Going Glocal

This unit will introduce you to the role and position of design and architecture in complex local and global contexts in crisis-riddled times. What can be the other ways of practicing architecture that are informed by, and give agency to, ecological, traditional, social, and collaborative aspects of making space, especially when working in cultures and geographies that are not ours?

How can we discuss cultural diversity, (spatial) justice, social impact, (de)colonization, ethic of locality, and our position as architects within these and the international development sector?

Through weekly readings, discussions and guest lecturers working in various contexs, we will take a jounry to understand multi-dimensional challenges and navigate sensibly and creatively when going glo(c)al. Taking a self-reflexive journey to learn and unlearn, reflect and react, we will ponder the values we base our profession on, various approaches we may choose to follow in our practices, and what (not) can we expect from ourselves when venturing out to the global world. The last section of each class will be dedicated to filling out a 1-page journal on the Miro board, where each student will critically reflect upon the day's discussions. At the end of the semester, the collection of the weekly journals will be turned into a 12-page folio for final submission.