Architect Sam Jacob of Sam Jacob Studio and the Illinois School of Architecture, curator Beatrice Galilee of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York and London-based critic Cath Slessor explore and discuss the infrastructural state of architecture in a world context.

Amongst other things they will be discussing what role, and purpose, do the array of architecture biennales, festivals and fringes have in our wider cultural context? How is architecture created, and by whom? As journalism and publishing continue to face stiff challenges what future for architectural output and critique?

As creator, curator and critic Sam, Beatrice and Cath will each give their own opinions of the state of architecture in a wider context, what the future holds for the industry and what Scotland could learn from changes elsewhere. Chaired by festival co-producer Andy Summers the event then develops into a discussion exploring the relevance of architecture festivals themselves.

The Architecture Fringe Closing Lecture is supported by University of Edinburgh and British Council Scotland. The Architecture Fringe is supported by Creative Scotland.

Organised by a grassroots collective, the Architecture Fringe is a festival created to change Scotland for the better. Following the success of the inaugural event in 2016, this year’s festival has expanded to host over 50 events from 1 – 23 July in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, the Scottish Borders and Highlands. A series of participatory events, exhibitions, installations, talks, tours, debates and of course parties have been programmed to help broaden our understanding of architecture, how to engage with it and improve our lives in Scotland and beyond. There are still a host of events taking place across Scotland ahead of the festival’s Closing Lecture.

Speaking ahead of the Closing Lecture, festival co-producer Andy Summers said: “We’re thrilled with the response we’ve had to date for festival events. From rigorous debates, thought provoking exhibitions and practical events to immersive experiences and installations the festival continues to find new ways to broaden our understanding of and connection to architecture.

“As a final flourish it’s a privilege to welcome three of architecture’s most vocal personalities to put the discipline under the spotlight. Cath, Sam and Beatrice are both eager champions and earnest critics and we look forward to the insights they’ll be sharing here in Scotland.”