March 1 2021

The Architecture Fringe is inviting examples of self-directed work to feature in its 2021 festival which will focus on issues surrounding racism, the environment and land ownership.

Taking place between 4-20 June the free online (UN)Learning programme will discuss ways of winding back established systems and structures to arrive at less socially and environmentally damaging solutions.

Participants will explore how architects and architecture can shape the formation of a new post-Covid economy, by challenging ingrained behaviours, beliefs and biases.

Andy Summers, co-founder and co-director of the Architecture Fringe commented: "Architecture is uncritically complicit in its reliance on these systems and structures for its very creation, with little resistance or defiance in its making or deployment. We have arrived at the intersection of a climate emergency, global pandemic and racialised capitalist economy and the ground on which we stand is shifting at speed. We are in transition, from one world to another.

"Things are changing and in order to make that change positive and transformative, we need to engage in a process of unlearning and learning anew. To (un)learn. There is much to unpack, reflect upon and make anew with architecture realigned as a progressive force for a wider common good."

Key areas of discussion will be how to evolve architectural education beyond a 'whitewashed Western lens', democratising land ownership and reducing the environmental footprint of construction.

For the first time, participants will be encouraged to take part from beyond Scotland through a series of online events which will form the basis for the free programme. A submission deadline for entries has been set for midday on 5 April.

15 Comments

#1 Posted by What on 1 Mar 2021 at 11:43 AM

Can someone translate that gobbledygook into English please? Is this the 1st of April?

#2 Posted by mick on 1 Mar 2021 at 14:32 PM

# A true observation on the utterings of Summers as Architecture Fringe appear to meander through a perpetual landscape of pseudo jargon designed merely to fuel woke culture. How sad !

#3 Posted by The Heart of Saturday Night on 1 Mar 2021 at 15:32 PM

Is there anything to be said for another allotment?

#4 Posted by Rem Koolbag on 1 Mar 2021 at 15:48 PM

It is a complicated issue. Sometimes complicated issues need big words.

#5 Posted by Stylecouncil on 1 Mar 2021 at 16:15 PM

Ffs....

#6 Posted by ArchEnemy on 1 Mar 2021 at 16:15 PM

#2 Ahhhh yes how sad the Architecture Fringe has decided to use their platform to promote discussions around such crucial issues like racism and climate change.....

how sad that you felt obligated to express how little you think of those who are trying to push for more progressive and transformative conversations within architecture.

#7 Posted by Progress on 1 Mar 2021 at 16:41 PM

Decolonise architecture by replacing buildings with allotment gardens where veganic soya beans can be grown.

#8 Posted by The Bairn on 1 Mar 2021 at 19:51 PM

I hear what you say but...complete waste of time and effort by those taking part. Try designing buildings that serve the country well.
Anyway should the girl laying prostrate on the table not be naked and surrounded with sushi? the last party(sorry CPD) I went to was....shhh!!

#9 Posted by The truth of the matter is on 1 Mar 2021 at 23:08 PM

Architecture has not been needed since 1992, when IBM sold their first smartphone. Architecture's demise was mainly due to it no longer having any relevance given that people now received all the sense data that they needed via a screen that measures 50x100 millimetres. System buildings would now suffice in lieu of architecture.

#10 Posted by MoBo on 2 Mar 2021 at 10:00 AM

The Bairn - the very fact that you say 'buildings' shows lack of understanding - it's not just buildings that make up our environment. Your other comment is ridiculous. As for most of the other comments we should support people who are trying to open up a ideas to make the world a better place.

#11 Posted by Tara on 3 Mar 2021 at 14:40 PM

"will explore how architects and architecture can shape the formation of a new post-Covid economy,"

What an original theme! No one else is thinking about this at the moment! Most architects should worry about being made redundant post covid not exaggerating their worth by imagining they play a pivotal role in recovery.

#12 Posted by The Bairn on 3 Mar 2021 at 16:16 PM

#10 - well I live in a building what about you? probably a houseboat, eco pod or tent.
Many people, including myself, have ideals and the world would be a better place if realised but 'Happy Clappers' like yourself have no more means to achieve things than the average person does unless your real name is Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos or Bill Gates.
Sadly many of them are dreaming of a Nirvana-like existence whilst home working or on furlough. I hope you get the vaccine soon.

#13 Posted by mick on 3 Mar 2021 at 18:59 PM

#6 Please Please watch this and learn...https://youtu.be/0bjcCwWnUsE

#14 Posted by Chris Dobson on 3 Mar 2021 at 22:36 PM

From the comments above, there's clearly many strong opinions and much potential debate to be had.

Hope that you'll be able to join in with this year's Architecture Fringe programme in some capacity, in June and bring your voice to the table then.

#15 Posted by Cateran on 8 Mar 2021 at 14:29 PM

#6 Looking for and promoting division in all sectors of life. This is just the extremist agenda of our times promulgated by the shouty section of society who will never be happy; basically hippies for the 2020s.

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