Social Practices of Architecture and their Political Dimension

2019-2020

Tutor: Socrates Stratis

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The seminar addresses architecture as critical spatial practice. It focuses on constructive con ict transformation as well as the political dimensions of architecture in peripheral conditions (geographical, urban and social). The students learnt about architecture as active agent in supporting the urban commons. They studied the environments in which critical spatial practices take place. They studied relevant theoretical work regarding urban segregation, identifying the social and political factors that cause its spatial manifestation. The students also studied examples of critical spatial practices both in Cyprus and around the world.  They have participated in the activist event entitled “Counter-Militarization Action”, in the Buer Fringe Performing Arts Festival 2019, in Nicosia. The event is based on the on-going research and activist project of AA & U and LUCY. It invites the students to revisit the military status-quo of the island and to imagine the urban commons of the reuni ed Cyprus. The students designed three board games based on the seminar’s theoretical investigation and activist events. These games critically comment on the militarized condition of Cyprus and encourage the urban commons. More precisely, the use of the playful practice is part of the E.U. 10 Game series. It is a negotiation device as well as way of engagement in the public space.