The 19th edition of the Oslo Architecture Triennale, the Nordic region’s biggest architectural event, opens today exploring “the architecture of a radically transformed society in which cultural and ecological flourishing matter more than economic growth”. Under the title of Enough: The Architecture of Degrowth, the festival is questioning the damage caused to the environment by the constant economic growth.
“This year the Triennale theme could not have been more timely and urgent. I’m excited and proud to present an eight week-long diverse and important program that will question how architecture and city development can and should respond to the ongoing climate crisis,” says Hanna Dencik Petersson, director, Oslo Architecture Triennale.
Curated by Interrobang Architecture and Engineering, led by chief curators Matthew Dalziel, Phineas Harper, Cecilie Sachs Olsen and Maria Smith, the event features more than 100 events in the Norwegian capital, examining the architecture of reduced growth, “a designed reduction of total energy and material use to realign society with planetary limits, while improving people’s lives and distributing resources fairly”.
Contributors to the festival include 140 teams comprising architecture practices, economists, theatre-makers, science fiction authors and live-action role players. In order to help audiences engage with the future of their cities and challenge the way architects and city planners communicate with the public, the programme consists essentially of theatre and fiction.
“We have seen a landmark year of seismic political events underscoring the need for urgent radical action to halt global heating. However continuing to pursue a growth-based economy will lead to climate breakdown and entrench deep divides between those who have far too little, and those who have far too much. The Oslo Architecture Triennale 2019 explores the architecture of Degrowth, an economy of shared plenty in which human and ecological flourishing matter most. It is time to call time on too much for the few and too little for the many. Join us as we propose a vision of enough for all.” Interrobang architecture and engineering, chief curator of the Oslo Architecture Triennale.
