Another Gaze – Seminar on Architecture Aaltosiilo, Oulu, Finland

We are living in an era of new geopolitical tensions, witnessing the erosion of the last remnants of the welfare state, the expansion of multinational technological infrastructures, and a climate crisis that has become an everyday reality. In this context, the narratives of architecture and its modes of representation need rethinking.

Another Gaze is a seminar that seeks perspectives from outside the dominant architectural discourse. How are we accustomed to looking at architecture? What modes of architectural inquiry receive less attention in universities, museums and publications? How can exhibitions, texts and artistic practices dismantle inherited ways of depicting and seeing? How can practitioners open up new ways of thinking about and defining what we call architecture?

The seminar will take place at Aaltosiilo in Oulu on 28 August, 2026, and forms part of the Alvar Aalto Week and the Oulu European Capital of Culture 2026 programme. It is supported by the Alfred Kordelin Foundation.

The seminar brings together architects, artists, curators, researchers, educators, and students to discuss current and future perspectives on architecture. Three international experts will deliver keynote lectures:

• Phineas Harper – architecture critic, journalist, and sculptor, London
• Meneesha Kellay – Lead Curator, V&A East Museum, London
• Mari Lending – Professor of Architectural History and Theory, Oslo School of Architecture and Design

The programme will also feature presentations selected through an open call, as well as panel discussions. The full programme will be published soon.

The event is open to all and free of charge.