A series of input lectures, the discussion of critical readings, as well as student presentations of case studies will help to understand alternative architectural practices, provide students with tools to question and transform the contemporary political space and formulate their own positions in a final written exercise.

This course is based on the premise that space and thus architecture can never be neutral because spatial constructs are always inherently shaped by political claims and subject to constant negotiation and transformation. This implies that the position of the architect cannot be impartial. In this role of the architect, design is a strategy that can contextualize itself within various social situations and simultaneously prepare new contexts for participants.

1 Presentation on case studies, in groups of 2

2 Short writing exercises: One exposé and one essay, further analysing the case study and reflecting about the individual approach;