The transformation of the urban landscape within the last decades has increasingly been dominated by the demands of capitalist utilization. Due to the current crisis, however, which goes far beyond a mere crisis of the real estate and financial market, these neoliberal politics and attendant forms of production of space have been subject to a loss of legitimation.
For this reason, not only do the dominance and promises of the privatization model, the free market and private property have to be questioned, but also the conventions of the space-producing professions that follow and materialize these policies. In this context the event “Ten Days for Oppositional Architecture” takes up the task of exploring possibilities and conditions of a socially committed architectural practice. Therefore the narrow boundaries of the profession have to be left behind. The organizers hence invite activists, geographers, architects, planners, and economists representing different critical approaches to discuss and develop concepts and practices that not only try to oppose and challenge the capitalist mode of production of space, but also try to go beyond it – strategies of de-commodification, reappropriation and alternative production of space. They will look at already existing spatial actions of resistance as well as search for possibilities to further theorize them: How can these strategies and alternative practices be turned into social and political forces towards postcapitalist spaces?
All events are public. All those interested are welcome. Free dinner will be served during discussion evenings. An exhibition and a reading corner will support and document the discussions.
Ten Days for Oppositional Architecture
Towards Post-Capitalist Spaces
New York, November 12–21, 2009
Gair Building No 6, 81 Front Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
www.oppositionalarchitecture.com
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