Groundwork
Opening: 8.5.2026, 7 PM
An exhibition and film series produced by the Canadian Centre for Architecture (CCA), Montreal
What does it mean to think and do architecture today, in light of social crises and ecological challenges? ‘Groundwork’ addresses this question by investigating contemporary approaches that are rethinking architectural practice. At its center is a series of three new documentary films, which were produced by the Canadian Centre for Architecture (CCA) in Montreal and originally shown there as three separate exhibitions. The films present a range of methodologies: Xu Tiantian (DnA_Design and Architecture) is developing a series of precise interventions navigating the pressures of heritage, tourism, and marine ecology on Meizhou Island in China; the Berlin-based collective bplus. xyz, known as b+, is initiating a European Citizens’ Initiative meant to bolster the retention and rehabilitation of existing buildings over speculative urban development; in Brazil, Carla Juaçaba is realizing minimal pavilions in support of local communities resisting extractive agriculture. ‘Groundwork’ does not focus on the finished product, but rather the design process in its early stages. Films, documents, and fragments render visible how architectural concepts take form within specific social, political, and ecological conditions.
Exhibition and film series conceived by: Francesco Garutti & Irene Chin (CCA)
Films directed by: Joshua Frank
Adapted by: Yuma Shinohara (S AM)
Exhibition flyer: here
The exhibition ‘Groundwork’ is supported by:
Exhibition Partner:
Canadian Centre for Architecture (CCA), Montreal
Exhibition Supporters:
Cosentino
Tweaklab
Laufen Schweiz AG
Accompanying Program Partners:
Hans und Renée Müller Meylan Stiftung
Open House Basel
Lokal für Raumbegehung
Verein für Spaziergangswissenschaft
SAM Supporters:
Kanton Basel-Stadt
Bundesamt für Kultur BAK
Christoph Merian Stiftung
Beisheim Stiftung
S AM Sponsors:
Marti AG Basel
HIAG
Vectorworks
S AM Partners:
Dr. Levante GmbH & Co.KG
Karl Bubenhofer AG
Gremper AG
