Izvorni znanstveni članak
https://doi.org/10.5673/sip.63.1.3
Utopia as a Method for the Critical Examination of Space
Jana Čulek
orcid.org/0009-0009-2212-2758
; Sveučilište u Rijeci, DeltaLab – Centar za urbanu tranziciju, arhitekturu i urbanizam, Hrvatska
Sažetak
For centuries, utopias have proved themselves an effective and critical tool for
addressing our socio-spatial context through offering innovative and creative ideas. Often triggering
a holistic and integrated reflection and discussion about numerous aspects of our lives
and environments, they allowed us to address a multitude of conditions we face on both the
local and global scale. To truly employ utopia as a critical method in the contemporary context
we must, however, acknowledge that the time of totalizing utopian narratives is behind us.
Within the last century, utopia as a form has undergone significant changes, transitioning from
a totalizing image of a complete and perfected world to an entire range of micro-utopias, each
equipped with addressing a specific aspect of our socio-spatial environments. Reflecting on
some of the critical, speculative, and narrative methods identified in utopias of the 20th century,
the paper explores the potential of employing utopia as a critical method for thinking about
the space around us, and acting in it holistically and systemically. The paper situates utopia as
a method not only within the context of contemporary architectural and urban practice, but –
more importantly – in the context of spatial education, where it can encourage long-term spatial
change. Addressing several contemporary examples of the use of utopia as a critical method
and tool in spatial education, and through presenting two innovative approaches from my own
educational practice, the paper identifies the importance of utopia as a method of creative and
critical thinking in today’s context of ongoing crises.
Ključne riječi
utopia; spatial education; speculative projects; critical thinking
Hrčak ID:
336359
URI
Datum izdavanja:
9.10.2025.
Posjeta: 328 *