Nango’s practice highlights the role of local knowledge in creating livable communities: championing indigenous approaches to design and alternative models for social space. Nango’s practice explores issues of native identity through contradictions in contemporary architecture and the built environment. In particular, he is interested in the creative simplicity and sustainable knowledge that exists within informal building environments of the north. In 2010 Nango co-founded the architectural collective FFB specializing in temporary structures and interventions in urban contexts. FFB was nominated for Norsk Form’s prize for young architects in 2012. Joar Nango has exhibited internationally, including recently as part of 43SNA, Medellin, Colombia (2013), the Norwegian Sculpture Biennale at Vigelandsmuseet, Oslo, Norway (2013), and Archizines at the Storefront for Art and Architecture, NYC, USA (2012). Recent solo exhibitions by Nango have been presented at Gallery SAW, Ottawa, Canada (2013), Knipsu, Bergen, Norway (2012), and SDG in Karasjok, Norway (2011).
The lecture will be followed by a discussion with Canadian Indigenous architects, artists and students: Douglas Cardinal (founder of Douglas Cardinal Architect), Will Morin (Artist / University of Sudbury), David Fortin (Architect / Associate Professor and Director, MSoA), Max Vos Coupal (Thesis student, MSoA).