Architecture and Violence: Between Representation and Exchange

This thesis focuses on spaces that have experienced brutal and radical transformations, in cities that have endured war, asking what architecture becomes when it collides with violence. While it dramatically alters architecture, destruction does not seem to belong to any architectural discourse. Hence, architecture as destruction becomes merely a product of violence. However, this research discusses destruction differently, it argues that when destruction impacts architecture, it should not be seen as a final act, rather architecture acquires new meanings. Analyzing the relationship between architecture and violence starts with investigating the human component in an attempt to explore a triangle between humans, violence, and architecture. How do perpetrators of violence carry out destruction without hesitation? Is architecture often targeted because of what it represents? Does architecture contribute to empowering violence or resisting it? The research argues that architecture can transform violence as much as violence transforms architecture.