), Le Carrefour des Étudiants (the student square), and le Foyer (next to the cafeteria). The campus also proposed la Grande Galerie, a triple-height space filled with natural light to serve as the main area where students could meet and study. Two types of school buildings were included in the proposal, consisting of a long, rectangular building for classrooms and offices, and the other, a less formal, open space with classrooms, amphitheatres, studios and laboratories. The scheme had two main entrances, with a large central tower that was visible when arriving from either direction. This was not the winning entry for the competition and the campus was eventually built by Brook, Brisbin and Baynon. The project is recorded through drawings, presentation paintings and a model dating from 1991. The drawings include site condition maps, sketches, perspectives, plans, elevations, axonometric drawings and presentation panels.
Project
1991
Project
AP066.S2.D36
Description:
Le dossier documente le projet de la Coop d'habitation Ville-Marie, une construction d'habitation coopérative de 22 logements situé sur la rue Ontario, à Montréal, Québec. Le dossier contient des documents textuels et des dessins. L'architecte décrit le projet comme: "An efficient and inventive planning approach to a tough urban site, one that will foster a system of mini-communities through each courtyard entry." Sturgess, "La Coopérative d'Habitation Ville-Marie", Canadian Architect, décembre 1993, p. 20.
1993-1994
Coop d'habitation Ville-Marie
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AP066.S2.D36
Description:
Le dossier documente le projet de la Coop d'habitation Ville-Marie, une construction d'habitation coopérative de 22 logements situé sur la rue Ontario, à Montréal, Québec. Le dossier contient des documents textuels et des dessins. L'architecte décrit le projet comme: "An efficient and inventive planning approach to a tough urban site, one that will foster a system of mini-communities through each courtyard entry." Sturgess, "La Coopérative d'Habitation Ville-Marie", Canadian Architect, décembre 1993, p. 20.
Projet
1993-1994
textual records
ARCH153469
Description:
Bill from Bonnie Thayer, May 18 1973 Final Report to the NYS Council on the Arts, 1972-1973 Memo of Peter Wolf on New Project Finance Structure, 11 May 1973 Job applications of Louis Lister & Mary Turner, January 1973 PDE's letter to Suzanne Frank announcing her election to the position of Research Associate at the Institute Balance Sheet, April 30 1973 Proposal for Project Development to Manhattan Community Board, by Peter Wolf, 18 April 1973 PDE letter to Arthur Drexler concerning IAUS's debt to the MoMA surrounding LRHD Housing exhibition, December 18 1973
1973
Bill, report, memo, job applications, letter, balance sheet, proposal
Actions:
ARCH153469
Description:
Bill from Bonnie Thayer, May 18 1973 Final Report to the NYS Council on the Arts, 1972-1973 Memo of Peter Wolf on New Project Finance Structure, 11 May 1973 Job applications of Louis Lister & Mary Turner, January 1973 PDE's letter to Suzanne Frank announcing her election to the position of Research Associate at the Institute Balance Sheet, April 30 1973 Proposal for Project Development to Manhattan Community Board, by Peter Wolf, 18 April 1973 PDE letter to Arthur Drexler concerning IAUS's debt to the MoMA surrounding LRHD Housing exhibition, December 18 1973
textual records
1973
Project
São Victor, Porto
CD034.S1.1974.PR04
Description:
This project series contains reproductions of photographs, drawings and panels displayed in the exhibit to document the São Victor neighbourhood, in Porto, Portugal. The exhibit text explained that: ... the group of 12 houses built for the São Victor neighbourhood was one of SAAL's most important operations, despite the fact that only a small part of the project was carried out. Maintaining the urban fabric of the 'ilhas' (islands) and their internal community ties, the São Victor design combined the responsiveness inherent in the participatory nature of the project with architectural and technical precision. An important case study, it led Álvaro Siza Vieira, the project architect, being invited to design projects in Berlin and The Hague in the following decade. In many aspects, São Victor represents an ethically and politically-minded architectural practice, with a stress on understanding the link between being responsive to the voice of the people and the permanence of architectural design. (The SAAL Process, Housing in Portugal 1974–76) Álvaro Siza worked for SAAL/North with Adalberto Dias, Domingos Tavares, Eduardo Souto de Moura, Francisco Guedes, Graça Nieto, Manuel Borges, Manuela Sambade, Paula Cabral and the residents' association S. Victor, that was founded on April 14th, 1975. The first phase of the project included 32 dwellings and the second, 20 dwellings. The operation began in November 1974, with a construction date in October 1975. This project series contains reproductions of design development drawings, exhibition panels and photographs. The original material was produced around 1974-1975 and were reproduced in 2015 for the exhibit.
circa 1974-1975
São Victor, Porto
Actions:
CD034.S1.1974.PR04
Description:
This project series contains reproductions of photographs, drawings and panels displayed in the exhibit to document the São Victor neighbourhood, in Porto, Portugal. The exhibit text explained that: ... the group of 12 houses built for the São Victor neighbourhood was one of SAAL's most important operations, despite the fact that only a small part of the project was carried out. Maintaining the urban fabric of the 'ilhas' (islands) and their internal community ties, the São Victor design combined the responsiveness inherent in the participatory nature of the project with architectural and technical precision. An important case study, it led Álvaro Siza Vieira, the project architect, being invited to design projects in Berlin and The Hague in the following decade. In many aspects, São Victor represents an ethically and politically-minded architectural practice, with a stress on understanding the link between being responsive to the voice of the people and the permanence of architectural design. (The SAAL Process, Housing in Portugal 1974–76) Álvaro Siza worked for SAAL/North with Adalberto Dias, Domingos Tavares, Eduardo Souto de Moura, Francisco Guedes, Graça Nieto, Manuel Borges, Manuela Sambade, Paula Cabral and the residents' association S. Victor, that was founded on April 14th, 1975. The first phase of the project included 32 dwellings and the second, 20 dwellings. The operation began in November 1974, with a construction date in October 1975. This project series contains reproductions of design development drawings, exhibition panels and photographs. The original material was produced around 1974-1975 and were reproduced in 2015 for the exhibit.
Project
circa 1974-1975