CRUNCH seminar series returns for 2025

The Bartlett School of Architecture’s research-driven and practice-led seminar series, CRUNCH continues in 2025 with six events exploring the theme of “dating”. The series examines how architecture shapes and reflects relationships across cultural, ecological and technological contexts.

This year’s seminars will explore diverse topics, including speculative approaches to environmental challenges, the role of natural models in digital media and the impact of colonial histories. Discussions will examine how the built environment shapes connections and divisions. Highlights include insights into Bahrain’s cultural heritage, the evolution of industrial architecture and the integration of sustainability in contemporary design.

CRUNCH is curated by the school’s Co-Directors of Public Programming, Albert Brenchat-Aguilar and Déborah López Lobato.

Please note: CRUNCH will take place from 6:30–8pm on Mondays at The Bartlett School of Architecture, 22 Gordon Street, London. The events are first-come, first-seated and have limited capacity.

Geostories: Another Architecture for the Environment
January 20, 2025, 6:30–8pm 
Rania Ghosn examines how architectural imagination can help us understand Earth’s temporal and spatial scales in the context of the climate crisis, in conversation with Amy Catania Kulper.

Just Models: Playing Nature
January 27, 2025, 6:30–8pm
Alenda Y. Chang discusses the intersections of ecology, technology and media through natural modelling in digital games. Chaired by Déborah López Lobato with responses from Lucia Pietroiusti, Head of Ecologies, Serpentine.

Works from Bahrain
February 10, 2025, 6:30–8pm
Noura Al Sayeh and Anne Holtrop reflect on ten years of architectural practice in Bahrain, exploring the intersection of conservation, cultural heritage and contemporary design in conversation with Murray Fraser.

Odd Couple: “Post” Industrial Architecture and “Post” Human Futures
February 24, 2025, 6:30–8pm
Claire Zimmerman explores industrial architecture in the age of climate crisis and posthuman futures. Chaired by Stylianos Giamarelos with responses from Bartlett PhD students. This event is part of The Bartlett’s PhD Research Projects Conference and Exhibition. 

Documenting Colonial Toxicity
March 3, 2025, 6:30–8pm
Samia Henni examines France’s nuclear weapons testing programme in colonial Algeria through archival research and exhibition-making. Chaired by Edward Denison with responses from Jananne Al-Ani.

Research through Architectural Practice
April 28, 2025, 6:30–8pm
Award-winning architect Anna Heringer discusses how architecture can be a powerful tool for sustainable development and social change. Chaired by Yeoryia Manolopoulou with responses from Tracy Meller and David Storring.