Tog visit to Ghost 13 Conference

GHOST 13 A SCHOOL OF THOUGHT AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD

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Author

Lynne Cox, MArchJune 2011

Originally published by Architecture + Design Scotlandhttp://www.ads.org.uk/access/features/ghost-13-ideas-in-things-2


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In June 2011 a unique gathering of individuals took place in an octagonal barn in rural Nova Scotia. What made this assembly extraordinary were the people who attended and the impetus that brought them together.

Several years previously, the 19th Century timber structure of this barn was rescued from demolition in Annapolis Valley and was concurrently adapted and reconstructed on the other side of Nova Scotia by a group of young architecture students under the guidance of native architect Brian MacKay-Lyons of Dalhousie University and MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects.

This undertaking was the eleventh in a series of two week design-build summer schools or ‘Ghost Labs’ established by MacKay-Lyons. What was significant about this gesture was the respect with which this traditional building had been treated and the sensitivity with which it had been modified. The barn had been studied revealing the appropriateness of its design and construction, and through this acquired knowledge the team had repurposed it for a new life on the land which had weathered it. The surfaces of the heavy posts and beams within the barn clearly bore the marks of the hand tools which had carved them: the evidence of crafting by two very different generations. This intrinsically Nova Scotian building, both historical yet modern, could not have been a more apt setting for an international assembly of architects and historians meeting to discuss ‘Ideas in Things’ and the importance of place, craft and community in architecture.

Ghost 13 was an opportunity to assemble members of an international school of thought. A three day conference in which like-minded contemporaries and friends of MacKay-Lyons gathered in this remote location to discuss the shared ideologies and beliefs fundamental to their work as architects. Involved were speakers regarded to be the grand masters of regionalist architecture; historian and author Kenneth Frampton of Columbia University, author and architect Juhani Pallasmaa, and architect and Pritzker Laureate Glenn Murcutt.

The desire to create innovative architecture that is appropriate to its location is common to the work of all of the invited speakers. The case for such architecture came to prominence through Kenneth Frampton almost 30 years ago in his much cited text ‘Towards a Critical Regionalism: Six Points for an Architecture of Resistance’ (1983). It was Frampton who set the tone for the conference through his opening keynote speech in which he chose to revisit this critique and make the case for the resistance of cultural pluralism in architecture.

Frampton questioned why it should be deemed necessary for a modern nation to rid itself of its cultural history in order to move forward. This exposed the paradox familiar to many in attendance: how to create a modern architecture which embodies the appropriateness of the traditional vernacular. Frampton explained that the increasing globalisation of architecture had led to confusion caused by the copying of inappropriate design styles and the creation of generic ‘empty sheds’ that lack any specificity to site. These factors, he stated, had produced architecture he deemed to be unethical. Frampton stressed that there is enduring importance in creating architecture which remains true to its surroundings and the communities which it serves in order to avoid dilution of design through global mediocrity.

This emphasis of integrity in design and incorporation of a consciousness of place is seen as fundamental in achieving a timeless quality of architecture. This timelessness in design is referred to by many of the speakers who have strived to embody this quality in their own practice. What is particularly interesting to observe is how this has been interpreted by architects from a wide range of regions; from the work of Glenn Murcutt and Peter Stutchbury in the arid desert landscapes of Australia and Rick Joy in Tucson, Arizona; to the work of Ted Flato in the wetlands of Orange, Texas; Marlon Blackwell’s designs in the forested areas of Arkansas and Patricia Patkau’s work in the freezing conditions of Winnipeg in winter. It is apparent that each speaker has become an expert of their own region through thorough understanding of climate, indigenous building methods, natural processes and knowing the local people who they serve.


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1. Arriving at the Ghost 13 Conference2. Participants gather for lectures3. Brian MacKay-Lyons’ farm in Nova Scotia4. Roof structure of octaganal barn

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The majority of speakers are architects who have achieved international recognition despite practicing in peripheral locations. Brian MacKay-Lyons perceived this as an advantage when I had the pleasure of speaking with him after the conference:“Our generation is the first generation where it has been possible to not ‘have to go down the road to find work’ as they say in Nova Scotia.’

