"Archigram: Experimental Architecture 1961-1974 - Warren Chalk, Peter Cook, Dennis Crompton, David Greene, Ron Herron and Michael Webb"
2002-06-06 until 2002-08-24
Plug In
Winnipeg, MB, CA Canada

In celebration of its 30th anniversary, Plug In ICA is proud to present Archigram, British design pioneers who influenced a generation of architects and city planners all over the world. Their passion for alternative futures was inspired by new technologies and materials, the explosion in mass media and communication, and the leisure class they predicted would follow. World-shaping events such as the moon walk and the Beatles influenced these young architects who were determined to question the form and function of cities, houses and other forms of architecture.

Their fresh and cheeky photocollage resonated with pop imagery, revitalizing the way we imagine modern living. All their projects were presented in a colourful pop style which challenged the serious and institutional approach favoured by architects until then. This year, the Archigram Group received the most important architectural award in the world, the Royal Institute of British Architectures Royal Gold Medal.

Some of their inventions:

Walking City - a self-contained mobile pod of urban elements.
The Suitaloon - a garment which converts into a dwelling.
Living Pod - an add-on domicile with all modern conveniences.
Blow-out Village - an entire temporary city which inflates from a hovercraft.
Cushicle - a vehicle which becomes a private cubicle/chaise longue.
Bathamatic - automatic bathing and relaxation device.

Other far-out innovations by Archigram include: The Electronic Tomato, Tuned Suburb, Plug-in City (after which the local gallery is named), Instant City, Free Time Node Trailer Park, and more! Due to its size, the exhibition will take place in two locations, 286 McDermot and 2nd floor 290 McDermot. Models, plans and concepts by this amazing group will be augmented with a multimedia display and projects from the Archigram Archives. Tours of the Archigram exhibition will be available beginning Friday, June 7 and continue until the end of the summer. After, take a break in the Inflatable Lounge, where visitors can relax with reading materials and refreshments.

Fun, play and pleasure were the rationale for Archigrams projects, not as recreation, the pause that refreshes, between stretches of productive labour, but as an epistemology and an end in itself.

Related Links:

Indepth Arts Resources for Canada

Other Important Exhibitions in Canada