Opening Reception: The Longhouse

The Department of Architectural Science at Toronto Metropolitan University invites you to celebrate the opening of The Longhouse!

The longhouse is a linear, long, and narrow type of habitation. It is usually made of one or several spaces which correspond to different dwelling organisations. It can be found across the world including in South East Asia, Europe and North America at different periods of time.

Because of its complex spatial and social organization, the longhouse questions assumptions about domestic space such as the relationship between the house, property, and community. The longhouse is arguably the archetype of collective living and its different manifestations describe the many cultural and anthropological declensions of living together.

The aim of this research is to understand the different spatial manifestations of this type within their historical framework. This exploration follows the longhouse around the world, from the Dayak in Borneo Island to the Viking in Norway, and through time, from the Neolithic to the Modern era.

This study offers the first global atlas, from English medieval farmers to the Haudenosaunee in North America, of this important yet overlooked type of habitation where living and working, dwelling and ritual, coexist within the same space.

Food and drinks will be served, no registration is required. The exhibition opening will be followed by a lecture by Martino Tattara.

After the opening reception, this exhibition will be on display at 325 Church St. at Paul H. Cocker Gallery between Thursday, February 2nd - Thursday, March 9th during the hours of 9AM - 5PM 7 days a week and open to the public.* No registration is required.

*Please use the intercom system to gain access via the South East doors.

Drawing courtesy of Dogma