Through the action of executing ideas-based design, a practice ultimately can be thought of as a project in and of itself—a critical mechanism for investigation, a place where previous experiences are developed and questioned and can continue to evolve. The architectural project as the mechanism for applied research and investigation can be thought of as an apparatus that holds positions and ideas. The plywood structure at the centre of this exhibition exemplifies this notion: more than being a vehicle for displaying images and content, its very materiality, role as a framework for displaying work, and its ability to be interchangeable and hold a diverse assemblage of artifacts that make up the various projects represents the ideas behind those projects. The structure also projects work developed at (or in collaboration with) other practices, recognizing that previous experiences and knowledge become interwoven in our “design psyches” and continue to impact current work. This plywood structure acts as a project in and of itself, exploring and expanding upon the idea of a wall – a seemingly banal structure that, through its construction and materiality, becomes imbued with meaning.

Located in Chicago’s Irving Park neighbourhood, the vernacular 1920s brick building once contained a mason’s shop. Today, the street level holds workspace for both artists, a library, and space for installations, performance, and public events. The upper level contains their residence and an artist-in-residence apartment. Facility was conceived as a platform for the production and presentation of Cave and Faust’s work: a space for making, displaying, performing, as well as living and finding refuge. By design, Facility is a place that adapts and transforms – this attribute mirrors Bob and Nick’s work and their way of inhabiting the space. The boundaries between the spaces tend to hybridize and blur, just as the boundaries between their personal and work lives may sometimes blur. There are design elements woven throughout both levels that allow for a sense of openness and unrestricted movement, such as the free plan and the large openings and pivoting walls. At the same time, it’s a place of refuge for Nick and Bob and the more private and personal spaces allow them to detach—the courtyard, their residence and roof deck are all spaces that support this dichotomy.

The diagonal street creates a trapezoidal site with two street frontages. Facility’s main entrance and storefronts are located along north facade. The door is inconspicuous and, if not for the rotating and impactful installations in the storefronts, the building could be mistaken for an ordinary former manufacturing building. The Southern frontage is lined with 70’ of shipping container fencing that acts as a public art wall for Facility to program.

Photography by Michelle Litvin Studios unless otherwise stated.

The entrance is carved out of the southeastern portion of the structure, with a private entrance and court. The plan allows for a growing family with four bedrooms, one of which will be a guest suite. The design enables the couple to ‘age in place,’ allowing the residence to shrink and be compartmentalized as the family and their needs change. A separate apartment to be built in a future phase of the project will be accessible from the public courtyard. The lofted second floor will become a multi-purpose all-season event space accessible from the public courtyard.

The processes undertaken at Farmhaus strive to engage a circular economy through the repurposing of the existing structure, materials, and systems, rather than adding building waste to landfills. The house leverages existing resources, siting, and passive and active systems through the use of solar photovoltaic and solar hot water panels, a biomass system, rainwater harvesting, and the exposing and reusing of existing materials. With minimal and sensitive design moves, this project brings new relevance and purpose to the original live-work setting – the farm! The farm once formed the backbone of the social (as well as the built) infrastructure in the Lippetal area. Farmhaus is part of a larger agenda to conserve the fabric of this changing farm community and countryside.