Project R-11963

'Parting from modernity's defuturing: a decolonial sustainability for local biobased architecture' (Research)

Postcolonial theory has recently entered the discourses of the fields of theoretical architecture, where an understanding of spatial and social processes in a relational approach has emerged [7]. On a broad level, the architectural practice has yet to recognize its involvement in colonialism and adopt a postcolonial critique, as the built environment is still influenced by Modernism and its aspirations [6] [7]. By recognising the operations of modernity and colonialism as defuturing, i.e. a reduction of livable futures [11] [17], I propose a study to define a sustainable and decolonial architectural practice which does not inadvertently fall back on unequal structures of (neo) colonial power. Building upon the theoretical framework of decolonial theory and postcolonial ecology [4] I will advance a model for a sustainable and decolonial praxis in architecture. These research interests are proposed in the context of postgraduate Building Beyond Borders and master Studio Global Perspectives, educational programs of Hasselt University, as to contribute to the creation of a cross-cultural learning platform to construct and spread a new decolonial epistemology for local biobased sustainable architecture.

01 November 2021 - 01 November 2021