It s not for You! Its for building!

«Windows that cannot be opened; smart systems fooled by hungry animals; buildings that are no longer mere spaces, but increasingly resemble services provided to the dwellers — these are just some uncanny effects of technological development that many people today experience as alienating and dehumanising,» the book that accompanies the Latvian Pavilion at the Venice Architecture Biennale announces itself. In over 150 pages the publication looks at instances of unsettling techno-nonsense. By highlighting the importance of the human perspective in architecture the book helps people learn to live together with today’s intelligent machines in a world facing an environmental crisis.

The book’s concept is based on contrast and opposition — utopian visions of techno-optimistic experts are intersected with the absurd experiences of sceptics, highlighting the complex and often conflicting relationships between people and technology. The viewpoint of architecture’s user is represented through satire and absurdity by Anete Konste, Marta Elīna Martinsone, Rvīns Varde and Ēriks Stendzenieks. The collision points between man, technology and architecture are also addressed by historian Mārtiņš Mintaurs, designer Jeļena Solovjova, philosopher Artis Svece and architecture critic Vents Vīnbergs. On the other hand, the irreplaceable role of technology in tackling the global climate crisis is illuminated by energy efficiency and environmental experts Andra Blumberga, Edmunds Cepurītis, Aija Rūse, and architect Ervīns Krauklis.