Articles by Phineas Harper

It’s time to stop blaming architecture schools for systemic problems like poor diversity and the mental health crisis, says Phineas Harper. The Architectural Association recently concluded its long search for a new director with an internal election. Eva Franch i Gilabert emerged triumphant with 587 of a possible 1,077 votes. In her manifesto, Franch painted

The post “Architecture schools are the punching bags of the industry” appeared first on Dezeen.

A movement is growing against cultural appropriation, but we mustn’t let it spell the end for historical references in architecture, says Phineas Harper. Compared to other art forms, architecture gets an easy ride in the court of public opinion. Filmmakers, pop musicians and fashion designers know, one ill-judged move and they’ll be hung out to dry by a

The post “Architects are not just relaxed about cultural appropriation, we’re experts” appeared first on Dezeen.

A disdain for trade unions is preventing architects from challenging the industry’s low standards of workers’ rights, argues Phineas Harper. In February 2012, a mysterious website, archleaks.com appeared. Now offline, the site enabled disgruntled architects to anonymously whistle-blow on the conditions in their practices. Although the authenticity of the complaints could not be verified (neutering any

The post “Middle-class guilt is weaponised to keep architectural labourers from demanding reform” appeared first on Dezeen.

When Neo-Nazis are marching in the streets, architects need to step up and confront the issues surrounding colonial monuments, argues Phineas Harper. Baying Neo-Nazis grasping flaming torches on the steps of the University of Virginia’s Rotunda, designed by president-turned-architect, Thomas Jefferson in the 1820s, was the chilling prelude to the events of Saturday 12 August

The post “The architectural world seems to be responding to Charlottesville with deafening silence” appeared first on Dezeen.

When Neo-Nazis are marching in the streets, architects need to to step up and confront the issues surrounding colonial monuments, argues Phineas Harper. Baying Neo-Nazis grasping flaming torches on the steps of the University of Virginia’s Rotunda, designed by president-turned-architect, Thomas Jefferson in the 1820s, was the chilling prelude to the events of Saturday 12

The post “The architectural world seems to be responding to Charlottesville with deafening silence” appeared first on Dezeen.

If today’s architects abandoned their modern vocabulary in favour of populist traditional or classical styles, they could achieve more progressive social goals, says Phineas Harper in his latest Opinion column. As surprise election fever grips the UK, buried on YouTube you can find an obscure promotional film for the only British political party with an

The post “To confront populism, all architects should become classicists” appeared first on Dezeen.