Manifestos of Society: Archisphere on Social Responsibility in Architecture

With Detail marking its 60th anniversary, the internationally active architecture & design studio Archisphere ventures a look into the future of our cities.

What is the legacy of 1960s architecture?
The 1960s set the stage for a new architecture. They were characterized by a sense of optimism and strong public discourse about architecture. They were a time of utopias and manifestos − think of Everything is Architecture. Innovative materials, new forms and brave colour combinations held sway. 1960 saw the opening of Arne Jacobsen’s SAS Hotel in Copenhagen, the world’s first “design hotel”.

When did you first encounter Detail?
We discovered Detail at the university libraries, but also in the architecture studios where we had our first experiences as interns. We found Detail a fantastic teacher. Our enthusiasm has never waned.

In your opinion, where will architecture stand in 60 years?
Architecture must become more aware of its social responsibility. It can no longer suffice for a building to simply function. Built structures are manifestos of society that society erects and is then duty-bound to enrich the texture of the city by means of fruitful dialogue.
Architecture will be understood more concretely as a holistic process of circulation. Topics such as secondary use and repurposing of buildings will take on a more central significance, as will our responses to megatrends like urbanization and New Work. People’s fundamental needs for beauty, a sense of security and the human scale will remain unchanged.

Archisphere, Gabriel Kacerovsky ZT GmbH is based in Vienna, Austria, and was established in 2000 by Gabriel Kacerovsky. Today, the team comprises around 20 architects and designers representing seven different nations. Creativity, precision and diligence distinguish Archisphere’s projects. With every project − particularly in the hotel and hospitality sectors − Archisphere tells a story that starts at the planning phase, becomes visible at the design stage and remains perceptible in use. Visions that have been realized include Hotel Andaz at Belvedere Vienna, Hotel Schani Wien, rooms at Hotel Altstadt, a company headquarters in a Vienna palace and many others.