We are delighted with the impact that Francis Kéré’s recent lecture has had around the motu. Opening the Aotearoa Festival of Architecture in Auckland, then moving on to Christchurch and finally Wellington, the lectures have highlighted the value of architecture in ‘soothing societal ills’.
In Architecture Now Shail Tiku wrote:
“Kéré does not imagine architects as living in some ivory tower: “we should not be arrogant… we must be humble and convince people.” He sees architects as communicators who create the best outcomes with their communities, as well as for them. His rigorous experimentation goes hand-in-hand with his appreciation for the psychological value of the building: “even in scarcity, I look to inspire… it should be beautiful.” He understands that there must be beauty, and that beauty begets itself. In this world, where design all too often falls by the wayside, Kéré’s words and works demonstrate that good design earns its own mandate.”
See the rest of the review here: https://tinyurl.com/8562ve42
And in Wellington Scoop, Stephen Olsen wrote:
‘As he has done throughout his life and career, the work Kéré presented for the Futuna Lecture was a well-judged mix of innovative improvisation and intuition, “trusses and trust”. Gently expressed maxims popped up regularly during his talk, such as “if you don’t know the place, you shouldn’t build”.’
The rest of the review is here: https://tinyurl.com/53msewn5
[Image: Sahil Tiku]