'Architecture as a Dissident Practice' and 'Architecture is a Device' Readings

Architecture as a Dissident Practice Reading

'To advocate architecture as a wider form of cultural production.'

Architecture does act as a provider of space for cultural enhancement or creation. Possibly within the future when virtual realities are created, architecture will still play a role of designing cultural space.

'The collapse of the certainties and orthodoxies of previous generations seems to have created a condition for the discipline which is at once liberating and extremely disorienting.'

Perhaps the theory of architecture for the new generation has died (or 'lulled') as the new generation now lead to new better possibilities, as a result of new technologies. I'm unsure if these new methods are 'extremely disorienting' as new concepts and ideas will lead to new things and in time become more orientated and enhanced.

'One has to accept that there is more to architecture than space-making: architecture is event-making, it's always thinking about perception, and space, use, choreography, setting up relations and so forth.'

This is a major factor of architectural design. What actually happens in that space. Adaptable space will always be required as the future of culture and human needs may change!

Architecture is a Device Reading

'Aim to produce urban life higher up by increasing densities, accepting growth, and aspiring to a global future where more people will inhabit the planet.'

The way of future design is UP. This is extremely clear as our population continues to grow and grow, and our habitable landscape is becoming more demolished everyday. Therefore architects must push design towards vertical cities.. as has been mentioned previously within my blog.

'To compete or even survive in the commercial battle, a "swallowing" of the newest thoughts, techniques and aesthetics has become the current strategy among architects.'

We live in a competitive world.. there is no doubt about that. In the Information Age, architects must 'swallow' all the latest thoughts, techniques and aesthetics if they are to survive and fulfill themselves as designers. So I totally agree with this quote.

'The role of the architect questioned.'

Perhaps in the near future the role of the architect will be questioned, but there will always be a need for designers of space.. whether virtual or real!

'Can [Architecture] contribute beyond its own domain toward other agendas such as globalization, free migration, the division between rich and poor, ecology or demands for a more intensive use of the Earth?.'

I do not believe Architecture can contribute to all these future needs beyond its domain.. but architects and designers MUST collaborate with the other practices of this world on a common goal if humanity is to fix its current issues.

'Architects work not only on buildings but on regional planning as well; they work within the fields of research and education, theatre, art installations, and political programs.'

As a result of this architects must research into many other fields. Maybe as referred back to the previous quote, architects will in the future (to battle the prevailing human issues) contribute beyond its own domain. Quite a concept to think about! Only the future will tell.

'It can potentially suggest societal directions by literally constructing thoughts.'

Architectural space does suggest societal directions.. there is no doubt about that. But perhaps it is society which architects follow instead.

'It will give architecture a role again: as a spatial expertise.'

I agree with this quote. Whatever the future entails, whatever future technologies or humanity allows designers to do, there will always be a need for spatial expertises'.

'At what point does architecture become didactic, singular, or belaboring?'

That is truly a hard question. Possibly within the near future.. maybe today we are already at that point, or perhaps the need for architecture will go the complete opposite way.