Over the summer, URBED have been creating an archival art installation with Britt Jurgenson from Homebaked CLT, which reflects our continued work on the Oakfield Road Terraces project in Anfield, Liverpool. You can read more about this ongoing architectural project here. Commissioned by the Dutch artist Jeanne Van Heeswijk, the interactive 'learning object' we have designed forms part of the 'Trainings for the Not Yet' exhibition and learning programme, which will be held in BAK Gallery, Utrecht, between the 14 September 2019 and 12 January 2020.
The project that Homebaked grew from, 2up2down, was initially supported by the Liverpool Biennial and initiated by Jeanne van Heeswijk, and asked how the local community could take matters into their own hands regarding the development of their neighbourhood and a common future. URBED have been involved since the start of the process, back in 2011, and continue to work with Homebaked today.
The 'Trainings for the Not Yet' learning object presents an abstracted interpretation of the 2Up 2Down terraced house; movable carton elements form walls, doorways, a bay window and a traditional fireplace. These cardboard elements are arranged atop a taped out floor plan of the house, with visitors encouraged to tape their own ideas and move the cardboard walls accordingly. Within this frame sits the Homebaked archive, containing texts, documents, artefacts and videos, which the organisations brought together for the first time, as Trainings for the Not-Yet provided them with the opportunity to pause and reflect on their unique story.
The archive is constructed so as to stay open and in continuous motion: it can be assembled and reassembled, so that it becomes a training ground of knowledge, experience, and empowerment in housing struggles and in building alternative, solidarity-driven economies. The use of reusable cardboard sheets, tubes and bulldog clip joints allows for deconstruction, transportation and reuse of the materials beyond the exhibition, enabling wider learning opportunites.
What can be learnt from the years of engagement and dedication from so many to the Homebaked process? And how does one narrate the story of a collective, poly-perspectival, and multi-talented effort?
Kat and Helen were fortunate to have the opportunity to visit the final exhibition at BAK Gallery in Utrecht. It was great to see the Homebaked cardboard installation, and to attend an afternoon of 'Trainings for the Not Yet' workshops.
Here are some of the other pieces in the Gallery:
