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Curating as a Form of Collective Authorship Rethinking the Architect's Role

Marie Stalpaert – Faculty of Design Sciences, University of Antwerp

Abstract

Aligning with the Milan CA2RE Conference’s focus on authorships in design and artistic research, this paper explores how the architect’s role evolves within design-driven participatory action research (DD-PAR). The DD-PAR approach not only challenges traditional roles of the architect but also reveals how their position is subject to shifts, resulting in a fluid form of authorship. This fluidity – understanding who takes the lead at any given moment and which contributions are made by whom – is best captured through the concept of ‘curation.'

Using the redevelopment of the Beatrix Theatre in Moengo, Suriname, as a case study, the research reflects on a three-month fieldwork period. Through this process, the traditional role of the architect was questioned, while also exploring the expanded responsibilities and contributions required in PAR beyond the conventional scope of architectural design. Architecture here is not defined by individual genius or singular authorship, but by a collaborative, iterative process rooted in participation, dialogue and care.

Keywords: curating, collective authorship, participatory action research