sí / no exhibition details the architecture of urban-think tank

sí / no exhibition details the architecture of urban-think tank
empower shack, khayelitsha, cape town, south africa
image © U-TT, photo: jan ras/U-TT

sí / no: the architecture of urban-think tank
architekturmuseum der tu münchen (pinakothek der moderne)
november 19, 2015 – february 21, 2016

conceived by its founders alfredo brillembourg and hubert klumpner as an ‘interdisciplinary design collective’, urban-think tank was originally launched in venezuela, first as an NGO, and then as a private office. over the past 17 years, U-TT has established itself as a leading exponent of socially conscious architecture, undertaking practical fieldwork in caracas, and in particular the favelas and their relationship with the city.

the metrocable of san agustín, baruta caracas, venezuela
image © U-TT, photo: iwan baan

U-TT’s urban-planning designs grew out of this research, based on a conceptual approach which aimed at a gradual rapprochement between the planned and the informal areas of the city. through teaching at new york’s columbia university, and venturing into international exhibitions and publications, U-TT has brought its activities and research to the attention of a global audience. their study of the torre david skyscraper in caracas and their subsequent exhibition won them the golden lion award at the venice architecture biennale in 2012.

torre david, caracas, venezuela
image © U-TT, photo: daniel schwartz

taking different informal settlements from all over the world, a new exhibition titled ‘sí / no: the architecture of urban-think tank’ illustrates the studio’s multi-facetted research methods, analyses, and development studies. the presentation seeks to offer different ways of thinking about design, challenging the role and responsibilities of today’s architects. U-TT suggests that those in the profession must ask themselves, and the world at large, whether their work can make a meaningful difference.

the exhibition opens at munich’s architecture museum on november 19, 2015, and remains on display until february 21, 2016.

the anglican church upgrade, baruta caracas, venezuela
image © U-TT, photo: daniel schwartz/U-TT at ETH

reactivate athens, greece
image © U-TT, photo: daniel schwartz/U-TT at ETH

FAVA school for autistic children, baruta caracas, venezuela
image © U-TT, photo: iwan baan

‘sí / no: the architecture of urban-think tank’ shown on display in zurich

the exhibition illustrates the studio’s research methods, analyses, and development studies

the presentation seeks to offer different ways of thinking about design and architecture

the display challenges the role and responsibilities of today’s architects

the exhibition opens at munich’s architecture museum on november 19, 2015