New Tools

Architectural Discourses on the Anthropocene

New Tools investigates the evolving relationship between architectural theory and practice within the context of contemporary discourse. In light of the climate crisis and socio-demographic change, the field must rethink design to ensure it is inclusive, equitable, and sustainable across generations. Bringing together interdisciplinary contributions, the series offers critical perspectives that support a reorientation of our approach to spatial practice.

The first volume of the series comprises four texts. Starting with the concept of the ‘Anthropocene’, Marc Angélil and Cary Siress examine how the concept of the ‘…-cene’  has developed rapidly in recent years, from ‘Technocene’, ‘Thermocene’ and ‘Plantationocene’ to ‘Entropocene’, ‘Capitalocene’ and ‘Urbicene’. Elke Krasny then reflects on ‘Standards of Care’, linking the discourse to questions of social justice. In their manifesto, Space Caviar argue for a “non-extractive architecture” as part of a broader economic transformation. And Freek Persyn, Charlotte Schaeben and Lukas Fink present their experiences of using the ‘Curated Dinner’ as an intervention and planning tool.