Patrik Schumacher, a principal at Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA), recently sparked debate with his critical remarks on contemporary architectural discourse and societal influences during a virtual lecture to Baylor University students. His comments, delivered via Zoom as part of the Free Enterprise Forum, highlighted a perceived shift away from what he considers architecture's core competencies towards what he labels 'woke concerns'.
Schumacher, known for his provocative statements, suggested that academic institutions and professional critiques have become overly focused on 'sociopolitical issues' rather than fundamental architectural thought. This stance has positioned him as a controversial figure within the global architectural community.
Key Takeaways
- Patrik Schumacher criticized 'woke concerns' in architecture during a Baylor University lecture.
- He claims ZHA finds more work in Eastern Europe and India, not the 'Western heartland.'
- Schumacher identifies as an 'anarcho-capitalist' and advocates for 'total freedom' in urbanism.
- The architect's firm, ZHA, saw increased profits in 2023, largely from Middle East billings.
- ZHA pays 6% of its annual income to the Zaha Hadid Foundation for trademark usage.
Shifting Sands for Architectural Practice
Schumacher expressed frustration with the current landscape for firms like ZHA in Western countries. He stated that the firm now secures more projects in regions such as Eastern Europe and India. "We get work these days in Eastern Europe. They’re hungry. But not in the Western heartland. We’re not brought in there anymore," he explained during his lecture. He added, "Thank god India eventually opened up."
India, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has indeed seen significant infrastructure investment, including the new Navi Mumbai International Airport, a ZHA project. Modi's vision is for India to achieve self-reliance by 2047. However, critics like Arundhati Roy have characterized the Indian government's ideology as 'Hindutva fascism,' drawing parallels to historical authoritarian regimes.
Fact Check
Zaha Hadid Architects' profits were reportedly up in 2023, primarily due to a significant increase in billings from the Middle East. However, the firm's turnover rates are double what they were in 2013, three years before Zaha Hadid's death.
The 'End of Architecture' and Ideological Stances
Earlier this year, Schumacher published an essay titled "The End of Architecture" in the academic journal Khōrein. In this piece, he further articulated his view that "Academic institutions, biennals [sic], and professional critiques have abandoned their roles as incubators of architectural thought, instead engaging with tangential sociopolitical issues that stray from architecture’s core competency."
This essay and similar posts on his social media have led to invitations for him to lecture at various venues outside the traditional academic circuit he often critiques. These platforms often resonate with populist sentiments, drawing comparisons to political figures who similarly decry 'woke' and 'elite' institutions.
"Harvard has been taken over by the whole Me Too thing. The George Floyd thing was massive. Woke concerns affected the architecture discipline quite a lot," Schumacher commented, illustrating his perception of current academic trends.
Background
Schumacher's lecture at Baylor University was part of the John F. Baugh Center for Entrepreneurship and Free Enterprise programming. Professor Peter Klein, who invited Schumacher, noted that he was drawn to Schumacher's essay arguing that architecture, as an autonomous, theory-led discipline, has ceased to exist.
From Marxism to Anarcho-Capitalism
During his Baylor presentation, Schumacher detailed a personal ideological transformation. He described his journey from a self-professed former Marxist to an "anarcho-capitalist" following the 2008 financial crisis. This shift, he explained, fueled his outspoken criticism of various modern concepts, including political correctness, urban planners, and even the Venice Biennale.
He advocated for what he termed "total freedom" and presented a "trickle-down theory" of urbanism. Schumacher argued that "zoning is an infringement of creativity for developers and entrepreneurs," a statement aligning with the libertarian mission of the Baylor center hosting his talk. He recounted an instance where questioning London's social housing subsidies led to demonstrations outside his office, with protestors displaying posters of him with a Hitler mustache.
His lecture included an extended, complex discussion about his economic theories, often seeming to aim at a broader, influential audience beyond the students present.
Business Strategy or Deep Conviction?
A central question surrounding Schumacher's public statements is whether they represent deeply held beliefs or a calculated business strategy. Speculation has arisen, particularly after a 2023 lecture where his attire and demeanor seemed tailored to appeal to potential clients in Silicon Valley.
One online commenter pondered, "A fascist approach to architecture brewing? Or just marketing?"
Financially, Zaha Hadid Architects has seen some shifts. An Architects’ Journal report indicated that profits for ZHA were up slightly in 2023. This increase was largely attributed to a sharp rise in billings from projects in the Middle East. However, the firm's turnover rates have doubled since 2013, the year before Zaha Hadid's death.
Firm's Financials
ZHA currently dedicates 6 percent of its annual income to the Zaha Hadid Foundation. This payment is for the continued use of the "Zaha Hadid" trademark name, highlighting the enduring legacy and brand power of its founder.
The Founder's Legacy and Human Rights
Zaha Hadid herself faced scrutiny over human rights issues during her lifetime. In 2014, she addressed concerns about the deaths of construction workers from India and Nepal involved in building her World Cup stadium in Qatar. She acknowledged it as "a serious problem" but clarified her position to The Guardian, stating, "I have nothing to do with the workers." She maintained that responsibility lay with the Qatari government.
As Schumacher continues to lead ZHA, the firm operates under the shadow of its iconic founder's name and the complex legacy she left behind. The future will reveal how long Schumacher navigates under this established banner before potentially forging a new, independent path reflective of his own outspoken philosophy.