The Architecture Foundation, London and New York`s Storefront for

The Architecture Foundation, London and New York’s
Storefront for Art and Architecture present: LIVING
ARCHITECTURES
21 January - 26 February 2010
Media images and the innermost reality of a building have two separate lives which do not necessarily
coincide at any given moment. By enjoining us to see the reality of the simulacra created by the media,
‘Koolhaas Houselife’ represents the leading edge to an interpretive approach of the physical and
objective reality of a given space.
Stefano Boeri, Architect, Professor, Politecnico di Milano University, and Editor in Chief, Abitare
In their first collaborative project, The Architecture Foundation, London and New York’s Storefront for
Art and Architecture are delighted to present Living Architectures, a simultaneous exhibition in
London and New York to showcase the work of filmmakers Ila Bêka and Louise Lemoine. The duo’s
acclaimed feature length documentary, Koolhaas HouseLife, previously appeared in Storefront for Art and
Architecture’s 2008 group exhibition On Mock-ups, Home Videos and Housekeeping: a video exhibition
in three parts, and premiered in the UK at The Architecture Foundation’s inaugural Architecture on Film
programme.
Applying their keen eyes to architecture’s everyday use, Bêka and Lemoine create intimate portraits of
iconic contemporary buildings, giving back-stage access to their inner lives and hidden workings. In this
new transatlantic exhibition of their ongoing research into architecture as living form, parallel video
installations will be presented at the AF and New York’s Storefront for Art and Architecture. The films
depict the human occupations of Richard Meier’s church in Rome; Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim Bilbao; and
Herzog and de Meuron’s Pomerol winery, alongside further unseen footage of Koolhaas’s Maison à
Bordeaux.
Transforming the AF Project Space and Storefront’s gallery into informal screening rooms for the duration
of the exhibition, these four new videos will offer the world’s first opportunity to view the latest work from
these celebrated filmmakers.
A revealing examination of iconic architecture in dialogue with its users - from line-dancing grape-pickers
to abseiling windowcleaners – exploring architecture as an experience, rather than an image.
The Architecture Foundation would like to thank auto itlaia south east, Colorset UVI Ltd and DESSO for
their support on this exhibition.
/Ends
Notes to editors
For further press information, interview requests or images, please contact The Architecture Foundation:
T: +44 (0)20 7084 6767
E: [email protected]
Opening Hours: 21 January – 26 February, Tuesday – Saturday, 12.00pm – 6.00pm. Free entry.
Venue: The Architecture Foundation, Ground Floor East, 136-148 Tooley Street, London, SE1 2TU,
UK; Storefront for Art and Architecture, 97 Kenmare Street, New York, NY 10012, USA.
The Architecture Foundation is a non-profit agency for contemporary architecture, urbanism and
culture. We cultivate new talent and new ideas. Through our diverse programmes we facilitate
international and interdisciplinary exchange, stimulate critical engagement amongst professionals, policy
makers and a broad public, and shape the quality of the built environment. We are independent, agile,
inclusive and influential. Central to our activities is the belief that architecture enriches lives.
www.architecturefoundation.org.uk
Founded in 1982, Storefront for Art and Architecture is a nonprofit organization committed to the
advancement of innovative positions in architecture, art and design. Our program of exhibitions, artists
talks, film screenings, conferences and publications is intended to generate dialogue and collaboration
across geographic, ideological and disciplinary boundaries. As a public forum for emerging voices,
Storefront explores vital issues in art and architecture with the intent of increasing awareness of and
interest in contemporary design.
www.storefrontnews.org
Born in Italy, Ila Bêka lives and works in Paris. An architect, director and video-artist, his films have been
presented in many of the world’s most important film festivals. He is currently working on the Living
Architectures series of contemporary architecture films and several video installations based on his
collection of video-haikus. He is also currently preparing his second feature film.
Born in France, Louise Lemoîne lives and works in Paris. A graduate in cinema and philosophy at the
Paris Sorbonne, she writes for a range of contemporary art foundations, alongside her regular
contributions to an array of art and architecture magazines. A documentary and fiction film screenwriter,
she is involved in many international cinematographic and documentary projects, alongside her work on
the Living Architectures series of contemporary architecture films.
BêkaFilms is an Italian-French independent film production founded in 2001 by Ila Bêka and Francesco
Pappalardo, with a leading position in contemporary cinematographic creation. BêkaFilms has produced
many short films, alongside a range of documentaries and video art productions. Since 2004, the company
has also begun producing feature films. Alongside the work of Ila Bêka, BêkaFilms produces the films of
five other young filmmakers: Melo Prino, Tiros Niakaj, Luca Sivo, Sajith Boom and Luca Soriano. Further
information, film extracts and trailers are available on the company’s website.
www.bekafilms.it