Architecture is Activism

The Cover Art The graphic on the cover is a drawing made of the Hong Kong Umbrella Protests. The umbrella, both a shield and a roof, protects the protesters from tear gas shot by riot police. Opposite this collective and colorful roof is the wall of riot shields. Locked in place, grey and unyielding. This impromptu architecture in the streets of Hong Kong is somewhat of a metaphor for our new century. We are both the grey shieldwall, and the colorful roof of parasols. This image calls for architects to embrace the color and diversity, and shed the black-and-white. Architecture is activism, there is no question of it.

Architecture is Activism Previously in the beginning of the anthropocene, an architect’s role was mainly aesthetic, distant and abstract. In our current time of crisis, architects cannot afford to sit on the sidelines any longer. We cannot afford to consort with fascists, billionaires and corporations. We cannot collaborate with greenwashing.

Now is the time of the Activist-Architect. Take a stand, or be complicit in the destruction of Earth.

This booklet offers insight into the different ways an architect can be an activist for different issues. It provides inspiration for what architecture can look like, not only in the future, but now. Thank you for reading.

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