New Architecture Writers takes over the Architecture Foundation
The New Architecture Writers' month-long takeover at the Architecture Foundation questions the status quo and offers much needed discussion around diversity in architecture and design criticism and writing
It's been a busy few weeks at New Architecture Writers (NAW), the free programme for emerging design critics that focuses on black and minority ethnic emerging professionals in the field. The programme's second cohort (the class of 2019-2020) is in the middle of a month-long takeover at London's Architecture Foundation, exploring 'the changing nature of architectural criticism' through a series of captivating panel discussions, workshops and live interviews, themed ‘Depends on your perspective.'
The team, which consists of Nasra Abdullahi, Shawn Adams, Imani Jacqueline Brown, Nana Biamah-Ofosu, Lois Innes, Ewa Effiom, Ting Jui and Jasper van der Kort, has curated an exciting season of events – examples of esteemed guests include architect, author and academic Lesley Lokko, designer Akil Scafe-Smith and writer and journalist Owen Hatherley.
The event topics on offer are as far reaching as the takeover's subject matter, tackling from issues of decolonisation of the architecture practice – through the inaugural discussion between Ghana based artist Ibrahim Mahama, RESOLVE design collective co-founder Akil Scafe-Smith and Ethiopia-based multidisciplinary designer Miriam Hillawi Abraham – to ideas of power in architecture writing, as unpacked last week by speakers Tom Dyckhoff, Owen Hatherley, Leopold Lambert, Lesley Lokko and Rowan Moore. And more is yet to come, include a debate on the power of saying ‘no', coming up this Thursday 15 October.
‘The aim of the takeover is to broaden the understanding of what is considered to be architecture criticism by giving a platform to unexpected voices, this is what excites us and is the underlying aim of the NAW programme,' says the team. ‘We are also excited by the opportunity enabled by the virtual platform, to engage with people who we may otherwise struggle to get to an in-person event.'
All events are free, digital, chaired and spearheaded by members of the NAW team, and they are being recorded, so if you miss one, fear not; they all become available to watch online following its original transmission.
Founded in 2017, NAW is run by Thomas Aquilina and Tom Wilkinson with the support of the Architecture Foundation – applications for the programme's third cohort are due to open soon. But there's more to come from this dynamic group. ‘This take-over marks the end of the second NAW cohort’s programme and NAW organisers will be announcing the open call for the next round of applicants imminently. We also have exciting plans to follow that will be announced at the end of the takeover so stay tuned for that.'
INFORMATION
newarchitecturewriters.org; architecturefoundation.org.uk
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Ellie Stathaki is the Architecture & Environment Director at Wallpaper*. She trained as an architect at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece and studied architectural history at the Bartlett in London. Now an established journalist, she has been a member of the Wallpaper* team since 2006, visiting buildings across the globe and interviewing leading architects such as Tadao Ando and Rem Koolhaas. Ellie has also taken part in judging panels, moderated events, curated shows and contributed in books, such as The Contemporary House (Thames & Hudson, 2018), Glenn Sestig Architecture Diary (2020) and House London (2022).
-
Jaguar reveals its new graphic identity ahead of a long-awaited total brand reboot
Jaguar’s new ethos is Exuberant Modernism, encapsulated by a new visual language that draws on fine art, fashion and architecture
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Olfactory Art Keller: the New York gallery exhibiting the smell of vintage perfume, blossoming lilacs and last night’s shame
Olfactory Art Keller is a Manhattan-based gallery space dedicated to exhibiting scent as art. Founder Dr Andreas Keller speaks with Lara Johnson-Wheeler about the project, which doesn’t shy away from the ‘unpleasant’
By Lara Johnson-Wheeler Published
-
Explore a barn conversion with a difference on the Isle of Wight
Gianni Botsford Architects' barn conversion transforms two old farm buildings into an atmospheric residence and artistic retreat, The Old Byre
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Explore a barn conversion with a difference on the Isle of Wight
Gianni Botsford Architects' barn conversion transforms two old farm buildings into an atmospheric residence and artistic retreat, The Old Byre
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Capability House blends contemporary architecture and historical landscape in rural England
Capability House is a modern retreat by Dedraft set in the historical landscape of green, Capability Brown-designed grounds in rural England's Aynhoe Park Estate
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
A Peckham house design unlocks a spatial puzzle in south London
Audacious details, subtle colours and a product designer for a client make this Peckham house conversion a unique spatial experience
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Squire & Partners' radical restructure: 'There are a lot of different ways up the firm to partnership'
Squire & Partners announces a radical restructure; we talk to the late founder Michael Squire's son, senior partner Henry Squire, about the practice's new senior leadership group, its next steps and how architecture can move on from 'single leader culture'
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Meet the 2024 Royal Academy Dorfman Prize winner: Livyj Bereh from Ukraine
The 2024 Royal Academy Dorfman Prize winner has been crowned: congratulations to architecture collective Livyj Bereh from Ukraine, praised for its rebuilding efforts during the ongoing war in the country
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
RIBA House of the Year 2024: browse the shortlist and pick your favourite
The RIBA House of the Year 2024 shortlist is out, celebrating homes across the UK: it's time to place your bets. Which will win the top gong?
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
The new Canada Water boardwalk is an experience designed to ‘unfold slowly’
A new Canada Water bridge by Asif Khan acts as a feature boardwalk for the London area's town centre, currently under development, embracing nature and wildlife along the way
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Paddington Square transforms its patch of central London with its 'elevated cube'
Paddington Square by Renzo Piano Building Workshop has been completed, elevating a busy London site through sustainability, modern workspace and a plaza
By Ellie Stathaki Published