Strange Primitivism and Other Things

Strange Primitivism and Other Things’ is a conversation between Adrian Phiffer and Tei Carpenter, moderated by Hans Ibelings. It takes as its subject Phiffer’s new book ‘Strange Primitivism’, published by the Architecture Observer in June 2020. 

Hans Ibelings writes about the book: ‘This book takes its readers on a trip through some of the unexpected twists and bends in the mind of Adrian Phiffer. It is an unfailing Rorschach test of words and images, which can be read as dangerously normal, profoundly superficial, provocatively beautiful, and more. Phiffer has single-handedly doctored an exquisite corpse of cliffhangers, assembled in a plotless story which reveals side of architecture it practically never shows.’

Adrian Phiffer is originally from Romania.  He directs Office of Adrian Phiffer and teaches architecture at the University of Toronto - John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design.  Phiffer’s work includes building and masterplanning projects in Nurnberg, London, Delhi, Beijing, Prague, Riga, and Montreal. He is the author of ‘Strange Primitivism’ and the ‘Hero of Generic Architecture’ short movie director.

Tei Carpenter, Associate AIA, is an architectural designer, educator and founder of Agency—Agency, an award-winning New York City and Toronto-based architecture and design studio. She is Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto where she teaches design studios and seminars. Her design and research work has been supported by a number of international organizations including the New York State Council on the Arts and BMW Mini. Agency—Agency has been honored as a Next Progressives by Architect Magazine, selected as one of the 2018 New Practices New York by the American Institute of Architects, and recently featured in Domus Magazine’s list of the Best 100 Architecture Firms.

Hans Ibelings is a lecturer at Daniels, and publisher and editor of the Architecture Observer since 2012. Prior to this, he was the editor and publisher of A10 new European architecture, a magazine he founded in 2004 together with graphic designer Arjan Groot.

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