DAVIDSON RAFAILIDIS
Ontario, Canada and Columbus, United States
Stephanie Davidson and Georg Rafailidis collaborate as DAVIDSON RAFAILIDIS, a practice focused on the complex relationships between architectural intent and lived reality. The duo met at the Architectural Association in London and now work across research, documentation, and design. Their projects explore built conditions, often emphasizing frugality and financial accessibility. The firm’s built works function as case studies in inclusive design. DAVIDSON RAFAILIDIS received the Emerging Voices award from the Architectural League of New York. Their work has been exhibited internationally, and they have taught in Canada, the US, Germany, and Greece. Both are currently faculty at the Knowlton School of Architecture, Ohio State University.
2025 Biennial Project
Project Overview
Some Repairs
This collection of half-scale models shows repairs made over five years to a small, century-old worker’s cottage in a U.S.-Canada border town. Extracted from the cottage, these repairs stand alone as designed objects. By isolating them, the work avoids a purely preservationist view and instead presents the repairs as thoughtful design exercises. The project explores themes like community, care, self-building, and working with limited resources to preserve a humble, poorly built home. The cottage is valued not for its importance or grandeur, but for how it reflects adapting to simple spaces and tough conditions in a rural, low-income area with rich natural surroundings.
Venue
View moreChicago Cultural Center
Address
78 E. Washington St., Chicago, IL 60602
Neighborhood
The Loop
Description
Completed in 1897 as Chicago’s first central library, the building was established as the Chicago Cultural Center, the nation’s first and most comprehensive free municipal cultural venue, in 1991. One of the most visited attractions in Chicago, the stunning landmark building is home to two magnificent stained-glass domes, as well as free art exhibitions, performances, tours, lectures, family activities, music, and more – presented by the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) and many others.
