The Planning and Architecture of Deportation, Imprisonment and Death - Reflections on the Ethical Implications of the Holocaust for Built and Natural Environment Disciplines

Abstract

This paper is based on an exchange and dialogue between two academics on how the legacy of the Nazi period is relevant for built environment, planning and human geography disciplines.We argue that we should be reflecting on the conduct and utility of spatial and urban planning and design in the Nazi period from the perspective of professional ethics, not just as a historical reflection and remembrance but also to inform current and future generations of professionals.

Citing the Architecture of the Holocaust as a Method of Critique in Contemporary Artistic Practices: Zbigniew Libera, Zoran Dimovski, and the Use of Scale Models

“…According to Richard Kötter and Lewis Preston, the "Final Solution" was, as seen by its creators and implementers, a prerequisite for development plan, not only architectural and urbanistic, but also agricultural and industrial. 30 The extermination and forced-labor camps should not be seen then separately from the small and largescale models of venues which testified to the modernization of Germany. By creating scale models of barracks and crematoria, Libera and Dimovski bring the architecture of the Holocaust in the domain of visible models of megastructural projects, thus using the scale models as cultural commentary and critique.…”