Safe Space is an investigation taking the shape of a platform, on the meaning of diversity and representation in architecture, as well as the potentials of inclusive architectural education and practice in Norway. In public roundtable events with invited speakers we selected, Safe Space Collective hosted conversations that cover topics from representation of minorities in the field, to housing discrimination, environmental injustice, and queer architectural practices. It is a project by Safe Space Collective—an Oslo-based French-Vietnamese queer collective founded in August 2020 by Bùi Quý Sơn, Paul-Antoine Lucas and Armelle Breuil—in collaboration with ROM for kunst og arkitektur.
The project took several shapes: we first set up an exhibition at ROM where we had a five weeks residency, researched and took contact with many potential contributors. We then recorded the Safe Space Podcast in situ, in a pod we designed. The last part of the project was the Safe Space Zine which were launched at ROM on October 29, 2021.
The design field, like many others, has been historically homogeneous. The status quo cultivated by the hegemony of a majority is ubiquitous in our practice, from within the community of thinkers and practitioners to the architectural education, discourse and production. Architecture should provide the basic human need for a dignified living space, but who is entitled to such privilege? Can a space be radically inclusive if its commissioners, planners, designers and builders only represent a privileged few? We view aesthetics and design qualities as universal values, but who gets to decide what constitutes good architecture?
In these times of growing socioeconomic inequalities, ecological crisis and climate emergency, indifference means complicity, sustained silence contributes to a system of discrimination and oppression, and the lack of affirmative positioning only nourishes further alienation. Architects declare; now it is time to act.
Safe Space is a platform for dialogue and exchange, where experiences are shared and listened to, conflicts are confronted, and openness and solidarity are built up to form a sincere sense of inter-belonging. Far too often we draw conclusions, far too often we speak on somebody else’s behalf. It is time to collectively reflect on, map out and discuss what needs to be done—differently and better.
We engage in building foundations for such conversations through exploratory research and the investigation of other practices. We foster a space for the expression of diverse opinions and dreams. We commit ourselves to challenging predominant norms and structural inequalities in order to make architecture the inclusive discipline it needs to be.
The project was made possible with the generous support of The Arts Council Norway (Kulturrådet), The Fritt Ord Foundation, The Art of Balance (Balansekunst), The Oslo School of Architecture and Design (AHO), Architectopia, Borhaven Arkitekter, Hallstein, and many crowdfunders.
The Safe Space Podcast is available on all podcast platforms. The Safe Space Zine are now online on our website for open-source consultation.
