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Post-Conference Reflection: SPACE International Conference on Architectural Culture and Society – 26th September 2024

The SPACE International Conference on Architectural Culture and Society successfully concluded on 26th September 2024. Held both in London and virtually, the conference explored the theme “Rethinking Spaces: Exploring Radical Practices, Narratives, and Pedagogies in Architectural Culture and Society.” This hybrid event brought together a diverse group of scholars, practitioners, and students who contributed to insightful discussions and presentations across various subfields of architecture and urban design.

Conference Highlights

One of the key highlights of the conference was the keynote speech by Julian Wild (Scupltor, Sculpture Lead at Art Academy London), titled “Public Art: Public Space.”Julian captivated the audience with his reflections on how sculpture and public art can transform spaces through audience interaction, referencing his experiences with both temporary and permanent public art installations. His exploration of the engagement between space, art, and community participation offered a fresh perspective on placemaking.

Another engaging keynote came from Dr Sanaz Shobeiri (Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at Queen’s Belfast University), who discussed “Inclusiveness: A Multifaceted Past-to-Future Legacy in the Design and Planning of City Centres.” Her presentation focused on the squares of Central Tehran, emphasizing the historical, political, and sociocultural factors that shape inclusive urban spaces. The research provided a thought-provoking case study on how cities can evolve to become more inclusive, age- and gender-responsive spaces.

Julian Wild delivering his Keynote Speech on ‘Public Art: Public Space’

Engaging Attendees

The conference featured a series of paper presentations that fostered active attendee participation. Ginani Utami‘s paper on “Reclaiming Kampung” was particularly well-received, as it explored space production in Kampung Akuarium through a feminist political ecology lens. Utami’s work highlighted the intersection of politics, gender, and space in the context of a marginalized community’s struggle for urban land rights.

Anna Sieczak presented a compelling session on “On-Site Hand Sketching: A Tool for Developing Cognitive Skills in Postgraduate Landscape Architecture Students.” Her discussion delved into the importance of hand sketching for visual communication and understanding, emphasizing its role in enhancing students’ spatial and cognitive skills.

Another standout presentation came from Miho Nakagawa, who explored the complexities of translation in her session titled “Examining English Translations of ma Interpretations between the 1960s and the 1980s.” Miho discussed how meaning is often lost when translating Japanese spatial concepts into English, a challenge faced in many architectural translations. Her insights were particularly relevant for attendees interested in cross-cultural design and the implications of language in architectural practice.

Photo: Paper Session Presenters

Success Stories

Feedback from the event has been overwhelmingly positive. One attendee mentioned, “The conference not only broadened my understanding of radical architectural practices but also provided opportunities for meaningful networking.” Many attendees found the keynote speeches and paper sessions especially enlightening, with several noting that the discussions on inclusiveness and sustainability would significantly influence their future work.

Key Takeaways

A major takeaway from the conference was the need to rethink how we design and interact with urban spaces, particularly through the lens of inclusiveness and public engagement. Both the keynotes and the paper sessions underscored the importance of considering social, political, and cultural factors in architectural practices. This year’s theme, focusing on radical practices, narratives, and pedagogies, emphasized the transformative potential of architecture in shaping equitable and sustainable communities.

Looking Ahead

Building on the success of this conference, we are eagerly preparing for our next event, the SPACE International Conference on Housing, scheduled for 28-29 November 2024. We look forward to continuing these important conversations and exploring new developments in architecture and urban design.

In addition to our conferences, we are also excited to announce our upcoming workshop, Navigating PhD Challenges in Architecture, Urban Design, and City Planning: An Interactive Discussion, focusing on the unique challenges faced by PhD students in architecture. This online event will take place on 16th October 2024. Stay tuned for more updates on our blog, and be sure to check out upcoming episodes of our ArchiDialogue podcast, launching in mid-October.

For more details about the SPACE International Conference on Architectural Culture and Society, visit the officialconference page.

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