Symposium
Even 35 years after the publication of Denise Scott Brown‘s critical essay ‘Room At The Top? Sexism in the Star System in Architecture’, gender equality in society and in the discipline of architecture has still not been attained. In times of multi-perspective crises and an increasingly dystopian threat posed by the climate crisis, it seems understandable that intersectional gender equality is fading into the background as one of many goals. With the rise of right-wing parties, a new, dangerous line of conflict has emerged: Antifeminism as part of right-wing populist discourse strategies, functions as a connecting theme to the social mainstream.
The elimination of structural discrimination improves the discipline – in the sense of democratization – as such. In this respect, feminist political activism in architecture aims to fundamentally change conditions by systemically eliminating injustices.
What do political developments mean for equality issues in architecture and planning? How can architecture establish and promote democratic participation within the discipline? To what extent can a paradigm shift such as a (feminist) Bauwende contribute to reforming the profession internally so that new approaches can emerge externally?
The public symposium ‘Room At The Top!’ addresses the importance of feminist activism in architecture. Over the course of two days, participants will discuss and reflect on how the relationship between architects and feminist political action can be redefined in architectural theory, practice and discourse.
The current program and more information can be found in the brochure - german version (link)