Decolonizing Architecture institute

The Decolonizing Architecture Art Residency (DAAR) is an architectural collective that is dedicated to speculate on the reuse and transformation of colonial architecture. It was founded in 2007 in Bethlehem by Alessandro Petti, Sandi Hilal and Eyal Weizman. DAAR has an imaginary focus on a future in which Israel colonial architecture is unplugged from the actual colonial power. It works on solutions, wherein one has considered methods reusing colonies and military bases. The ideas that have been developed are spread in the region and abroad via exhibitions, seminars, videos and publications.[1][2]

Dozens of local and international architects are allied with the institute. Furthermore, it works together with a great number of individuals and organizations outside the architectonic world, like artists, film makers and activists. The institute has as a goal to reutilize the potential of architecture in a new manner, and sees it as an instrument of decolonization.[3][4]

In 2010 the institute was honored with a Prince Claus Award, a major cultural development award from the Netherlands. The jury rewards its work "for introducing a non-traditional approach to development in conflict and post-conflict situations, for providing valuable speculation on the future realities of disputed territories, for its critical challenge to outdated urban planning theories based on a more peaceful world, and for highlighting the role of architecture highlighting the role of architecture and visualisation in creating and altering the frontiers of reality."[2]

References

  1. ↑ Los Angeles Times - Culture Monster (25 January 2011) Top REDCAT curator leaving for post at Walker Art Center in Minneapolis
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Prins Claus Fonds (2010) profile
  3. ↑ Decolonizing Architecture institute, participants
  4. ↑ Ozler, Levent (22 November 2010) Decolonizing Architecture