Architecture as Built Criticism (Li Xiangning)

Can buildings themselves express criticism? Wasn't modernist housing a collective criticism of unsustainable living conditions? Can a state's embassy convey differentiated, critical messages to the home and host country? Can architects express explicit criticism with their buildings? And if so, how can they do so? The essays collected in this volume present a wide range of effective built criticisms. Their authors' concise analyses broaden our view of an insufficiently explored field of knowledge.

The 2023 International Conference on Architectural Criticism at Shanghai's Tongji University introduced the critical positions of leading international architects and architecture firms. The debate between tradition and modernity gave rise to varied approaches, such as opposition against unstoppable progress or against autocratic family ideals.

Li Xiangning ist Architekt und Mitglied des Direktoriums des International Committee of Architectural Critics CICA. Er lehrt als Professor für Architekturtheorie und ist Direktor der Abteilung für Planung und Akademische Entwicklung an der Tongji University in Shanghai.

Wilfried Wang ist Architekt und Präsident des International Committee of Architectural Critics CICA. Er forscht und lehrt als Changjiang Distinguished Scholar und Professor an der Tongji University in Shanghai.