Foreword

Nicole Howard

During the modernist period there was a movement toward the clarity of space, while the post-modernists developed an adeptness to making specific places. New minimalism currently takes us back to the ideas of the efficiency and flexibility of space. While at the same time it endeavours to transform the fundamental ideas of minimalism, particularly with regard to the participation of the user and the elevated role of materiality. In this way, it advances the modernist ideas of abstraction to incorporate the post-modern strategies of inclusivity. It is this change regarding the role of place and space that is in the forefront of this architectural discourse.

The mandate of this journal is to provide a forum for the exploration and presentation of critical work that is relevant within contemporary architectural culture. It is an examination of a current idea that defines selected responses.

Conditioned Openness is a theme that suggests a striking contrast of terms. It is a new minimalist idea that describes the articulation of space so that it is clear and free for the inhabitants to explore its possibilities. It is the subtle predetermining of spaces and how an individual can have control over their own environment. It also articulates a conceptual reinvestment in lighting and material strategies.

This first edition if In Situ will focus on this theme of Conditioned Openness inspired by the Austrian office of Architekturbüro Riegler Riewe. Roger Riewe, a principal of ARR, conducted our winter design charrette and as a result, his presence and teachings have framed a body of work being pursued at this place and time.

Nicole Howard is an MArch student at the University of Calgary and the Editor of Volume One / 98.99.