SO? Architecture: "Ghost Stories: The Carrier Bag Theory of Architecture" - Venice Biennale 2023

In this video, architecture critic Gokhan Karakus of the GAD Foundation interviews Sevince Bayrak and Oral Göktaş of SO? Architecture and Ideas, Curators of the National Pavilion of Turkey's exhibition at the 2023 Venice Architecture Biennial, titled "Ghost Stories: The Carrier Bag Theory of Architecture." The exhibition delved into the compelling theme of abandoned buildings in Turkiye. In this interview Gokhan Karakus, Sevince Bayrak and Oral Goktas discuss how these structures should not be seen as mere failures but rather as reservoirs of knowledge and experience. The exhibition at the Arsenale at Biennale Architettura 2023 featured various installations and interventions, including "The Carrier Bag Theory of Architecture," a large bag filled with objects from abandoned buildings, encouraging visitors to reflect on the stories these buildings once held. Bayrak and Goktas explain how in , "The Ghost Stories Archive", they collected narratives about such structures from across Turkey. The exhibition also includes public events and discussions with experts, generating innovative approaches to reimagining and reusing abandoned buildings special Mention from the Venice Architecture Biennale jury, receiving praise from both critics and visitors. 00:00 Intro 00:21 Who Are Sevince Bayrak&Oral Göktaş 01:15 How This Exhibition Fits into the Approach of SO? 02:49 How Urban Environments of Istanbul/Turkey Affected Them 04:04 Open Call for the Collection of Images and Videos 05:10 Categorization of Turkish Architecture 06:52 Transforming AI Generated Model 09:37 What Do They Personally Want These Buildings to Transform 11:03 The Reason Why Turkey Is Addicted to Construction 12:25 How to Make Sure “SO?” Does Not Get Addicted to Construction 13:13 Connection with the Past of Architecture in Turkey 16:14 Outro