Poverty and social inequality contained within cities are once again on the agenda as the number of people living in the cities surpasses that of those living in the countryside for the first time in human history. The slums of the Third World, which, despite their miserable conditions were once seen as the symbol of hope for the possibility of a better world, now appear as symbols of an approaching apocalypse in the new millennium of neo-liberalism. Cities today are seen merely as an opportunity for reproduction of wealth while more and more people are excluded from the fruits of development. Social exclusion and marginalization of the majority is experienced in cities across the world. In various parts of the globe, from New York and London to Delhi, Seoul and Mumbai; from Rio and Mexico City to Istanbul and Beijing, the metropolises of diverse cultures witness the subjection of urban space to processes of renewal, transformation and gentrification with unprecedented socio-political consequences - displacem ent of jobs and working-class people from their settlements. Destruction and reconstruction of the built environment has historically been a means of recovery from financial crises. Today, having served as a key instrument of financial investments for two decades, urban space rests at the heart of the current global crisis.

Under these circumstances, architects should refuse to produce urban transformation projects that serve the expansion of existing political and economic power relations. On the contrary, they should take the advantage of the current crisis of neo-liberalism and utilize it towards emancipating the urban space from the domination of capital. They should support the social movements for habitable living environments emerging in various parts of the globe. We must understand and practice architecture as an effective democratic tool of social change. The Ankara Branch of the Turkish Chamber of Architects calls for the organization of a Social Forum of Architecture which will bring together professional associations, social organizations and grassroots initiatives fighting spatial exclusion and social inequality. We invite individuals and organizations sharing such objectives to participate in the Social Forum of Architecture to take place in Ankara, October 21-23, 2010.

The themes for the Forum are:

Social architecture and planning

Social segregation of space

Housing for all as a human right

Ecology and environmental justice

Wars, disasters and architecture

Conservation, heritage and change

Spatial politics of displacement: the colonization of land and resources

Design as an instrument of social change

Education for social architecture

Vernacular practices, technology and free market

Humanity of cities: barriers and ethics

Urban violence and literacy of urban space

Democratic practices and legislation

Expanding public spaces

Gender and space

Accessible public transportation and pedestrian rights

Social space: alliances and conflicts...

Types of Participation in the Social Forum of Architecture

It is possible to participate in the Social Forum of Architecture in different ways. Types of participation that are listed below will be detailed parallel to the development of the Forum Program.

Participation as Audience: The Grand Forum, presentations of the keynote speakers, panels, workshops and all other events are free of charge and open to public.

Grand Forum: In addition to the speakers of urban social movements and organizations from different countries, all participants will be able to express their views, opinions, and demands at the Grand Forum.

Workshops: Meetings designed for sharing experiences. Themes and participation types of all workshops will be determined and announced in the Forum Program.

Paper Presentations: Theoretical and/ or fieldwork/ project based papers that are related to the Forum Themes will be accepted. Paper presentations will take place in parallel sessions.

Speakers’ Podium: At the end of the parallel sessions, 5 minutes will be given to each person who wishes to expressing their opinions.

Poster: Poster presentations related to the Forum Themes will be accepted and exhibited. The poster size should be 80cmx200cm.

Video Screening: 10-minute videos in CD, DVD and VCD format will be viewed in different parts of the city.

Exhibitions: Exhibitions of projects, fieldworks etc. that are related to Forum Themes will be exhibited in indoor and open exhibition spaces. The poster size should be 80cmx200cm.

Cultural Activities: Applications for activities such as cinema, theatre, music, dance, painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, literature etc. will be accepted and realized/exhibited in different parts of the city free of charge and open to all city-dwellers.

Forum Area: Various indoor and open areas in the city center will be arranged for the Forum activities.

Accommodation: We are working to provide affordable accommodation for the participants. The available places will be announced later.

Detailed information about the program, registration and all other issues regarding the Social Forum of Architecture can be found in our web site: www.socialarch.com

Registration to Social Forum of Architecture is opened on June 8, 2010. As audience it is possible to registrate till October 19, 2010. For paper presentations, posters, exhibitions, workshops etc. deadline of registration is September 15, 2010. It is possible to attend with more than one participation type. You should upload your documents at the page which comes after the registration page. Registration program allow to change your personal/organizational information and documents till September 15, 2010.