Building culture phenomena always have a visible exterior, surrounded by invisible networks of infrastructures, data, cash flows, decision-making structures and interests. Building culture is always concerned with shaping the future. As part of our research, teaching and communication activities at the University of Art and Design Linz, we want to try out value discussions and role plays that take into account the socio-cultural and eco-material impact of the built environment.
We will closely link teaching with work and co-operation in the regions and the city, supplemented by applied research. The aim is to familiarise students with the qualities, requirements and obstacles of building culture, because building culture is not harmless; the conflicts of interest are probably greater than the similarities. The technological backwardness of building production, such as the popular external thermal insulation composite system (ETICS), and the democratic-political shortcomings of spatial decision-making processes, such as dubious rezoning throughout Austria, are to be confronted loudly.
“Nothing will save us, and certainly not danger. Success will depend solely on our ability to seize the opportunities that come our way.” Bruno Latour and Nikolaj Schultz