Camp for Oppositional Architecture

This just in: a review of the Camp for Oppositional Architecture from our friend JohnJ Mcgurk, founding member of Providence's PIPS collective...

An Architektur is a quarterly publication that engages the social and political aspects of architecture and space. In an attempt to create an international platform for planners, architects, and artists working in areas of social engagement and intervention in the public sphere, An Architektur hosted the Camp for Oppositional Arhitecture in Berlin from June 25-27th.

Hosted at an old factory, the event was an experiment in individual and collective modes of communication and living. A truly international conference, there were participants from over sixteen countries with a wide range of backgrounds. Most of the participants stayed at the camp throughout the conference, with large group meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Two of the main presentations were given by Brian Bell, an original participant in the Rural Studio program started by the late Samuel Mockbee, and Peter Marcuse, a historian with an in depth knowledge of the planning history of New York City. Both presentations were engaging and thought provoking, the room packed to the limit with participants and Berliners.

The conference ended on Sunday with an attempt to come up with a Charter for Oppositional Architecture. Hotly debated, the final language was not finished and the participants all voted to keep working on the charter with the acceptance of a rough draft. If you are interested in these topics there is a questionare to gather information on participants and non-participants alike: www.con-gress.net/research/selfdetermined.htm.

Other groups invloved include:
Exyzt
Peanutz
Institute for Advanced Architecture