Back to School with... Paulien Bremmer

The Other Construction Site

“There is no alternative,” was the political slogan of Margaret Thatcher, which argued that liberal capitalism is the only viable system. It fits the traditional construction site like a glove. The existing system - driven by time and money, extractive, and masculine - is seen as universal and justifies the way of working.

But is this truly just? And does this way of working align with the urgent issues and transitions of our time? Shouldn't we focus on other values instead of primarily those of money? Can we move beyond a system that seems unshakable and believe in an alternative?

In this series of three evenings, curated by Architect Paulien Bremmer, we will explore these questions and discuss alternatives - then, now, and in the future.

About Back to School With...
Back to School with... is a sequence of research based lectures where we invite notable people that woke our interest and curiosity and from whom we want to learn more. For each series of three evenings, we ask someone that inspires us to design and curate a lectures programme around one topic or question that is on their mind at that moment. A simple dinner and one drink at the bar is included in the ticket price. Doors open and food served from 18:00, the lecture starts at 19:00. Tickets for the separate events are 17,50 euro and include a simple dinner. An entrance package for all three evenings is available for 45 euro.

About Paulien Bremmer
Paulien Bremmer studied architecture at the Technical University in Delft and time based art at the Rietveld Academie and Sandberg Instituut. She gained experience as an architect working for diverse firms in the Netherlands, before starting her own studio in 2005 - an interdisciplinary design studio working on working on architectural projects, art projects, research and competitions, based in Amsterdam. Het built works vary from a bookshelf to a new building for the Rietveld Art Academy and Sandberg Institute. Paulien

Preliminary Programme

SESSION #1: THE CONVENTIONAL CONSTRUCTION SITE

07 October 2025, 18:00 - 21:00

The first evening explores the conventional construction site through the lens of Brazilian Marxist architect Sergio Ferro, who emphasises the role of workers and the construction process over the final design. It also explores lesser-known, alternative approaches, with special attention to women-led construction projects from recent history, such as the Woman’s Bridge, Lina Bo Bardi’s work, and 1980s women’s building sites.

SESSION #2: THE ALTERNATIVE

28 October 2025, 18:00 - 21:00

The second evening explores contemporary architectural practices that embrace alternative, hands-on approaches to building—using natural or reused materials, writing demolition specs, developing new products, or actively participating in construction. These practices challenge the conventional construction system and culture. The session examines the motivations behind these methods and their impact on the built environment, with various practitioners offering insights into how such approaches reshape architecture and construction today.

SESSION #3 THE OTHER CONSTRUCTION SITE

11 november 2025.

The third evening revolves around the question of what the construction site might look like if we view it more 'separately' from the existing system. Autonomous practices or practices that repair, restore, grow, or operate collectively—allowing for freer experimentation and speculation about the future.