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Session 1: Anthropocene and Building Culture

Section outline

  • Session 1: Anthropocene and Building Culture

    • In the opening session, it is a good idea to first introduce the topic, objectives and course of the seminar and, if applicable, the submission and assessment criteria.

      The session on "Anthropocene and Building Culture" can then develop from the material brought along (see Exercise 1), which the students present in a Pecha Kucha and the thematic deepening and discussion along the exercises and literature offered. 

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      Exercise 1: Bring your own material Page

      The students bring 3 printed pictures (DIN A4) to the first appointment for

      - something that promises short-term profit

      - something that has been lost

      - a place of production


      The students choose their own photographs to which they have a connection and not internet images. 

      In order to get to know each other and at the same time get into the course topic, they will have 1 minute per picture to explain why they chose it and what it tells us, in the style of a Pecha Kucha.

      -What is profit?
      -Who is profiting?
      -What are the positive and negative aspects of these situations?
      -What losses and opportunities do the pictures show?


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      Discussion: The Anthropocene Square Meter URL

      The geologist and chairman of the Anthropocene Working Group, Jan Zalasiewicz, presents his model "The Anthropocene Square Meter" (2019) at the Critical Zone Panel Discussion. 

      The film clip [link below; minute 7:30 -17:55] can be used to discuss the extent of Anthropocene interdependencies.


      - Is this view of the earth new/surprising to you?
      - Where do we stand in the construction industry in relation to this?
      - What challenges are derived from this?


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      Exercise 2: Research on three projects / initiatives Page

      The aim of this exercise is to develop and discuss current demands for change in the construction industry based on the three proposed projects/initiatives. This involves demands for other forms of planning and construction production as well as reflection on disciplinary ideals and working cultures.

      Architects for future - A solidarity movement of architects within the movement Fridays for Future. They work in the construction industry, engage on a voluntary and non-profit basis in the movement and at association level and are committed to sustainable change in the construction industry.

      Bauhaus Earth - A manifesto and call to action for the construction industry to stop benefiting humans and to consider other species living on our planet. 

      CCA - The story of young architects entering the industry and the impact their work has on the environment.

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      Homework 1 Page

      The students read the text by Jane Hutton "Arresting Decay" for the next meeting. The text is a central reference of the course and illustrates how a scientific text can be linked to an exciting narrative. 

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      Homework 2 Page

      Students will bring a place/material that raises ethical, political and/or social issues/concerns/implications. This will help them to find a topic for further exploration in the seminar.