Architect Erin Besler redefines the classic American tradition of community barn construction
In the picturesque town of Ghent, Columbia County, New York, Art Omi's Sculpture and Architecture Park is set to host an innovative project that reimagines the traditional American barn. The Contemporary Barn Project, led by Erin Besler, co-founder of interdisciplinary design studio Besler & Sons, aims to reinterpret the barn raising tradition in a modern, inclusive context.
Unlike the functional barns of the past, the structure being created for this project is symbolic, not intended for agricultural use. The barn frame, crafted from local wood such as pine and Douglas fir, will stand as a testament to communal effort and creative collaboration. The untreated wood, sourced from local hardware stores, adds a touch of authenticity to the project.
Erin Besler's goal is to break down the barriers within architecture, viewing it as a collaborative practice that includes everyone, not just professionals. The project invites community members to contribute in various roles, from manual labour to photography, fostering a sense of shared ownership and collective creativity.
The Contemporary Barn Project draws on the tradition of barn raising, where a community comes together to build a barn. However, it aims to address the traditional gender roles often associated with this practice, encouraging diverse participation and challenging the conventional architectural hierarchy.
The project offers more than just the physical construction. It includes performative and social activities such as a raising supper and a lumber parade, which enhance communal engagement and reflect on the role of architects today. These events celebrate community spirit and collective making, bringing people together in a unique and meaningful way.
The barn raising event is scheduled for July 26, 2025. The structure will remain standing for the next two years, serving as a symbol of participatory architecture and a living experiment in collective creativity.
This project is a collaboration between Erin Besler and Art Omi, an organisation that provides the freedom to bring together art, architecture, and design. By opening the field to a wider audience, the Contemporary Barn Project enriches architectural discourse with community voices and fosters new social connections through the act of building together.
References: [1] Contemporary Barn Project. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.erinbesler.com/projects/contemporary-barn-project [2] Art Omi. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://artomi.org/ [3] Barn Raising: A Community Tradition. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/articles/barn-raising-a-community-tradition.htm [4] The History of Barn Raising. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.barnraiser.com/history-of-barn-raising [5] Barn Raising: A Symbol of Community. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.barnraisingsymbol.com/
In the spirit of collaborative architecture, the Contemporary Barn Project will reimagine the traditional American barn as a symbol of outdoor-living, merging home-and-garden elements with modern lifestyle concepts. The completed structure, standing as a testament to communal effort and creative collaboration, invites community members to actively participate in its building process, fostering a sense of shared ownership and collective creativity.
