Architecture of Extraction
Spring 2025

The lecture series “Architecture of Extraction” explores the past and present relationship between architectural form and extractive processes—as seen by scholars and practitioners. What is the connection between a material’s origin and extraction mechanism, the forces that guide, facilitate, and conduct those activities, and the particular form the material takes in architecture? What is the political economy of this specific material, as in, how is value extracted from it, and what role does architecture play in 1that process? What role does technology impart in extractive processes or in seeking solutions against these? Finally, what alternatives to extraction have design practices uncovered and applied, and turn, what are the physical effects of these different processes on various scales, from construction sites and territories? The underlying goal is to candidly discuss the relationship between extraction capitalism and the built environment via spatial outcomes, from architectural outputs to logistical networks.

17.02, 16:00-17:30 CET; EPFL Foyer SG
Armelle Choplin 

04.03, 18:30-20:00 CET; EPFL*
Harquitectes

25.03, 18:00-19:00 CET; EPFL Archizoom
Galaad Van Daele

07.04, 16:30-18:00 CET; Online
Nadja Gaudillière-Jami

15.04, 18:30-20:00 CET; EPFL*
Charlotte Malterre-Barthes & Menna Agha

[1] Architecture of Extraction lectures are part of the Spring 2025 Halt Extraction Design Studio

*Lectures hosted by ENAC School Lecture Series