Architecture, since its historical foundations, has been used as a tool for expressing, implementing and symbolising power in societies. Architects have shaped our buildings and cities, yet it has always been at the bidding of regimes of power; emperors, governments, churches, companies and wealthy individuals.

 

Even the very first recorded words of architectural theory are a glowing dedication, written by Vitruvius, to the emperor Augustus – the most powerful man on Earth. Architecture was used as a means of homogenising the Roman Empire through its continuous deployment of the classical language. The language of corporate architecture plays a similar role today.

 

Is it the case then, that architecture is fundamentally bound to those with power?

 

And, what is its relationship to those without it?

 

Edited by Nicola Cortese, Lauren Crocket, Stephanie Pahnis and Senesios Frangos

 

Guest Editor: Amy Evans