ROOM AT THE TOP - Feminist Activism as Architectural Practice

In the organizer's words:

ROOM AT THE TOP!

FEMINIST ACTIVISM AS ARCHITECTURAL PRACTICE

Even 35 years after the publication of Denise Scott Brown's critical essay Room At The Top? Sexism in the Star System in Architecture, gender equality in society and in the discipline of architecture has still not been achieved. In times of multi-perspective crises and an increasingly dystopian threat from the climate crisis, it seems understandable that intersectional gender equality is fading into the background as one of many goals. With the rise of right-wing parties, a new, dangerous line of conflict has emerged: Anti-feminism, as part of right-wing populist discourse strategies, functions as a bridging ideology to the center of society.

The elimination of structural discrimination on the basis of race, class and gender improves discipline in the sense of democratization as such. In this respect, feminist political activism in architecture aims to fundamentally change conditions by eliminating injustices.

What do political developments mean for gender equality issues in architecture and planning? How can architecture establish and promote democratic participation within the discipline? To what extent can paradigm shifts such as a (feminist) building turnaround contribute to reforming the profession internally so that new approaches emerge externally?

The public symposium ROOM AT THE TOP! addresses the importance of feminist activism in architecture. Over two days, the symposium will discuss and reflect on how the relationship between architects and feminist political action can be redefined in architectural theory, practice and discourse.

Unless otherwise stated, the symposium will be held in German.