Is Green the New Red? Marxism, Ecology, and Contemporary Architectural Theory

This essay examines the role of Marxist concepts in recent architectural theories ecology using two architecture firms, Estudio Teddy Cruz and Sauerbruch Hutton (SH), as case studies. In their writings, SH mobilize critique capital, a dialectical materialist understanding history, Frankfurt School’s functionalist culture for theorization sustainable design. Their work has vital ramifications current sustainability discourses different fields which this seeks to bridge. For theorists concerned about but averse Western Marxism because its supposed idealism, show anew importance aesthetic concerns conceptions environment. design scholars accustomed thinking having been absorbed into broader debates cultural studies, architects’ have potential recentralize left-wing inheritance through adaptation ecology. addition, essay’s conclusion, I reflect briefly, suggestion further research, on how Cruz’s SH’s practice might productively be analyzed light terms Adorno-Benjamin debate 1930s over political status products capital. Can eighty-year old discussions potentially revolutionary retrograde qualities mass objects relevant radical thought age climate change.