In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in architecture as a tool for social and political reform. From academic curricula to various international events like Biennales and Triennales, the discussion surrounding our discipline’s potential to address global inequalities has become a prevalent theme, continuously gaining momentum. As a result, architectural practitioners and educators are increasingly embracing a progressive agenda in their work, with many doubling as activists. Yet, how does a commitment to progressive social ideals translate into pedagogy and practice? And what does it really mean to be a radical architect within a system that prioritises profit above all else?
This conference proposes to examine the challenges, contradictions, and aporias inherent in progressive architectural practice and teaching within and against capitalism, tracing its trajectory since the mid-nineteenth century. The organizers seek contributions on various aspects of radical architectural activity, including teaching, writing, publishing, design, planning, and municipal administration. The organizers are particularly interested in proposals that show conceptual ingenuity in theorising and historicising these issues.
The conference will take place on 5 and 6 July 2024 at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences in Winterthur, Switzerland.
To submit a proposal, please send an abstract of no more than 300 words and a biography
to thechallengefromwithin@gmail.com by 20 December 2023.