#08 | On Conflict Oriented Political Architecture.

In this episode, in conversation with Gabu Heindl, we discuss Gabu’s writing and practice (as part of GABU Heindl Architektur) and together explore the reframing of ‘conflict’ towards a condition that fosters radical -or rooted- alternatives.

Through her work and during our conversation, Gabu questions binaries and ‘either ors’ that often take over the discourse. Responsibility does not lie either on the individual practitioner or the institution. Change does not happen either within or outside of systems. One is not either an architect or an activist. With a careful approach that does not distinguish between theory and practice and by continuously crafting constellations of actors and actions, Gabu urges as to move beyond an apolitical stance and approach planning as a space of exchange and alliance-building between politics and popular agency.

GABU Heindl Architecture specialises in the realisation of public, cultural and social buildings, urban planning as well as research and publications on planning policy and public space.

GABU Heindl Architecture says “yes” and “no”: “Yes” to the design of public buildings and cultural, educational and infrastructure facilities. “No” to chauvinist, racist or discriminating architecture, exploitative project proposals, suburbanising single-family homes or speculation ventures.

Their projects take their position in the urban cultural setting of film, art, theatre and music but also include public buildings, such as kindergartens and schools, housing and urban planning.

Architecture, in their approach, is not merely a service rendered but rather the shaping of the environment, underpinned by analysis and extending to research projects undertaken on their own initiative, lectures and publications, as well as to productive discussions of an informal nature, in public debates and teaching contexts.