Jordanna Ibghy Evolution in Architecture, PORT Urbanism, Museum of Jewish Montreal, NAVA, Public installations
Jordanna Ibghy Evolution in Architecture
16 March 2024
In the intricate interplay between architectural theory and the fluidity of movement, few embody this dynamic relationship as compellingly as Jordanna Ibghy. Her journey serves as a testament to the symbiosis between these seemingly disparate fields, showcasing how principles of movement can inform architectural design, and vice versa.
headshot : Manny Inoa
From Movement to Design: Jordanna Ibghy’s Evolution in Architecture
Initially drawn to the expressive realms of performance art, choreography, and dance, Ibghy’s exploration of human emotion and expression through movement laid the foundation for her unique perspective on space. This early immersion in the language of the body provided her with a profound understanding of how movement shapes our perception of the built environment.
image courtesy of the artist, Jordanna Ibghy
Transitioning to architecture and design, Ibghy seamlessly translated her knowledge of movement into a new medium. Viewing space as a choreographed experience, she imbued her designs with a sense of rhythm, flow, and purpose, much like a choreographer orchestrating a dance. This approach was not a departure from her creative roots but rather an evolution—an expansion of her artistic vocabulary.
At PORT Urbanism, Jordanna worked on public installations and a neighborhood vision plan that sought to invite the public to engage playfully with the city. Jordanna’s input was marked by an innovative approach that blurred the lines between architecture and performance. Projects she was involved in were not static structures but living, breathing spaces that inspired interaction and engagement.
image courtesy of the artist, Jordanna Ibghy
This ethos culminated in projects like “Dislocation,” created in collaboration with dancer Darren Rabinowitz, which used movement-based techniques to explore the intersection of architecture and Sephardic identity in Spain’s medieval Jewish quarters. In 2015, Spain enacted a law granting descendants of Sephardic Jews Spanish citizenship—a gesture acknowledging a historic wrong during the 15th century Spanish Inquisition. “Dislocation” delves into this narrative using site-specific performances in these ancient quarters, employing a movement technique known as “site-reading.” This innovative approach allows the performer—and by extension, the viewer—to engage with architecture not just visually but physically and emotionally.
image courtesy of the artist, Jordanna Ibghy
The project evolved from research on the morphology of Spain’s medieval Jewish quarters into a powerful video art installation exhibited at the Museum of Jewish Montreal with an accompanying live performance on October 9, 2018. Herein lies the essence of what makes Jordanna Ibghy’s work so impactful: it is not merely seen; it is experienced. As she herself puts it: “The body interprets the boundaries of space and develops a kind of architectural choreography… Movement in space is a creative act.” This statement encapsulates her belief in architecture as an interactive dialogue between human beings and their environments—a philosophy that has guided much of her work.
Through her work, Ibghy challenges the traditional boundaries of architecture, advocating for a more holistic approach that considers the human experience at its core. Her belief that “it is an intensely playful process to be a moving body in the built environment” underscores her commitment to creating spaces that are not just visually appealing but profoundly engaging on a visceral level.
image courtesy of the artist, Jordanna Ibghy
In her current role as a Senior Designer at NAVA Architecture, Ibghy continues to push the boundaries of architectural practice, exploring new ways to integrate theories of movement into her designs. Her work serves as a reminder of the profound impact that movement can have on our understanding of space, and the endless possibilities that arise when we view architecture through the lens of movement.
Comments on this guide to From Movement to Design: Jordanna Ibghy’s Evolution in Architecture article are welcome.
Architectural Designs
Contemporary Architecture Designs – architectural selection below:
Solaz Los Cabos Hotel, San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Design: Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos
photograph : Rafael Gamo
Solaz Los Cabos Hotel in San José del Cabo
Nancy and Rich Kinder Building, Museum of Fine Arts Houston, Texas, USA
Design: Steven Holl Architects
photograph © Richard Barnes, courtesy of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Nancy and Rich Kinder Building Houston
Building Design
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