Openly Critical is a platform supporting the unorthodox representation and evaluation of architecture. It seeks to uncover and spotlight diverse realities of architecture existing outside the scope of conventional architectural criticism. It is a site of counter-criticism; countering the hegemony of abstract perspectivism with postmodern theory and a fresh, experimental use of representative media. In general, it strives to reconcile the contemporary role of architectural criticism with the tools of scholastic thinking and the fruits of the digital age. Moving towards an open, yet critical, consideration of built space and form.
This platform is authored and edited by Oliver Beasley and has been formed from the research he conducted as part of his Master’s thesis in Architectural History and Theory (from 2014 – 2015). There is, as with much of Oliver’s work, a strong subversive element to this platform as he seeks shed light on those marginalised perspectives of architectural appropriation by establishing a portfolio of counter-criticism. It is hoped that the work presented here will, over time, evolve into a rich and diverse database of representation and critical writing to challenge the orthodoxies of conventional architectural criticism. It is also hoped that one day the authorship of these articles will achieve a similar level of diversity and truly come to represent the nuanced nature architectural experience and understanding.