Once driven by government investments in public spaces, architecture is now largely dictated by corporate interests and capitalist dynamics. In the 21st century, some architects have become mass producers of fashionable designs at reasonable prices, similar to popular clothing brands found in every mall. Meanwhile, others have remained as bespoke tailors. Mediocre design jobs will eventually be taken over by artificial intelligence, reducing the need for architects as drafting technicians. Only the tailor-like architects will survive, but their work will cater to a demand that represents less than one percent of society.
Architects face instability and a diminishing influence. The work architects produce is playful, media-friendly, and of public interest, yet there is little reward or sufficient criticism. We must aim to break the boundary between architects and the public. Often, the public responds to architecture with, “I don’t know anything about architecture, but…” while they feel free to criticize or show interest in music or sports. People live in buildings and urban environments, yet have weak opinions on how they look and function. The only criticism we often hear is “looks like a UFO” or “does not fit its surroundings,” reflecting a limited vocabulary globally. As a result, professionals in television, music, and sports are financially compensated for their work, while architects often see their creations shelved after competitions or discarded by clients. Despite our passion, dedication, and extensive archives, our profession lacks the recognition it used to have before the 20th century. This manifesto advocates for a new approach to engage public interest: Guerrilla Architecture.
Guerrilla Architecture is uncommissioned work—independent, avant-garde, and aimed at public engagement before any client involvement. It leverages democratized rendering software, the ease of publishing on digital media, and the accessibility of three-dimensional prototyping to promote high-quality, impactful designs.
Yes, architecture is about built products and the materiality and proper construction techniques for clean, intelligent assemblies of materials. Guerrilla Architecture doesn’t focus on these fundamentals but on the broader aspects of the profession, extending beyond the final product. Even in the case of built work, keep in mind that all of the architect’s production always remains on paper.
Digital platforms empower architects to share their work widely, engaging with the public and influencing urban developments and political decisions. Visual communication, through striking images and the distribution of physical models, offers new potential to captivate audiences and provoke thought. Additionally, creating ancillary products from our designs can enhance financial stability and broaden our reach, providing an alternative to limiting ourselves to a client’s vision or the often unrewarding competition process.
Guerrilla Architecture is a call to action for architects to embrace their role as proactive agents of change. By producing uncommissioned work, engaging with the public, and using digital tools, we can reclaim our influence and make a meaningful contribution to urban development. The future of architecture lies in our ability to innovate independently, provoke public discourse, and advocate for the public good.
