Paper short abstract:

In this paper we will describe and analyse the techniques of persuasion in the realm of architecture and evaluate the possibility of manifestos based on matter and material under the conditions of contemporary design practices.

Paper long abstract:

More than any other discipline, architecture has been framed and driven by manifestos. Especially throughout the 20th century, architects choose the manifesto as a common and appropriate genre to prepare and legitimize their actions. Manifestos had been used as tools for persuasion, as means to enhance acceptance and consent. Deeply rooted in the professional ethic of individuals and avant-garde groups affirming their personal attitude and style, the validity of the architectural manifesto is strongly related to the authorship of those who imagine and create the built environment. While, recently, manifestos have become rare, a new type of legitimation occurred in the architectural discourse. Furthermore, the creation of artefacts is facing new ethical standards of production form which new imperatives are derived: the economy of resources, the traceability of raw materials or the possibility to recycle used components brings matter into the centre of public attention. This renewed interest reveals a paradigm shift. In the current debate, notions of "concept" and "invention" are replaced by the more anonymous notions such as "life-cycle", "energy balance" and "sustainability" which are all pointing to the importance of materials and components. The paper will investigate the possibilities of manifestos for materials under the contemporary condition of architectural design and production.