Bookshop Barnie: Reinier de Graaf on "Architecture Against Architecture"

In his bold manifesto, Reinier de Graaf launches a far-reaching critique of the architectural profession - its assumption of authority, its assertion of moral certainty, its "pointless obsession" with the authorship of a solitary genius.

He explores the rhetoric behind architects' support for meaningful public engagement, saving the planet, transforming social spaces, changing behaviour, improving lives; and its regular failure to deliver on almost all of these issues.

Rowan Moore, writing in The Observer newspaper described the book's tone as "sardonic, sceptical (and) sometimes apocalyptic"; Wallpaper called the book "Funny, worrying, (and) provocative"; while The Architects' Newspaper likened it to "the ramblings of a tech or finance founder on some unlistenable podcast". But that was sour grapes.

The Bookshop Barnie will be a rigorous exploration of Reinier's many provocations. He will present the core arguments from the book, and then the discussion with the host will aim to test their logic, implications, and relevance for today’s built environment... and in today's political context. And then it is out to the audience. Come prepared to question and debate.

You do not have to have read the book in advance, as Reinier and the opening Barnie will provide an insight in to the book's intent, and give you space to form your own opinions. But you should read the book.

+++++

Reinier de Graaf is a Dutch architect, architectural theorist, urbanist and writer. He is a partner at OMA and is responsible for building and masterplanning projects in Europe and the Middle East.

This is an ONLINE debate. Reinier will be speaking to us from the Netherlands.

+++++

The event will be hosted by Austin Williams, director, Future Cities Project... and RIBA presidential candidate. [See here]

NB: Please fill in all your details and apply separately so that links can be sent out individually.