Architecture, Theory, Criticism situates its matters of concern amid what has come to be called the Anthropocene, a contested geological epoch that describes the planetary effects of human industrial activity. The course introduces interdisciplinary theories from the mid 20th century to the early 21st century as we enter the polycrisis and the sixth mass extinction event. Throughout this period successive crises have forced architects to recalibrate their roles and ethical responsibilities, methods and design tools. The social, political and ecological impacts of architecture are foregrounded and discussed with reference to a series of influential tendencies emerging in architectural discourse, practice and education.
To cope with our changing planetary conditions, new ways of thinking, teaching, acting and designing need to be urgently invented. In light of the current ecological and social transition, emergent voices, texts and projects can assist in the formulation of pertinent positions for architectural thinkers and practitioners. These positions will be explored through the collective reading and critical discussion of a series of key texts and projects.