Social concerns in contemporary architecture

This research project looks at contemporary architectural practices whose works and ways of working display a distinct social commitment.  The study gleans its material from key architectural exhibitions and conferences in Europe in 2007 and 2008. Three architectural practices have been selected for in-depth studies; Lacaton & Vassal Architectes, Fantastic Norway and Collectif Exyzt. The aim is to trace how social agendas may be said to pioneer new working processes and impacting on the corporal realities of contemporary architecture. The study does not start from conceptual definitions but rather at in-depth explorations of specific architectural works and ways of working related to articulations of ideas and social agendas. Theoretical references and historical precedents will be discussed as a way to contextualise the selected practices in a wider fabric of theory and practice.

This research project is not seeking to select the most socially and politically idealistic practices but rather to elucidate a set of positions and working methods, discernable in today’s architectural landscape. What can be regarded the main concerns of these practices? What kind of situa­tions, problems and assignments do they choose to deal with? What are their approaches, their ways of working, and their tools? What is the actual organi­sational and material content of their works? How are the viewpoints of users and citizens incorporated in works and processes? How do these architects position themselves theoretically and historically?

Through close readings of specific works, concerns and processes, I seek to capture and understand potentials as well as boundaries in an architectural profession part of a wide social, economical and political landscape.

Duration: Until 2011