Arquitectura (ou) e revolução

Abstract

This work aims at reporting a research process on the architect as a spatial and political agent, embodying and pointing answers to a set of personal concerns constructed throughout the author's both academic and personal paths. The object of study is the everyday space as the locus of socialization and as the juxtaposition of the personal with the political. The processes of spatial production are analysed, keeping in mind their integration in the capitalist and neoliberal productive system. We also seek alternatives that can solve the problems these processes raise at the social, political, economic and environmental levels. The conclusion is that changing the productive method of space unleashes architecture's revolutionary potential. The responsibility for initiating this change rests with the architects, who must give up their monopoly on spatial practices. At the same time, they must help to identify and consolidate 'alternative' practices, so that these are institutionally recognized and integrated. This is a defence of the convivial character of architecture as well as the architect's political citizenship.