Exploring the Intersection of Poetics and Ethics in Architecture: A Recap of the 2007 Conference at McGill University

The “Reconciling Poetics and Ethics in Architecture” conference held at the Canadian Centre for Architecture and McGill School of Architecture from September 13-15, 2007, was a groundbreaking event that brought together scholars, academics, and architects to explore the intersection of ethics and poetics in the field of architecture.

Supported by various organizations including the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, the conference delved into questions surrounding the role of architecture in modern societies worldwide. Key themes discussed included the architect’s responsibility towards users and their wellbeing, cities, and environments, as well as the creative act of architecture.

Renowned figures in the field such as Juhani Pallasmaa and Marco Frascari delivered keynote addresses and plenary lectures, addressing topics ranging from sustainability and activism in architecture to utopia narratives and ethical stances in classical antiquity.

In addition to thought-provoking sessions, the event also featured a vernissage for the exhibition of the 2007 McGill University History and Theory of Architecture Graduate Studio, book launches, tours of the CCA Study Centre and Library, and a banquet among the works of an exhibition on ethics and poetics.

The conference, which marked the twentieth anniversary of the History and Theory of Architecture Master’s and PhD options at McGill University, was made possible by the dedicated efforts of the organizing committee and volunteers. The event highlighted the importance of exploring the complex relationship between ethics and poetics in architecture and its impact on society as a whole.