&rchitecture

&rchitecture is a way of thinking about & practicing architecture. & (and) is a powerful little symbol - it opens out into the next step, argues for inclusion and demands to be followed. Rather than starting from within the discipline and moving outwards, &rchitecture emerges from what already is different (in the world). &rchitecture is brought into existence through the participation in and inhabitation of material space by the subjects of the city. This is a key way of discovering what the power and potential of architecture is to create (inclusive cities and societies).

We have 3 key principles:

Architect, you are a citizen

&rchitecture is a way of making a difference, creating affective cities and buildings. You are already something - & - architecture. Let’s not minimise the human to become architects. The real world of the city and its citizens is our focus - Architecture is a power we bring to it. Architect, you are the discipline of architecture.

Bring difference home

Difference is not a mistake, Creativity is by definition acting differently. Learning how to be and control creativity involves being comfortable around difference. We often end up trying to eradicate it - seeing it as error or deviation from our ideal, imagined intentions. &rchitecture aims to celebrate and engage with difference and make it at home in our processes.

Start somewhere else

How will we engage with the real world and remain human whilst using the power of architecture? Avoid the dull and normative understandings of the genius architect as either Artist or Scientist. The problematic and implicit presumptions of the old boys club lead to structural inequality and institutional discrimination. Instead make our assumptions open to difference and enable creativity.