Two multidisciplinary architects, Martti Kalliala and Hans Park, set out to explore how a mindset of an architect can contribute to projects in other fields. New Architect’s Atlas is published as part of ‘Double Happy (8+8=19) – Views on Architecture in Finland and China’, a publication by OK Do and Newly Drawn out on September 1, 2010. Welcome to the Double Happy party at the Helsinki Design Week Grand Opening tonight!
The near-collapse of our financial system has had tremendous effects on the architectural profession. The number of unemployed architects worldwide is higher than ever before. This, combined with the fragmentation of the building process into the hands of specialist consultants and the shift from architects being in the service of public to private capital, has made a lot of the work and responsibilities that traditionally belonged to them simply disappear or move to other professional domains. This is why newly graduated architects have difficulties finding jobs that match their education, creative ability or ambition – not to mention the thousands of students facing an increasingly uncertain future.
It is clear that new professional models are needed to accompany that of the architect as we have learned to know her. A degree in architecture is rarely considered a generalist education in the sense that one in law or economics is. Why should it be – if one thinks of ‘architecture’ merely as the art of designing buildings (a noble art as it is). However, if it is allowed to encompass its full potential and considered the art of dealing with contradictory problems and breaking down multidimensional and complex agendas into understandable, readable, liveable and functional concepts, designs and strategies, it opens up a whole new vista of professional opportunity. From the United Nations to curatorial practices, from rethinking organisational models to bringing a pronounced spatial expertise to politics, architects can challenge and add value to existing institutional, economic, social and governmental frameworks.
Martti Kalliala is an independent architect and musician who is currently touring the world with his electronic music project Renaissance Man. He has worked with, amongst others, NOW for Architecture and Urbanism and OMA. Kalliala is also currently editing a publication on better dreams for Finland.
Hans Park is an architect specialising in urban design and research. He currently works in Tokyo for Nihon Sekkei International, and has previous work experience in Nairobi, Seoul and Helsinki.