LFA and TAB present: NFT in architecture?

Ahead of opening the world's first NFT architecture installation at the Tallinn Architecture Biennale in September 2022, join us for a fascinating discussion between the curator and writer Owen Hopkins and Aleksandra Belitskaja from IHEARTBLOB, the winning team of the Tallinn Architecture Biennale installation.

The winning installation project Fungible Non-Fungible by IHEARTBLOB sets forth a new role of the architect – no longer the ‘Master Builder’ of The Fountainhead – but rather one of a system designer who weaves together innovative technologies to empower communities and enable local craftsmanship through the usage of Blockchain, specifically the emergence of Non-Fungible Token (“NFT”), and Artificial Intelligence (“AI”).

This project would be the first ever blockchain-funded architecture. It would serve as a test for the new decentralised architectural design model, which can lead to works that are more reflective of community and environmental awareness. The outcomes are physical-digital hybrids that balance the ‘slower’ constantly evolving physical components with real time reactive digital updates.

Aleksandra Belitskaja is an Estonian architectural designer and game developer whose work centers on novel interactive design models and the interplay of new emergent aesthetics. Her projects focus on utilizing computer graphics and game engine technology to explore new forms of connectivity between audience, architect and community. Her experimental work and proposals have been published internationally. Aleksandra has taught workshops on building dynamic spatial conditions through custom built game design environments and experimental 3D modelling softwares. She received her Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Dundee, graduating with distinction, before continuing her masters studies at Die Angewandte in Studio Greg Lynn. Throughout her professional architecture career, Aleksandra has worked for award winning internationally-known innovative offices in Stuttgart, Vienna and Los Angeles.

Owen Hopkins is an architectural writer and curator. He is the Director of the Farrell Centre at Newcastle University. Previously he was Senior Curator of Exhibitions and Education at Sir John Soane's Museum and before that Architecture Programme Curator at the Royal Academy of Arts.

He has curated numerous exhibitions and is an author of six books and editor of a further six books / journal special issues / digital publications. He has written widely on architecture for publications such as The Independent, CNN, Dezeen, domus, Icon, The Architectural Review, Blueprint, Architecture Today, The Architects’ Newspaper, topos, The Architects’ Journal, Building Design, Apollo, and The Burlington Magazine.

6th Tallinn Architecture Biennale (TAB) is titled “Edible; Or, The Architecture of Metabolism” and is curated by Lydia Kallipoliti, Areti Markopoulou in collaboration with Chief Local Advisor Ivan Sergejev.

TAB 2022 will take place September – October 2022, with the opening week on the 7th–11th of September.

TAB 2022 is chosen as one of the TOP architecture events of 2022 by Dezeen and Archdaily.

This event is part of London Festival of Architecture's programme and organised by Estonian Center for Architecture and Embassy of Estonia in London.

Pre-registration is essential.

Please note you will be asked to show your photo ID at the door.