The Architects Attachment to Norms: normal /abnormal /hyper-normal

The architectural profession is highly regulated and application of rules produce specific effects that normalize built and unbuilt conditions. The discussion will question architecture’s professional practice as a set of rules to be followed, and consider instead the ways architecture regulations generate a set of conditions that produce and reproduce norms. A reflection on the categories of normal, abnormal, hyper-normal as manifested in the present, will be used as a means to turn away from the grip of professional normativity.

Three speakers select aspects of the proposed theme and present their approach, thoughts and experiences; each speaker has 10min max to present their case:

Piers Taylor Invisible Studio founder, former AA Studio Master  http://www.invisiblestudio.org/about/

Katie-Lloyd Thomas Co-Director of Architecture Research Collaborative (ARC) and Senior Lecturer in Architecture Design, School of Architecture Planning and Landscape Newcastle university http://www.ncl.ac.uk/apl/staff/profile/katielloyd-thomas.html#background

Joseph Armakolas AADipl, Part III Candidate (AAProfessional Studies Course) www.josepharmakolas.com

Three respondents pick their preferred speaker(s)or aspect(s) to comment on and challenge; each respondent has 10 min max to present their argumentation:

Peter Wynne Rees Professor of Places and City Planning, Bartlett, Planning Officer at City Corporation (1985 - 2014)and AA honorary member https://iris.ucl.ac.uk/iris/browse/profile?upi=PWREE64  

Jonathan Wimpenny Jonathan Wimpenny Architect, RIBA President Emeritus http://www.jonathanwimpennyarchitect.com/about

Paul Crosby Head AA Professional Practice

The Shadow Series intends to turn the (usually) shadow condition of AA members and alumni into a shadowing force that debates architecture at the present scale of an expanded AA. Unlike the global school, in which the AA ventures across a variety of locations, the shadow series is an intimate event, held at the institution’s core, that assembles the AA’s bodies and brains to debate current architecture issues and processes. Held every third Thursday of the month, from 6:30–8.30pm, on a variety of topics.