To Build Law is the second chapter of Groundwork, the Canadian Centre for Architecture’s three-part film and exhibition series exploring the conceptual development and field research of contemporary architects cultivating alternative modes of practice.

According to a 2020 report by the UN Environment Programme, the construction industry accounts for at least 38 per cent of carbon emissions globally, operating with narrow methods geared toward profit. Buildings are held as assets, torn down, and redeveloped, with limited consideration of community and environmental impacts. Meanwhile, housing crises escalate. Evidently, a systemic shift in the way we build and value our built environment is urgently needed.

To Build Law, a documentary directed by Joshua Frank and exhibition curated by Francesco Garutti, follows bplus.xyz (b+) as they establish a policy lab, HouseEurope.eu, to propose industry reforms and shift cultural norms. To Build Law closely observes the b+ team during various phases of conceptualization and development of a European Citizens’ Initiative meant to incentivize renovation over demolition and new construction. Through this bottom-up legal tool, architecture becomes an open process of establishing partners, drafting legislation, filming stories, strategizing communications, coordinating campaigns, collecting votes, and building a movement.