The Efficacy of Architecture

The discipline of architecture has in the last decade returned to an interest in its own social and political efficacy. During two earlier periods of radical ferment, 1918-28 and 1966-78, these issues had been already debated and theorised, and particularly the work of the late 1960s has extended an influence on contemporary discourse and practices. The research in question returns to these discussions – particularly those of the 1960s – as a means of discerning the co-optation of some of the original propositions; of explaining the abandonment of some of these ideas by; and of identifying the opportunities already available to architecture.

In this endeavour, the research critically analyses the theories deployed by the current movement, mostly originating in radical sociology and political theory, and examines their relevance to architectural design. It intends to provide a rigorous critique of the current politically- and socially-driven architecture by studying its theories and their implementation, bringing to the fore questions regarding relevance, efficacy, demonstrable impact, and co-optation.

The research studies the manner in which architectural design can directly and indirectly affect society in a meaningful manner.

ONGOING RESEARCH