Reinier de Graaf, a partner at the renowned architecture firm OMA, has stirred the architectural community with his new publication, "Architecture Against Architecture." This provocative work contends that the profession has significantly diminished its standing and requires a fundamental reassessment. De Graaf, in an exclusive interview, clarified that his aim is not to incite conflict but to foster an honest dialogue about the challenges facing architects today. The book delves into various aspects, from the disproportionate influence of established, older figures within firms to the contentious discussion surrounding the necessity of new building projects. He openly confronts anticipated criticisms of his own position, given his role in a prominent firm, and advocates for a redefinition of architectural practice as a form of labor. A key proposition within his manifesto is the promotion of unionization, a concept he believes is crucial for the industry's evolution and for safeguarding the rights of its practitioners.
Reinier de Graaf Ignites Debate on Architectural Practice and Ethics
In a significant move for the architectural world, Reinier de Graaf, a key figure at OMA, recently launched his book, "Architecture Against Architecture," on October 18, 2026. The book's central premise, articulated with characteristic directness, is that architecture has lost its credibility and is in urgent need of a fundamental reset. Speaking from his perspective as a veteran of over three decades in the field, De Graaf stressed that his intent is not to court controversy, but to initiate a genuine, open discussion among architects. He argues that the profession must mature beyond the romanticized notion of artistic vocation and acknowledge its industrial reality, advocating for practices like unionization—a rarity in architecture, with Bernheimer Architecture being one of the few unionized firms in the US. De Graaf also controversially addresses the ethics of working in politically sensitive regions, such as Saudi Arabia's Neom project. He asserts that in a world where moral distinctions between clients and locations are increasingly blurred, architects must prioritize the integrity and benevolence of their work, rather than the origin of the commission. This stance, he admits, has led to varying degrees of success for OMA, reflecting the inherent complexities and ambiguities of contemporary architectural practice.
De Graaf's bold assertions prompt us to reconsider the fundamental values and operational structures within the architectural profession. His call for candor and unionization challenges the long-standing, often idealized, self-perception of architects as pure creatives. This perspective encourages a necessary introspection into how power dynamics, ethical considerations, and labor rights are addressed within firms and across the industry. The debate he wishes to spark is not merely academic; it has profound implications for the future direction of architecture, pushing practitioners to engage critically with their roles in a rapidly changing global landscape.