Open Architecture and its Discontents

Authors

  • Jorge Mejía Hernández Delft Universit of Technology
  • Esin Komez Daglioglu Middle East Technical University

Abstract

The qualities that characterise open works of art have become prevalent in mainstream architecture theory.  Trying to elucidate why openness appears to mean so many different things and at the same time remains an ethereal concept, it seems worthwhile to reflect on potential justifications for its use. While the notion can be effectively and persuasively used to discuss the ethics that should govern our profession, beyond that axiological role its meagre explanatory power suggests that new directions in open architecture might require that we recognise its theoretical shortcomings and start looking for new and better ways to explain exactly what we’re talking about when we talk about the architecture of our time.

Author Biographies

Jorge Mejía Hernández, Delft Universit of Technology

Jorge Mejía Hernández graduated as an architect in Colombia, and received a PhD from TU Delft, where he teaches design studios and researches with the section Methods and Matter. He is a member of the Delft/Rotterdam-based research group Architecture Culture and Modernity, where he supervises PhD candidates from the program Architecture and Democracy, and acts as science communications coordinator for the EU-funded COST action Writing Urban Places: New Narratives of the European City.

Esin Komez Daglioglu, Middle East Technical University

Esin Komez Daglioglu is assistant professor at Middle East Technical University (METU), Department of Architecture. She received her bachelor and master of architecture degrees magna cum laude from METU where she also worked as a research and teaching assistant from 2008 to 2012. She worked as a PhD researcher, design tutor and lecturer at the Architecture Department of Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) between 2012 and 2017. Among others, she has published in the Architectural Theory Review, METU JFA and OASE. Her research areas include postwar and postmodern architectural history, theory and pedagogy, contemporary architectural and urban discourse, and design studio education.

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Published

2023-03-03