Groundwork is a three-part film and exhibition series exploring the conceptual development and field research of contemporary architects cultivating alternative modes of engagement with new project sites. Using documentary as a curatorial tool, the CCA will take a critical look at how designers across diverse geographies and contexts engage with their environments in preliminary phases of projects. In doing so, thinking processes, research, and stages of transformation will be highlighted as revelatory aspects of architectural work that help to deepen our understanding of new critical modes of practice and engagement. In light of the ecological crisis, the project questions how different architects situate themselves in relation to changing natural and disciplinary boundaries.

To Build Law, the forthcoming documentary conceived by Francesco Garutti and directed by Joshua Frank, will follow bplus.xyz (b+) and station.plus (s+) as they establish a policy lab, HouseEurope!, to propose industry reforms and shift cultural norms. To Build Law will closely observe the b+ team during various phases of conceptualization and development of a European Citizens’ Initiative meant to incentivize renovation over demolition and new construction. Through this bottom-up legal tool, architecture becomes an open process of establishing partners, drafting legislation, filming stories, strategizing communications, coordinating campaigns, collecting votes, and building a movement.

To Build Law is the second chapter of Groundwork, a three-part film and exhibition series exploring the conceptual development and field research of contemporary architects cultivating alternative modes of practice.

Curator: Francesco Garutti, Curatorial Assistant: Irene Chin, Research: Matthew Kalil, Graphic design: HIT, Design development: Sébastien Larivière, Anh Truong, Films directed by Joshua Frank

Photo 2 by Matthieu Brouillard
Photo 3 by Sandra Larochelle