Opening reception: Sunday December 5 | 4–7 pm

Opening talk: Eyal Weizman in conversation with Steve Fagin | 4:30pm

Decolonizing Architecture is a project initiated by Alessandro Petti, Sandi Hilal and Eyal Weizman in 2007. Set up as a studio/residency program in Beit Sahour, Bethlehem and recently re-established as the Decolonizing Architecture/Art Residency (DAAR), they engage spatial research and theory, taking the conflict over Palestine as their main case study. Decolonizing Architecture seeks to use spatial practice as a form of political intervention and narration. Their practice continuously engages a complex set of architectural problems centered around one of the most difficult dilemmas of political practice: how to act both propositionally and critically within an environment in which the political force field, as complex as it may be, is so dramatically skewed.

For REDCAT, Decolonizing Architecture will develop an exhibition—their first presentation in the U.S.—that builds on their work over the last few years, alongside current research projects. 

Decolonizing Architecture was founded by Alessandro Petti, Sandi Hilal and Eyal Weizman in 2007. PETTI 
is the director of DAAR and a research architect based in Bethlehem and is co-director of CAMP (Centre for Architecture Media and Politics) at the Bard/Al-Quds University in Abu Dis-Jerusalem. He curated Border Devices (2002-07), Uncertain States of Europe with the Milan-based studio multiplicity (2001-03) and Stateless Nation with Sandi Hilal (2002-07). HILAL 
works with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestinian refugees. She is visiting professor at the International Academy of Art Palestine and holds research doctorate in Trans-Border Policies for Daily Life at the University of Trieste. WEIZMAN is based in London where he is the director of Centre for Research Architecture at Goldsmiths College, University of London. Weizman works with a variety of NGOs and human right groups in Israel/Palestine. His books include Hollow Land, A Civilian Occupation, the series Territories 1, 2 and 3, and Yellow Rhythms. Decolonizing Architecture was originally conceptualized and its pilot stage produced in dialogue with Eloisa Haudenschild and Steve Fagin, partners in the haudenschildGarage, Spare Parts projects.

Organized in conjunction with exhibition, a panel discussion co-presented by REDCAT and MAK Center for Art and Architecture will bring together Alessandro Petti, founding member and director of Decolonizing Architecture/Art Residency; Iain Boal of RETORT, the Bay Area collective of writers, activists and scholars, and co-author of Afflicted Powers: Capital and Spectacle in a New Age of War; architect and UCSD professor Teddy Cruz whose work centers around urban research/design within context of the U.S.-Mexico border; and Geoff Manaugh of BLDGBLOG. Moderated by director of MAK Center Kimberli Meyer on Wednesday January 26 at 7:30pm at REDCAT. UPDATE: Due to circumstances beyond our control, this event has been cancelled. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Tue Dec 7, 2010–Sun Feb 6, 2011 | Tues–Sun, noon–6 pm or intermission

Free