Relationscapes: Mapping agencies of relational practice in architecture

Drawing on the author's experience as a founding member of atelier d'architecture autogéréé (aaa), this paper explores the role and tools of the architect in mapping relational practice. With the aim of preserving urban biodiversity, aaa adopt 'urban tactics' to encourage inhabitants to re-appropriate vacant land into self-managed space. In mapping the ECObox garden project (Paris, 2004), rather than drawing lines of objects and forms, instead the architect portrays the dynamic relationships of a live performance. The mapping of this 'space of subjects' took place during the making of the garden, as the project unfolded in time. Different lines and colours were used. Rather than represent the project, 'the map' enhances relationships in the making of the project. Instead of mapping buildings and places, the 'relational architect' is seen to 'scape' relationships between people and spaces: relationscapes. She, the architect, is seen as an agent operating with agencies of 'being' towards a multiplication of agents and diversification of agencies. Rather than an elitist profession, architecture becomes a shared activity and relational practice. Architecture is part of everyday life activities.

► This paper explores the role and tools of the architect in mapping relational practice. ► It discusses the ECObox project (Paris, 2004) of atelier d'architecture autogeree. ► It follows the architects in their urban tactics and the relational mapping of their practice. ► Instead of designing buildings, the 'relational architect' 'scape' relationships between people and spaces. ► Rather than an elitist profession, architecture becomes a shared activity and relational practice.