Decolonizing Architecture
07 Dec 2010 - 06 Feb 2011
"Project: Return to Nature" (in progress). Proposal to convert buildings in former Israeli camp to bird observatory, Bethlehem. Courtesy the artists.
DECOLONIZING ARCHITECTURE
Opening reception: Sunday December 5 | 4–7 pm
December 7, 2010 - February 6, 2011
Decolonizing Architecture is a research project initiated by the collaborative team of Alessandro Petti, Sandi Hilal and Eyal Weizman. Set up as a studio working in Ramallah and Bethlehem, they explore how Israeli settlements and military bases in the Occupied Territories can be reused, recycled or re-inhabited by Palestinians at the time they are discharged. Decolonizing Architecture uses architecture to articulate the spatial complexities of decolonization, assuming that a viable approach to the issue of appropriation can be found not only through the professional language of architecture but also by inaugurating an “arena of speculation” that incorporates varied cultural and political perspectives. Working within a spatial reality that Weizman calls “the politics of verticality,” the studio works on a broad spectrum of critically-engaged research projects with a range of experts, activists and organizations. For REDCAT, Decolonizing Architecture will develop an exhibition--their first presentation in the U.S.—that builds on their work over the last few years, alongside new projects. A program of lectures and presentations will be organized on the closing week of the exhibition. Check website for updates.
Decolonizing Architecture was founded by Alessandro Petti, Sandi Hilal and Eyal Weizman in 2007. PETTI is a research architect based in Bethlehem and is co-director of CAMP (Centre for Architecture Media and Politics) at the Bard/Al-Quds University in Abu Dis-Jerusalem. He curated Border Devices (2002-07), Uncertain States of Europe with the Milan-based studio multiplicity (2001-03) and Stateless Nation with Sandi Hilal (2002-07). HILAL works with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestinian refugees. She is visiting professor at the International Academy of Art Palestine and holds research doctorate in Trans-Border Policies for Daily Life at the University of Trieste. WEIZMAN is based in London where he is the director of Centre for Research Architecture at Goldsmiths College, University of London. Weizman works with a variety of NGOs and human right groups in Israel/Palestine. His books include Hollow Land, A Civilian Occupation, the series Territories 1, 2 and 3, and Yellow Rhythms. Decolonizing Architecture was originally conceptualized and its pilot stage produced in dialogue with Eloisa Haudenschild and Steve Fagin, partners in the haudenschildGarage, Spare Parts projects.
Opening reception: Sunday December 5 | 4–7 pm
December 7, 2010 - February 6, 2011
Decolonizing Architecture is a research project initiated by the collaborative team of Alessandro Petti, Sandi Hilal and Eyal Weizman. Set up as a studio working in Ramallah and Bethlehem, they explore how Israeli settlements and military bases in the Occupied Territories can be reused, recycled or re-inhabited by Palestinians at the time they are discharged. Decolonizing Architecture uses architecture to articulate the spatial complexities of decolonization, assuming that a viable approach to the issue of appropriation can be found not only through the professional language of architecture but also by inaugurating an “arena of speculation” that incorporates varied cultural and political perspectives. Working within a spatial reality that Weizman calls “the politics of verticality,” the studio works on a broad spectrum of critically-engaged research projects with a range of experts, activists and organizations. For REDCAT, Decolonizing Architecture will develop an exhibition--their first presentation in the U.S.—that builds on their work over the last few years, alongside new projects. A program of lectures and presentations will be organized on the closing week of the exhibition. Check website for updates.
Decolonizing Architecture was founded by Alessandro Petti, Sandi Hilal and Eyal Weizman in 2007. PETTI is a research architect based in Bethlehem and is co-director of CAMP (Centre for Architecture Media and Politics) at the Bard/Al-Quds University in Abu Dis-Jerusalem. He curated Border Devices (2002-07), Uncertain States of Europe with the Milan-based studio multiplicity (2001-03) and Stateless Nation with Sandi Hilal (2002-07). HILAL works with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestinian refugees. She is visiting professor at the International Academy of Art Palestine and holds research doctorate in Trans-Border Policies for Daily Life at the University of Trieste. WEIZMAN is based in London where he is the director of Centre for Research Architecture at Goldsmiths College, University of London. Weizman works with a variety of NGOs and human right groups in Israel/Palestine. His books include Hollow Land, A Civilian Occupation, the series Territories 1, 2 and 3, and Yellow Rhythms. Decolonizing Architecture was originally conceptualized and its pilot stage produced in dialogue with Eloisa Haudenschild and Steve Fagin, partners in the haudenschildGarage, Spare Parts projects.