Turncoats #7: Freedom is Slavery

Vancouver’s Architectural debates are rubbish. We’ve all been there: a panel of similar designers with similar views taking it in turns to talk at length about their similar work – too polite, too deferential, too dull. At best they are lukewarm love-ins, critically impotent, elitist and stuffy. Turncoats is a shot in the arm. Framed by theatrically provocative opening gambits, a series of debates will rugby tackle fundamental issues facing contemporary practice with a playful and combative format designed to foment open and critical discussion, turning conventional consensus on its head.

Turncoats #7: Freedom is Slavery

Social engineering is hot this season! Architects have formulated the cure for loneliness. Planners are able to fix obesity. The boldest designers even claim to know how to make you happy. These eager, self-appointed manipulators have taken the helm from the last group who tinkered with social engineering. That experiment blew up the lab. But the experiment is being run again. Is the cycle doomed to repeat itself, or will the lab rats revolt?

The Panel

Peeroj Thakre is a principal at ph5 architecture and co-founder of the non-profit Urban Republic. Her practice is a mix of weird and ordinary stuff.

Stewart Burgess became an architect/social engineer two weeks ago and now has strong opinions on modern architecture/social engineering. Outside of having strong opinions he works at Carscadden Stokes Mcdonald Architects, is active with the Vancouver Public Space Network and Heritage Vancouver.

Marianne Amodio is an architect and owner of marianne amodio architecture studio.

Andrea Reimer has served as a Vancouver City Councillor since 2008. She is a member of the Greenest City Action Team, Chair of the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment, Director of the Greater Vancouver Regional District, and the Executive Director of the Wilderness Committee.

Doors open with cash bar at 6:00. Event will begin at 6:30.