Built Exchange: Architecture Fringe 2025 preview
We meet Architecture Fringe co-founder Andy Summers to learn more about this year's programme and their core aims of working in support of progressive social change
Launched in 2016, Architecture Fringe is a now-biennial grassroots festival which explores architecture in a political, cultural and social context. They’re returning this month with their seventh edition, a programme of events and workshops running across Scotland themed around Reciprocity – Architectures of Exchange. The programme is in two strands – the Core Programme, which is conceptualised, curated, commissioned, produced and delivered by the Architecture Fringe team, and the Open Programme, which is open-access, free to participate, and self-directed by the participants. Co-founder and co-director Andy Summers offers us an insight into this year’s theme, and the organisation as a whole.
“Our vision is to transform architecture for the common good, embedding it as a progressive force in national public life to create a plural, diverse and high-quality public-facing culture of architecture in Scotland and beyond,” he explains. An architect, educator, curator and public programmer, Summers is passionate about fostering a discourse around architecture and its role in the community. “Our audience is diverse, ranging from architects and activists to artists and community groups, students, and people interested in our cities, towns and landscapes.
“There’s a lot going on in the world, and architecture, design and construction has a huge impact on the earth and our lives, both positive and not so positive,” he says. “We want architecture to play a more affirmative role in helping us all reach a more just, joyous and sustainable present and future. We’re committed to helping nourish and grow a critical, plural and buoyant culture of architecture in Scotland and our open-access platform has to-date inspired and amplified over 400 projects across the country.”
On this year’s theme, it’s a timely reminder of our interconnectedness, co-dependence, the existence of humanity and the built environment within an ecosystem. “Reciprocity seeks to remind us that the functioning of our world relies on the presence, assistance, and positive actions of other people,” Summers explains. “It’s an important social norm that informs human behaviour and aids our wellbeing, promotes sociability and encourages people to work together – foundational requirements for the viability of our towns, cities and landscapes.”
ArchiFringe 2025 programme highlights
Architecture Fringe 2025 Opening Party!
The Briggait, Glasgow, 6 Jun, 6-9pm
Featuring exhibitions from across the core and open programmes as well as performances from Glasgow’s Brass, Aye? and dance-maker Janice Parker with tunes from resident DJ at Scandal Glasgow, BELLAROSA. Tickets available via architecturefringe.com
The Reason of Towns
The Briggait, Glasgow, 6-22 Jun, 11am-5pm
A touring exhibition celebrating the work of one of Ireland’s most renowned architects, Valerie Mulvin. Featuring models, plans and specially commissioned film work, the exhibition explores the telling and retelling of true stories, lost traditions and possible futures for Irish towns and the people who live in them.
Big Lecture: Anna Heringer
Edinburgh Futures Institute, Edinburgh, 12 Jun, 6.30-8pm
An evening with Anna Heringer, an architect based in Laufen, Germany, responding to this year’s theme and its interaction with her practice. Heringer is honorary professor of the UNESCO Chair of Earthen Architecture, Building Cultures and Sustainable Development where her work focuses on the use of natural building materials.
The Museum of Dad
Scottish Dance Theatre Studio Space, Dundee Rep Theatre, Dundee, 13 Jun, 6.30-8pm
A guided tour through the imaginary museum holding the archive of Andrew Nicoll, Dundee Rep architect, its contents telling the stories that Alzheimer’s made him forget.
Unstable Structures
The Courtroom Space, Oxford House, Glasgow, 6-15 Jun, 11am-4pm
A site-responsive exhibition of new sculptural and photographic work by artist and architect Veronika Desova. The exhibition explores a tectonic narrative related to the theme of instability – physical, social, and emotional – as a material condition and a metaphor for our times.
Mapping Metamorphosis
George Brown & Sons, Leith, Edinburgh, 6-22 Jun, 11am-6pm
Through carefully constructed drawings, designer Michael James Lewis holds architectural grids, lines, and markers against the shifting, cyclical movements of geological processes.
Reciprocity – Architectures of Exchange is the theme of the seventh edition of the Architecture Fringe. Featuring almost 90 projects, events and exhibitions, the festival runs at various locations across Scotland, 6-22 Jun