An examination of a series of small structures against the criteria for defining iconic architecture

Abstract

Through the ‘Alternatives’ section, City continues its commitment to showcase alternative approaches to life in the city, as well as alternative ways of seeing urban space and architecture. This is the fifth ‘Alternatives’ section in City (see issue 8.1 for our opening statement and first piece discussing the uprising in Argentina, issue 8.3 for the second piece from the Clandestine Insurgent Rebel Clown Army; 9.2 for the third piece featuring a blog discussion, and 9.3 for billboard interventions based around Alternative Economics, Alternative Societies). The Alternatives section focuses on alternative responses of resistance, autonomy, hope and creativity within the contemporary city. We explore, discuss and engage with groups and individuals who are developing alternative urban visions, practices and policies. We encourage material of a variety of types and from a variety of sources, especially from those which fall outside formal institutions and ways of doing things. In this issue, we present a series of photographs and commentary from Cleo Broda who explores a series of small structures which go against the criteria for defining iconic architecture. They are usually built by individuals and hence rewrite the dominant narrative of corporate led regeneration based upon iconic buildings. These fascinating structures provide us with a glimpse beyond corporate‐led architecture and planning.