Agency in Bradford

 

‘The political potential of architecture was one of the founding credos of

the avant-garde in the early 20th century.Yet today it is commonly believed

that this potential has been overwhelmed by economic realities and by the

sense that architecture,by its very nature,is symbiotic with existing power

structures. Such a perception, however, is belied both by the rise of a

neo-avant-garde in the 1960s and 70s, and by emerging practices that

bear witness to a rebirth of social and political engagement as an assertion

of architecture’s relevance.’

 

“The ‘political’ is the moment of rupture of an existing order which has not

yet substituted by a new one. As such the moment of the political is a state

of invention par excellence and thus relevant to the architects' potential,

ability and compulsion to invent.”

 

Programme

 

The city of Bradford is the area for study. It has been increasingly

marginalised since the demise of the textile industry. It is a city of rich

architectural heritage and rich cultural heritage that despite its problems

make it a unique city experience. In recent years citizens of Bradford have

felt despair at the decisions made on their behalf by the elected politicians

both locally and nationally. This is an exploratory and experimental design

project to propose through an architectural response a proposition as a

catalyst for real change and empowerment.

 

Concern - A

 

Define through Design (manifesto) Develop your proposition for Bradford in the

‘political’ context. This should be supported by study of precedent and described

as a personal manifesto through design. Research, analyse and evaluate relevant factors

and formulate your proposal for a site specific

response to the current conditions through the medium of architecture.

 

Concern - B

 

Architectural Proposition Design your architectural proposal. This has to be

resolved, in context, spatial and detailed. The emphasis is on the production

of architecture and representation. This is an open question, is your project

a realisable proposition or a speculation to generate debate?