Political Changes and Architecture

The close linkages between architecture and politics is the subject of study of many academics and a hotly debated topic among architects. While some would suggest that architecture should not attempt to be the conscience of politics, there are others who feel that it is a responsibility that is bestowed upon us to engage politics through architecture. No matter where we stand on this, the impact of the political transitions that is happening around the world today is something that should not be left unexamined.

At the point of writing, we are one month away from the American presidential elections, the political landscape in Thailand have remaimed unstable even with PM Somchai Wongsawat taking over, there is also the announcement by current Malaysian PM Badawi that he will make way for a new leader in March 2009 and Japan’s PM Taro Aso is barely a month into taking the reigns of the world’s second largest economy.

While I am no academia who can analyse the impact of these changes to the profession, I would like to offer my attempt in articulating the questions that might be running through the minds of many architects.

Continuity of projects in the pipeline.

Will the project that was initiatied by the previous leadership happen? Or will the new administration pull the plug on it? How then do I project my firm’s future earning’s and manpower requirements? Will I have enough projects to survive?

Political Stability

How will the people react to the new administration? Will there be demonstrations and destruction due to it? Will the administration that comission this new project that I’m working on still be around till the end of the project or is there a chance that they will be removed in a few months?

Ambition of new leadership

Each new administration will bring about its own ideas and ideals. What role do they see architecture playing in shaping a nation? Is it merely a technical role that architects will play? Is good architecture a means to improving the economy? Or is good architecture something that will enhance the intangible qualities of a country?

Political Ideologies

Do I share the ideologies of the new administration? How will my work respond to these ideas? Will I even respond to these ideologies or will I just keep the boundaries of architecture and profession clear and separated?

These are serious questions that many architects will be asking themselves and will seek out answers to them. Coupled with the present day economic conditions, political leadership will be critical in tiding the storm. This makes the questions above carry an even greater weight; each decision potentially having a significant impact on the survival of an architecture practice.

What are your thoughts and opinions on these political leadership changes? How will these changes affect your practice? What do you think will be the strategy to navigate these difficult times? Share it with us in the comments or email us your thoughts via office at fivefootway.com