Reconciling Poetics and Ethics in Architecture Conference: Exploring the Intersection of Creativity and Responsibility

The “Reconciling Poetics and Ethics in Architecture” conference held at the Canadian Centre for Architecture and McGill School of Architecture brought together scholars, academics, and architects to explore the intersection of ethics and poetics in the field of architecture. Supported by various organizations and individuals, the conference addressed important questions about the role of architects in society and their responsibilities towards users, cities, and the environment.

The conference featured sessions on empathy, sustainability, utopia narratives, and the architect’s role in social and political movements. Keynote addresses were delivered by renowned architects and thinkers, including Juhani Pallasmaa and Marco Frascari. The event also included a vernissage for an exhibition of the 2007 McGill University Architectural History and Theory Graduate Studio, book launches, tours, and a banquet.

The conference, planned as part of the twentieth anniversary celebration of the History and Theory of Architecture program at McGill University, highlighted the ongoing importance of exploring the relationship between ethics and poetics in architecture. The dedicated efforts of the organizing committee and volunteers ensured the success of the event, which provided a platform for engaging discussions and insights into the future of architecture.