Architecture of Consequence shows that architecture can play a part in formulating solutions to widespread global problems, and help to build a more sustainable future. The NAI calls on designers, principals and policymakers to seize this opportunity and become a force for positive change.

What is Architecture of Consequence?
The human race is facing a number of colossal challenges. The way we deal with, and think about food, health, energy, space, time, social connections and (economic) value has become distorted. And now, the tide must turn. Architecture and spatial planning can be instrumental in redefining our attitudes because the design and planning of our living environment touches on so many of these concerns.

The NAI draws attention to a young generation of designers working with these themes and using the potentials they present to design a way forward. Whether their proposals appear modest at times or utopian, they always express wholehearted confidence in the future. And this is what underpins NAI's agenda for the future: Architecture of Consequence, a programme presenting the designers' projects and ideas.

Architecture of Consequence specifically focuses on projects that:
- are more than just a great idea,
- combine challenges in an innovative way,
- present a believable alternative future,
- meet social needs,
- give the user a central role,
- can bring about positive change in the long and short term.

Which world issues do we discuss?
Architecture of Consequence believes architecture can effectively address the following:
Alternative food production chains: new systems, closer to home.
A healthy living environment: designing a healthy living environment with less particulate matter, more scope for physical exercise to suit both young and old.
Alternative energy: a shift to a sustainable, overall approach to energy: from consuming energy to producing energy.
Alternative use of space: from looking for space, to creating space.
Alternative use of time: using new connections to make, not waste, time.
New kinds of social cohesion: from social polarisation to social connection.
Value creation: from private to public interests, from short depreciation cycles to longer user times.

Who is Architecture of Consequence for?
The NAI offers an open invitation to anyone with an interest in social change and who believes architecture can help us design our way out of the global difficulties we are facing. And we particularly welcome designers because they are able to show us how an alternative future might look. And principals and policymakers, because they can create the conditions needed to execute ground-breaking plans.

How does the NAI take action?
The NAI supports Architecture of Consequence by:
- continuing to scout (young) Dutch and international talent,
- offering talent a platform in the standard programme, and online,
- starting a research studio where promising ideas are developed and made ready for execution,
- collaborating with comparable initiatives,
- organising a second exhibition and publication in the near future.

What’s in it for me?
With Architecture of Consequence, the NAI offers professionals in the building sector ample scope to:
- take action themselves,
- be inspired,
- exchange expertise and thereby enhance and expand their know-how
- expand their network,
- present their work and ideas to others,
- enter into dialogue with their peers.

How can I explore Architecture of Consequence?
First of all, through the website. But Architecture of Consequence is also accompanied by a publication (published by NAI Uitgevers) and a travelling exhibition. The NAI also regularly organises lectures, debates and expert meetings both at the NAI building in Rotterdam and on location, to explore and discuss the seven key themes. And, from late August to mid November 2010, the Dutch pavilion at the Venice Biennale will be dedicated to Architecture of Consequence. Come back and visit our website soon for more updates on the Studio for Architecture of Consequence. Check also our program overview.

How can I get involved with Architecture of Consequence?
As a designer: pinpoint opportunities and give advice (solicited or not) to principals, enter into dialogue with policymakers and share new ideas with them and with colleagues.
As principal and policymaker: listen to the advice of the architect or designer, be open to new voices, create opportunities for (young) talent and promote the execution of innovative plans.
Via the NAI: use this website for an online discussion with colleagues, reacting to one of the plans, share tips and knowledge or present your own work. Or attend a lecture or debate and let us hear your views.

Press Release (4 February 2010) Architecture of Consequence

24 architecture designers take the lead. Assessing what society needs now. Pursuing strategies the market is hesitant to explore.
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Architecture of Consequence

‘Architecture of Consequence’ articulates the NAi’s long-term mission to arrive at an agenda for architectural responses to today’s pressing social concerns.
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Architecture of Consequence in Mumbai

Exhibition 11 february 2011  - 31 march 2011 | After Saõ Paulo, Moscow, Rotterdam and Nijmegen, it’s Mumbai’s turn. The Architecture of Consequence exhibition has moved to India and opened on 10 February in Studio-X Mumbai. The exhibition was opened by Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb of Rotterdam, who visited Mumbai with a number of members of the NAi Circle.
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NAI presents: Architecture of Consequence

The Netherlands Architecture Institute (NAI) introduces its innovation agenda Architecture of Consequence (referred to in Dutch as Architectuur als Noodzaak) with a book, an international, travelling exhibition and a congress in the last weekend of October.
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Architecture of Consequence

Exhibition 19 february 2010  - 16 may 2010 | 24 architecture designers take the lead. Assessing what society needs now. Pursuing strategies the market is hesitant to explore. The designs that are presented are the fruits of an ambition to find sustainable designs for the future.
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