Those engaged in architecture culture rely not only on information that is explicitly recorded, such as social surveys, technical formulas and economic calculations, but also on knowledge acquired in other, more implicit ways. How such tacit, ‘unspoken knowledge’ operates in architecture is examined in the four sections that make up this exhibition.

‘Horizons and References’ explores the importance of visual, conceptual and material references in architecture culture. It shows how their tacit presence can install a horizon against which architects think, write, draw, speak and build.

‘Making and Materiality’ demonstrates how the act of making a drawing, a scale model, a piece of furniture, a book or a building can result in the acquisition of knowledge. It also reveals how the physical qualities of materials often adopt central roles in such acts of tacit knowledge production.

‘Codes and Communities’ focuses on how codes about building and buildings can be learned through tacit observation, and illustrates how the ability to decipher such codes is often a matter of belonging to an informed community.

‘Embodiment and Experience’ uncovers the role of bodily experiences in learning about architecture. It explores how our senses can be activated in analogue and digital ways to gain knowledge about the built environment.

The various objects on display in this three-day exhibition have been crowd-sourced. They are the result of a ‘call for objects’ to which a large group of practitioners and scholars responded. The selected items – models, photographs, videos, etc. – are prime witnesses to the critical and fertile role of tacit knowledge in architecture culture.

The TACK Exhibition will take place between 19-21 June 2023 at ETH Zürich, Hönggerberg, Archena (HIL D 57.1).

Colophon

Curators
Tom Avermaete and Janina Gosseye

Scenography
Tom Avermaete and Janina Gosseye

Calligraphy
Eva Storgaard

Production lead
Laura Trazic

Production
Laura Trazic, Korinna Zinovia Weber, Jonas Pfändler, Sereina Fritsche

Technical support
Daniel Sommer, gta exhibitions

Contributors

Nadi Abusaada, ETH Zürich, & Wesam Al Asali, IE University
Alba Balmaseda Domínguez, Kyra Bullert & Špela Setzen, University of Stuttgart
Sarah Becchio & Paolo Borghino, ErranteArchitetture
Francesca Berni, POLIMI
Verena Brehm, Cityförster
Irina Davidovici & Ziu Bruckmann, ETH Zürich
Adam Caruso, Caruso St John Architects
Filippo Cattapan, BUW
Sofie de Caigny & Tine Poot, Vlaams Architectuur Instituut
Maria Conen, Conen Sigl Architekt:innen, Zürich
Nicole de Lalouvière, ETH Zürich
Nathalie de Vries, MVRDV Architects
An Fonteyne, noAarchitecten
Irmgard Frank, Institute of Spatial design, TU Graz,
Annette Gigon & Mike Guyer, Gigon/Guyer Architects
Holger Hoffmann, one fine day
Anne Holtrop, Studio Anne Holtrop
Johanna Just, ETH Zürich
Momoyo Kaijima, Atelier Bow-Wow
Katharina Kasinger
Joris Kerremans & Hong Wan Chan, Ghent University
Angelo Lunati & Giancarlo Floridi, Onsitestudio
Elli Mosayebi, Edelaar Mosayebi Inderbitzin Architekten & Fabian Bircher
Samantha Ong & Ariel Bintang, Yale School of Architecture
Monika Platzer, Architekturzentrum Wien
Elena Perez Guembe, TU Delft
Samuel H. Ramirez
Martin Rösch & Nicola Graf, ETH Zürich
Klas Ruin & Ola Broms Wessel, SPRIDD
Eva Sommeregger, ABKW
Sofie Stilling, University of Copenhagen
Paula Strunden, ABKW
Mara Trübenbach, AHO
U5 Collective, ETH Zürich
Dirk van den Heuvel, Nieuwe Instituut
Dick van Gameren, TU Delft
Paul Vermeulen, De Smet Vermeulen architecten
Inge Vinck & Jan De Vylder, AJDVIV
Martina Voser, mavo Landschaften
Maxime Zaugg, ETH Zürich