Formalistic Analysis of the Architecture of the Neo-Liberal Ideology: Examples of Zurich

Abstract

Using built examples, the elective examines the architecture that produces the neoliberal ideology. Based on the method of historical building surveys, the formal-architectural properties are described, analyzed and finally summarized in the sense of a formal catalog of neoliberal architecture.

Objective

The participants critically deal with contemporary urban and building production from a design perspective. By applying the method of the course, they learn the ability to describe and analyze the formal-architectural properties of architecture.

Content

The examples of Europaallee, Richti-Areal and Campus Hönggerberg worked on in the past three semesters were each touted as fulfilling the highest demands that can currently be placed on architecture and planning. In close cooperation with the authorities, the various owners realized projects that exemplify in the Swiss context what 'good planning' and 'good politics' are with regard to the development of urban planning and architecture. Instead of comprehending the complex planning process of these examples and accepting the built as a consequence, the elective turns the analysis 'head on ‚its feet: what kind of architecture has been realised? If objects can not lie (cf. Bulle, Heinrich: Handbuch der Archäologie, Munich 1913), the ideology of the planning process can also be read from the architecture itself - provided that it is questioned methodically and precisely. By the means of a formalistic analysis, which is based on the scientific method of historical building surveys, the three examples were examined for their formal-architectural qualities. The theses on neoliberal architecture, which have been collectively formulated in the course of this work, will be examined in the fourth and final implementation of the course. The theses will be tested by means of a formal-architectural analysis on Zurich examples to be chosen by the students themselves, in order to revise or reject them in a second step, if necessary. In a final step, the results from the analysis will be summarized in the sense of a formal catalog of neoliberal architecture.

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