Anne Lacaton and Jean-Philippe Vassal, “Freedom of Use”

The lecture by Anne Lacaton and Jean-Philippe Vassal of Lacaton Vassal (Paris) will illustrate a continuous process of accumulation, addition, and reinterpretation, reformulating recurrent themes and questions each time, such as capacity, flexibility, superimpositions, climate, comfort, uses, shells, structures, and economy. The projects to be presented speak primarily about INHABITING, USE, PLEASURE, and FREEDOM. Inhabiting (beyond the functional) is about pleasure, generosity, and the freedom to occupy the space around and in front of oneself. Architecture means building multitudes of usage situations—connected, intersected and mobile—which facilitate the appropriation of space. Economy is a tool of freedom that, far from restricting and diminishing, opens possibilities and provides margins for generosity and the extraordinary. Beyond any aesthetic and formal determination, beyond rules, standards, and programs, buildings are beautiful when people feel well in them, when the light inside is beautiful and the air is pleasant, when the exchange with the outside seems easy and gentle, and when uses and sensations are unexpected.

For accessibility accommodations, please contact the events office two weeks in advance at (617) 496-2414 or [email protected].

Additional Speakers: 6103

Jean-Philippe Vassal

Harvard University welcomes individuals with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you would like to request accommodations or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact the Public Programs Office at (617) 496-2414 or [email protected] in advance of your participation or visit. Requests for American Sign Language interpreters and/or CART providers should be made at least two weeks in advance. Please note that the University will make every effort to secure services, but that services are subject to availability.

#GSDEVENTS