The Swedish Architecture Museum has a mission to highlight current debate regarding architecture and urbanism. As a part of this, the museum presents an exhibition by A+URL, Architecture + Urban Research Laboratory.
A+URL
The exhibition presents a selection of A+URL’s work on globalization and its effect on architecture and city, with emphasis on environment, society, new media and new technology.
Globalization
Increasing urbanisation, limited natural resources, and climate change are future challenges for the contemporary city. For instance, Mexico City’s groundwater is expected to dry out within 15 years. The UN predicts that in the year 2010 there will be 50 million environmental refugees.
What role will architecture play in the future? Can cities continue to grow? How will architects and cities’ roles be affected by a growing stream of refugees?
Network
A+URL started in 1999 as a two-year academic program at School of Architecture at the Royal Institute of Technology. In 2003 A+URL developed into an independent organization consisting of an architectural firm and an international network.