After Capital A Architecture

​The Earth is on fire. Violence continues. 'Capital A Architecture' remains.

Researchers, activists, writers and architectural workers are grappling with the long and exasperating trudge through a system that can often feel too bleak to do anything about. The struggle continues.

But what happens after all of this? After COP50? After diversity quotas? After the RIBA? After the ARB’s new accreditation? After the unions have won? After all the afters?

Inviting young speakers and activists actively pursuing these questions today, this discussion event intends to create a brave space for all to practice the collective and defiant act of hope. What does the world after 'Capital A Architecture' look like to you?

Speakers

Aoi Phillips (she/her) is a co-founder of the event and zine collective Afterparti, which advocates for and platforms under-represented voices in architecture. She received her Diploma from the AA in 2020. She currently works at Roach Matthews Architects, balancing architectural practice with writing, graphic design and teaching.

Jasmin Yeo (she/her) is an Architectural Assistant at Freehaus and Co-Chair of the Architecture Foundation Young Trustees - a collective which facilitates a platform for critical narratives through an inclusive and accessible programme. Jasmin's practice seeks to cultivate an approach that rejects the respectability politics of architecture which dictates what type of space - and by whom - can be considered architectural.

Charlie Edmonds (he/him) is the co-founder of Future Architects Front [FAF] and a systems designer at CIVIC SQUARE. His work explores the future of architectural labour organising and its role in the struggle for both social and climate justice.

Carolina Thorbert (she/her) is a member of the architectural workers’ union UVW-SAW and has been a co-coordinator of Collective Casework which organises member to member support. Carolina believes that while all architectural workers need to realise and take individual responsibility for their involvement in projects, the solution is to organise collectively and work together for healthier environments.

Reishin Kunishima Watabe (he/they) will moderate the event. Reishin is a 5th year Diploma student at the AA. His ongoing work as part of Diploma Unit 13 explores decolonial power relations in Capital A Architecture both in professionalisation as well as in institutions like the RIBA. Reishin believes that abolition work will lead to a collective future that, one day, is fairer, more just and radically hopeful.

We apologise that this event space is not wheelchair accessible. Please get in touch to let us know of any access requirements that you have. If you are unable to attend physically but would like to join the event remotely please email publicprogramme@aaschool.ac.uk.