Can Architecture Be Political?

October 8, 2023

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It’s common to judge a piece of architecture based on its functional and aesthetic values, and how the two might complement or compete with one other. It’s less common to judge architecture based on its political values. But can’t a building’s design also express a political viewpoint? Why are different styles of architecture associated with different ideologies? And can a historical edifice’s social purpose change over time? Josh and Ray build a foundation with Vladimir Kulić from Iowa State University, editor of Toward a Concrete Utopia: Architecture in Yugoslavia, 1948–1980.

This episode is generously sponsored by the Stanford Global Studies program.

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Guest

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Vladimir Kulić, Professor of Architecture, Iowa State University (Photo: Annette Hornischer)

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