‘I think that all of the interesting stuff is happening in the boonies [remote rural areas]. I’ve been to New York and Los Angeles and sat on the American Institute of Architects jury and I’ve found the work lacking.”

It would seem that others share this view when taking into account the considerable distances many of the delegates travelled to meet and share in this discussion. As MacKay-Lyons explained it is just as important to share in global discussions even if you are practicing on the periphery.

“Discourse with colleagues and friends is very valuable. The speakers are all friends who speak to each other almost weekly… whether in Nova Scotia or Marlon Blackwell in Arkansas we are all in potential isolation, potential lack of discourse.”

However, in a world of instantaneous global communications, it might be asked why it was necessary to gather this network of people together in one place. This can perhaps be answered by the unique atmosphere which was instilled during the conference.

I suspect this ambience was due in part to the isolated location and the genuine hospitality of our host and his family and collegues. There was no sense of ego from the guest speakers. Instead, there was mutual respect and ‘good will in the room’ which evoked an atmosphere of trust between those attending. It seemed that everyone who was there had attended because they believed in learning from each other’s experiences and the free exchange of knowledge. Even the most highly regarded architects present were approachable and keen to engage in conversation with strangers. This wonderful ethos of trust and openness developed into a sense of community amid the delegates within a mere three days of discussion.

This only served to strengthen the sense that this event was something unique and special. It felt that Ghost 13 was evidence of a larger movement within architecture, an ‘ethical change’ which had been referred to by Juhani Palasmaa, which was continuing to grow in the form of a multitude of manifestations across the globe.


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5-8. Examples of projects built during previous Ghost Labs


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Towards the final day of the conference questions arose of how to convey these design ethics to the next generation of architects. Education became a recurrent topic for discussion. Presentations from speakers active in running highly successful design build studios such as Andrew Freear of Rural Studio, Dan Rockhill of Studio 804 and Steve Badanes of Jersey Devil made reference to the detachment of student design projects from understanding the practicalities of construction and how to engage with real clients. Indeed it was frustration over this gap in tuition that drove MacKay-Lyons to establish the Ghost Labs.

“The main reason for design build for me is for people to learn humility and learn respect for the building industry and empathy- not to become design builders.”

It is perhaps telling that the increased popularity of design build studios now available in various parts of the US show that students also crave this style of tuition and the opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary way.

Successful as these projects are, it is clear that most would never have become a reality without the exceptional individuals at their helm - and in most instances the support from a local university. As Brian MacKay-Lyons explained: “These people were invited because of their professional skill- skill in a formal sense and skill in making things happen.”

MacKay-Lyons has no shortage of skill in making things happen and he appears to have found the optimum balance between the academic and professional world to create a mutually beneficial relationship with Dalhousie University. It seems that his academic career has afforded him some space to develop the type of architecture he believes in whilst gaining an opportunity to teach architecture in the way he believes it should be taught. Undoubtedly, this relationship combined with his own professional reputation has assisted MacKay-Lyons in his work to establish this international network of friends and colleagues with benefit to his own practice, not least through the meeting of his business partner Talbot Sweetapple, a former ghost lab and Dalhousie student.

Ghost 13 would not have succeeded if it had not been for the enduring tenacity of Brian MacKay-Lyons and his fundamental belief in the importance of discourse with his fellow architects and scholars. The event was a rare instance where an ongoing discussion between esteemed professionals was opened up for anyone in the world to be part of in an environment conducive to positivity and progress. It is anticipated that a Ghost 13 publication will be available in the future, although it is unclear whether this will be the last of such gatherings or labs- MacKay-Lyons freely admits that it is hard for him to stop. What happens next is difficult to estimate. What is certain is that this international school of thought has been extended with the potential for reaching and inspiring an even greater number of individuals than before to advocate the values of place, craft and community within architectural design.


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9-11. Examples of projects built during early Ghost Labs12. Participants of Ghost 13 Conference


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Pictures

1-9. All by Micheal Holliday and Lynne Cox12. Ghost Lab

Documents

Tog visit to Ghost 13 Conference