Failed Architecture #02

From Almere to Zagreb

20 Apr 2011

Failed Architecture is a new series of talkshows with presentations by various experts and public discussions that focus on buildings and urban environments that failed to stand the test of time and are currently neglected, abandoned or even vandalized or demolished, because of changing economic, social, political, cultural and/or physical circumstances.

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Kraaiennest (Bijlmer) - Image found on Flickr, made by Paul Keller

Without a doubt the maxim ‘Failed Architecture’ raises questions. What and according to whom is architecture failed? Which criteria do we use when assessing architecture, e.g. the viewpoint of inhabitants and/or users, architects and/or planners? And how does the ‘Zeitgeist’ or ‘our’ contemporary taste and cultural differences influence our judgment of buildings and cities?

The series started on March 30 with the American writer and urbanist Anthony M. Tung, who showed ‘failed architecture’ by juxtaposing ‘inappropriate’ versus ‘appropriate’ new additions to the urban fabric and by showing ‘unsympathetic new buildings set in historic settings’.

The 2nd edition

During the 2nd edition on Wednesday April 20they will discuss if, and how, modernist planning principles contradict with the preferences of the people who live or have lived in the concrete results. Five guests are invited to give their view based on their knowledge of the following cities and urban areas. They are from Almere/Bijlmer, Detroit, Sofia and Zagreb.

The night is co-hosted by Michiel van Iersel and Mark Minkjan and also by Tim Verlaan; live from Berlin.