New Architecture Writers is an experiment in radical architectural pedagogy that began in London in 2017. It has since become a platform for new writing about architecture and cities by young critics of colour. The free, 12-month programme - now in its fifth iteration - offers emerging writers from underrepresented backgrounds the opportunity to develop their critical voice, editorial connections and writing skill.
Thomas Aquilina is an architect and academic dedicated to building communities of radical thought and progressive practice. His work spans different forms of practice to include advocacy, design, pedagogy, policy and research. He is a lecturer in Architecture at the Royal College of Art, a co-director of New Architecture Writers and a co-founder of publishing collective Afterparti. In 2021–22, Thomas was a Design Researcher in Residence at the Design Museum.
The lecture series ‚initiatives’ focuses on student-led initiatives, grassroots organisations, and community-driven efforts in spatial practice, architecture, urbanism as well as their neighbouring fields. It sets out to examine the significance of these initiatives in addressing pressing ecological, cultural and social issues – most prominently climate breakdown. Often shoring up the limitations of legacy structures and habits, these initiatives often operate outside of mainstream offices and educational institutions – filling in the gaps left by those structures with ideas, new forms, and types of communities as well as political concerns. The act of ignoring becomes a subversive element here, whereby those structures/presumptions/sets of rules are actively rejected, trespassed or enhanced, leading to new and different uses of space.
Invited guests will talk about their experiences creating and leading these initiatives, presenting a critical analysis of the challenges and opportunities they have encountered along the way. Discussions will cover the role of community-based initiatives in tackling ecological problems, the significance of student-led organisations in advancing social and spatial justice, and the potential for these initiatives to develop other types of practice and other ways of doing architecture, and urbanism.
The event will be held in English and can be accessed via the following link:
https://tu-braunschweig.webex.com/tu-braunschweig/j.php?MTID=m4c3840903ee7e9dbac9beda44696461c
Meeting ID: 2730 380 2239
Meeting password: xV8Z7Pkpc85