Craftsmanship has become an important part of architecture again. Architects are deliberately positioning themselves as craftsmen who have mastered the materials they work with. These materials, in turn, can make an impact on design and building. An architect's knowledge of materials and ability to respond to a variety conditions is essential.

Materials are increasingly a catalyst in the design process. Instead of using materials to flesh out a concept, the choice of the material itself becomes the source of the concept and the driving force behind the design process. And it is the use pf particular materials that can lead to innovation. The hand of the maker, therefore, is becoming more and more visible in the design.

In this series six architects and designers talk about how the materials they work with inspire them and how they use these materials to their own end.

Date and time
The lectures are open to the public and take place at the Amsterdam Academy of Architecture, Waterlooplein 213, Amsterdam. All lectures start at 20.00 hrs. and admission is free.

Programme

31 March
Simón Vélez
Architect / Colombia

7 April
Alex van de Beld
Architect / Onix

14 April
Koen van Velsen
Architect / Architectural Office Koen van Velsen

12 May
Claudy Jongstra & Marleen Engbersen
Studio Claudy Jongstra

19 May
Elena Barthel
Rural Studio Alabama

26 May
Peter Fattinger
Architect / Design Build Studio Vienna