INTRO

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1. What is Architecture in the Neoliberal Age? Architecture has always been connected to political- and economical power, as its realisation (built manifestation) is usually dependent on the permission and funding of a third party. Thus, there is a particular need to dismantle and study the direct connection of architecture and neoliberalism as the current, globally effective economic system and omnipresent school of thought.

Is there something like ‘neoliberal architecture’?

2. How do Architects Work in the Neoliberal Age?By questioning architecture’s connection to the neoliberal system we also have to question its realisation as a highly complex, stressful and compromised process and therefore the working manner and condition (often self-inflicted) of architects — does the quality suffer as a result?

Could a different approach of networking and co-working create a critical mass of demanding architectural workers? And what about unions for architects?

3. Other Modes to Communicate - a Different Process?It has always been a key task of architects to mediate between a variety of different participants. Still, you rarely learn how to critically communicate with the apparently superior players of a little regulated neoliberal system in university.

What are successful ways to negotiate with the powerful, neoliberal stakeholders - and possible alternatives to the regular process of architectural production and its rushed and competitive nature?

4. The Rise of the Alternative - New Roles?An ever-growing opinion that conventional architectural practices are not engaging enough with the political and social realm; and space as a shrinking, exclusive and embattled resource, is clearly visible. Architects, deploying their specific spatial and visual skills, have the means to act as counterparts to neoliberal logics.

But aren’t current activist approaches and projects often limited to a very present perspective? And what happened to the utopian idea in the neoliberal age in general?

5. Is there Anti-Neoliberal Architecture?Speculating on other ways to finance architectural projects — beyond the confines and logics of the neoliberal market - from pragmatic solutions to utopian visions.

What could the future relation of architecture and the neoliberal system look like? Can we establish strategies that are successful in re-inventing this connection?