I do have an intellectual admiration for critically regionalist architecture that considers and understands the surrounding historical, cultural and social context and utilises it in solving local challenges. Developing architecture together with communities, inspired by the context, is key to fostering belonging. Many agree with that idea. But I also worry.
I believe the most significant political challenge in our world today is growing inequality, division, and absence of interest in finding common ground. This permeates the four main currents that affect our profession: Climate change, new technology, urbanisation and globalisation. Inexplicably linked are political themes of communal trust and cooperation, private vis-à-vis public, crisis and social confrontation, living patterns, and the effect of planning on social and cultural relations. Additionally comes a particular interest–on which I wrote my dissertation–relating to the symbolism of form and materials and how they can drive political agendas, inclusion and exclusion. It is to the intersection of architecture and politics I wish to devote my time, to learn how it can bring people closer together. To fully examine and understand it, the topic must be feverishly debated and widely, creatively, explored. The AA, with its deep-founded focus on discussion around theory, structure and practice, is unquestionably the strongest place to do that.
At the AA, I believe I can engage with theories and political-architectural ideas through the work I do. The enthusiasm extending beyond the programme curriculum itself is central to why I want to be part of the AA. The variety of the AA makes it the ideal place for the strengthening of an independent, critical mind. That is needed to find new architectural remedies to today’s political challenges.
This environment of discussion and open debate would be a strong setting in which to deepen my interest in the joint force of politics and architecture, their effect on each other and their influence on society. I believe the AA would support that in the best way possible. That is why I today, both excited and very nervous, will become a student at the Architectural Association School of Architecture Diploma Programme.
Forever forward,
Erlend.
