Friday Lecture Series
KnowNo Bounds KNOW NO BOUNDS
Ilias Muckli and Mia Pinder-Hussein
84
After the ‘Time is Now’ lecture series we wanted to provide a series of speakers who could continue discussions on pressing issues we face and the wider implications on the future role of the architect. The speakers were not picked due to their built architectural achievements, but rather for their thought-provoking work ranging from exhibitions and publications, to new models of ownership and shared research platforms. This was to further iterate the point that the role of the architect is changing and architects must not only be measured for what they build – but for the buildings they reuse, the values they uphold, the knowledge which they share. Unfortunately, this shift of ideals is happening too slowly, and whilst as graduating students we may go into the profession with plans to uphold these values, we are quickly reminded that the hierarchical nature of the profession and the economic structures we exist within means we hold little power to do so.
The linear and slow progression to becoming an architect does not lend itself well to the speed at which our generation must ‘take matters into our own hands’ to implement new ideals to overcome the issues we are already experiencing the effects of right now. Speakers were chosen for the ways in which their moral codes were upheld and embodied in their work, which usually transcended the traditional confines of architecture. This prompted interesting and varied discussions, motivating students to question the status quo within our profession and as part of a wider reflection of our role as activists in society today. The curation and organisation of the Friday Lecture Series as well as our joint dissertation formed the basis of our Year 4 Research Project. The pages that follow are excerpts from our essay, which have overlapping themes with that of MacMag 47.