Architectures of Degrowth. Theories and Model Projects of Alternative Economies (Spring 2025)

What is degrowth? Where does the concept come from? How does it relate to the practice of architecture?

This seminar is based on readings of different theories of degrowth and their contexts, with a particular focus on Western Europe. Themes include: resource limits, political ecology, critique of development paradigms, eco-feminism, alternative economies and the idea of self-sufficiency.

Since approximately the 1970s, numerous alternative proposals have been put forth by proponents of degrowth, though there is no unified common political program. Often, those who espouse décroissance or degrowth ideas and engage in activism promote a reduction in resource extraction and land use intensity in general. They argue that deindustrialization, decentralization, and anti-consumerism can ensure the long-term survival of Earth’s finite resources.

The objective of this seminar is to read different conceptualisations of décroissance or degrowth and to discuss their implications, potentials and limitations. The exercise will involve identifying past or contemporary architectural practices and projects that resonate with the claims made in the texts. The final deliverable will be the design for a flyer or short manual that effectively communicates the message of a degrowth concept and a practical architectural action to a non-specialist audience.