What makes a city? What makes architecture? And; what is to be included in the discussions of architecture and the city? Attempting to answer such ambitious questions; this book starts from a city’s specificity and complexity. In response to recent debates in architectural theory around the agency and locus of critical action; this book tests the potential of criticality through-practice. Rather than through conceptual and ideological categorisations; it studies how architecture and criticality work within specific circumstances. Brussels; a complex city with a turbulent architectural and urban past; forms a compelling case for examining the tensions between urban politics; architectural imaginations; society’s needs and desires; and the city’s history and fabric. Inspired by pragmatist-relational philosophies; this book tests the potential of criticality through-practice. It studies a series of critical actions and tools; which occurred in Brussels’ architectural and urban culture after 1968. Weaved together; Brussels architectural production emerges from a variety of actors; including architects; urban policy makers; activists; social workers; and citizens; but also architectural movements and ideologies; urban renewal programs; urban traumas; plans and projects; and mundane everyday practices and constructions. This book contributes to the study of Brussels and offers a timely contribution to recent scholarship on the critical reappraisal of architectural debates from the 1960s through to the 1990s. In addition; by showing how pragmatist-relational philosophies can be made relevant for architectural theory; the book opens hopeful potentials for how architectural theory can better contribute to the formulation of a critical agenda for architecture.
2016-09-01 2016-09-01File Name: B01LXNZYKR
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