Protest Architecture

Protestarchitecture.org is a free online resource dedicated to the study, design and use of Protest Architecture. A database is under construction launching in 2023, with examples of Protest Architecture and associated resources. The website will accompany upcoming RIBA publication Protest Architecture: Structures of Civil Resistance, to be published in 2024. To find out more about Protest Architecture and to get involved - please read on...

Image credit: Natasa Leoni

What is protest architecture?

Protest architecture describes the design and use of built structures to facilitate protest, civil rights and non violent direct action.

A typical aim of Protest architecture is to leverage a protesters ability to occupy a given location, complicating efforts from state actors or private security to remove them.

Protest architecture can involve the use of existing built environment and surrounding landscape, or the creation of wholly new structures: from treehouses and tunnels protecting ancient forests, to bamboo structures blocking roads during urban occupations.

Protest architecture is often designed to interface directly with the human body, by suspending a protester in mid air, or providing ‘lock on’ points which they can attach themselves to. When occupied in such a way, protest architecture becomes complicated to dismantle, involving specialist trained crews and equipment.

Protest architecture can help to prolong a protest, provide shelter or lookout points, block vehicles and infrastructure and create iconic photographic imagery.

Get involved

If you are involved in the study, design or use of protest architecture (whether real or imagined) and would like to be included on the site/book please email us. We are looking specifically for those who have rights to imagery who are willing to allow the free use of these images as part of the platform

info [at] protestarchitecture [dot] org