Tilting Axis Fellowship
Architecture as Theater essay by Infraestudio
"Architecture as Theater" is an essay by Infraestudio, recipient of the Tilting Axis Research Fellowship, which was published by Stedelijk Studies. In this essay, Infraestudio co-founders Anadis González and Fernando Martirena explore the relationships that architecture performs within institutional systems. The duo takes us along in how they navigate between politics and theatre in their proposals, which are constantly faced with local challenges caused by the political environment.
"Architecture is often too late. The manifestation of under-the-table power games between politicians, and developers is frequently the only surviving portrait of an era's power structures. Yet buildings, monuments, squares, and cities show as much as they hide, since an architectural project and its construction are only part of the performance: location, function, budget, and existence are decided within circles that then commission architects to respond with beautiful forms. It can be difficult to ignore the cynicism behind architecture."
Infraestudio is the recipient of the Tilting Axis/Het Nieuwe Instituut Research Fellowship 2021/2022, which is organised in collaboration with Stedelijk Studies. This text outlines Infraestudio's fellowship research, which delves into whether architecture practices can mobilise social solidarity beyond their functional space-making role. How can architects influence future political horizons beyond the long-established frameworks they operate within?