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The Future Architecture Book is conceived as a cross-section through the lifecycle of the platform and does not claim completeness, such a book would take on an encyclopedic scale. Instead, it shows a series of curated fragments, revealing the links, ebbs and flows of the collaborations and ideas across time. As the editors write:

Most of the materials in the book are treated as found objects presented in their “as is” state and treated as a historical artifact or a “ready-made”. Furthermore, we wanted to convey and show the culture of collaboration, rather than explain it. In this sense, the book is representing an archive, or an attempt to preserve cultural production and not let it vanish.

photo: Damjan Kokalevski / MAO

Thousands of artifacts produced throughout the years—ideas, projects, exhibitions, events, reflections, publications, photographs, visual identity packs, call for proposals and testimonials were examined and became the basis for the four main chapters of the book—Reflections, Charts, Collaborations, and Dossier.

photo: Damjan Kokalevski / MAO

The Reflections feature contributions by Giovanna Borasi, Amica Dall, Marina Otero Verzier and Stojan Pelko which set a critical tone on each year’s ideas that were submitted at the annual Call for Ideas. The Charts give a visual and spatial representation of the vast database, while the Dossier takes the form of a statistical report that captures the sheer quantity and complexity of the platform. 

photo: Damjan Kokalevski / MAO

The highlight of the book however is in the Collaborations chapter. From Idea > to Program > to Outcome, we see the evolution of an idea, focusing on the exchange between the cultural institutions and the practitioners. This chapter shows the mechanisms of collaboration that resulted in numerous events held across Europe—exhibitions, publications, film screenings, and lecture series, to name a few.

photo: Damjan Kokalevski / MAO

Designed by Benja Pavlin, the book is a visual treat. It also features two extensive photo documentary essays focusing on the Creative Exchange, the annual gatherings of the platform that took place at the Museum of Architecture and Design, MAO Ljubljana. The essays also show glimpses into some of the events (360 in total) of the European Architecture Program. Finally, we take a look at the platform’s vibrant and recognisable visual identity.

The editors, together with the graphic designer Benja Pavlin and the researcher Ana Kuntarič Brodersen worked as a forensic unit—examining, dissecting and presenting the endless archive of the platform.

photo: Damjan Kokalevski / MAO

Future Architecture Book is also a thank you note to all Future Architecture creatives, members, friends, collaborators, supporters and personnel, who got together to create something remarkable. 

We thank you for your sincere efforts and contributions.

The book is available in MAO SHOP>>

Milan Dinevski is an architect and cultural producer. He was the Future Architecture Platform manager from 2018 to 2021. He was the Head of Production Platform of BIO27 Super Vernaculars for the 27th Biennial of Design at MAO Ljubljana, Slovenia. He is the co-founder of the Institute ALT, which questions positions of power while creating new spatial, social and political narratives.

Damjan Kokalevski is an architect, curator and writer. He is currently a postdoctoral research fellow at The Architekturmuseum der TUM in Munich, leading the Digital Archive project. His work is situated at the intersection of architectural histories and their digital futures.

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