Reviewing a series of projects over a 20-year period of "making architecture," we find that import export architecture has developed a toolbox of unpicking, softening and greening. It often resolutely chooses to explore spatial quality and experiences in a project by not physically translating extra space into 100% pure mass or built matter. In a first Atlas of the work during the lock down (2021)  found that we made more to architecture by road name than by addition.

Not adding yet more m2 or m3 of buildings but just deliberately removing them enhances the spatial experience and social interaction. The thoughtful removal, the creation by de-building, the introduction of a strategic void as a sanctuary creates an incalculable added value and freedom of experience within the structure and its immediate surroundings. This often indistinct or partially unbounded space regenerates a place without being immediately physically amenable or measurable. In its apparent absence, this space gives existence to oxygen, light, perspective, vistas, social interactions, special (green) biotopes and changeable infills , but above all, it generates a connectivity with the tangible and/or intangible elements, the enjoyment of experience and wonder at the changing indeterminacy.

IEA is systematically supplementing this atlas with case studies as a broader reading and investigation of how this intentional unbuilt space can be used multiple times as desired spaces. Not an immediate utopia but possibly a distinct future need.