The SSoA Theory Forum is an annual event that showcases the work of architectural researchers and practitioners who are exploring a contemporary theme or challenge in architecture and urban design.
The most recent online Theory Forum, held on 25-26th November 2020, explored the value of ‘liveness’ in architectural education. The event was co-curated and hosted by the SSoA student activist groups MatriArch, Students for Climate Action and Anti-Racist Call to Action. It was sponsored and supported by the Urban Education Live research project and by Live Works, SSoA’s project office and urban room.
Speakers at the event (you can find the Theory Forum 2020 recordings here):
- Nana Biamah-Ofosu and Bushra Mohamed, Kingston University School of Architecture
- Samuel Kalika, Critical Concrete
- Jordan Whitewood-Neal
- Joseph Zeal Henry, Sound Advice
- FeiFei Zhou, Feral Atlas
- Lola Conte, Forensic Architecture
- Prof Bernd Kneiss, Hafencity University Hamburg
- Prof Doina Petrescu, SSoA
- Carolyn Butterworth and Tom Moore, SSoA
Over two sessions the speakers addressed the following questions:
- In the context of global and local challenges how can a school of architecture respond and act effectively and ethically?
- How can a school of architecture model an intersectional approach to anti-racist, feminist, zero-carbon, inclusive and just architectural education, practice and research?
The event featured talks, conversations and the collective production of a ‘Live Manifesto’, hosted by SSoA’s undergraduate Zine group.
