Architecture & Human Rights (A Book on Urban Thinking)

The striking inequalities in living conditions in today’s cities and metropolises reveal one of the greatest humanitarian challenges of our time. Assuming that architecture can never be neutral, those involved in this field of design are called on to recognize and to act on their responsibility to society, and not only in projects involving urban development. Their work should therefore not only be about creating living space, but questions of the distribution of resources, so closely interwoven with architectural design, must also play a role. This book is conceived as a collage of stories, photos, design and critical discussions about the relationship between architecture and human rights. Through this hybrid form, all of the people involved at every level of this relationship are given a voice and invited to question whether the architecture of the regions, streets and buildings for which they are responsible contributes to the protection and advancement of human rights.