Pakhuis
de Zwijger

Archis speaks Volumes #1: Architecture of Peace. Let’s focus and zoom in on the period after war. Materializing a lasting peace is another battle altogether.

Post-conflict reconstruction is a complicated and often highly contested affair, mostly steered by the military and aid organizations. Where are the architects? Aren’t they supposed to be the builders? Architecture of Peace believes design disciplines can bring new insights and solutions to deadlocked situations. Or is it sometimes better to do nothing at all?

War and conflict are of all ages. To confront this reality, peace missions, rebuilding operations, and international law have been developed as tools to help create stability and peace after conflict.

Program: Editorial by Arjen Oosterman (Archis/Volume); essay by Jan Willem Petersen (Specialist Operations), our reconstruction specialist on the ground in Kabul; column by Merwe Bedir (independent researcher and architect) on ‘cities as camps’ in Turkey.

Essay: Jan Willem Petersen’s essay will highlight the unfolding development of Kabul after the Taliban era d the post-war reconstruction efforts in the country by western entities. His most recent project aims to enhance an understanding of the endeavors in Afghanistan, subject to the largest reconstruction mission in human history, what we nowadays call nation-building.

Panel discussion: ‘To Act or not to Act?’ It’s one thing to care, another to act. It’s one thing to donate, another to contribute. It’s one thing to spend (time, money, energy), another to be effective. Doing ‘Good’ is not enough. With among others: Lilet Breddels (Archis/Volume), Deborah Kolk (CER –Prince ClausFund), Merwe Bedir (independent researcher)

Architecture of Peace is a long-term research and action program started by Archis in 2010.This evening at Pakhuis de Zwijger accompanies the release of Volume #40: Architecture of Peace Reloaded. For more information see also: http://archis.org/. Please RSVP at http://www.dezwijger.nl/120029/nl/archis-speaks-volumes-1-architecture-of-peace