arch & krach: Exploring the Duality of Architecture and Artistic Noise

arch & krach is a collaborative project and living archive that operates at the intersection of architecture and artistic expression. The name itself reflects a core duality: 'arch' representing structured, scientific spatial forms, and 'krach' (noise) evoking the intuitive energy of creative disruption. Founded as a platform for students, young architects, and creatives, arch & krach facilitates a shared exchange of ideas that challenges traditional architectural boundaries. The project is edited by Jonathan Burkard and Christian Sternhagen and is often associated with academic contexts, such as the Master Design Studio at the KU Leuven Faculty of Architecture in Ghent. The work archived within arch & krach explores how the built reality is influenced by various material and immaterial layers, including economic, environmental, and infrastructural systems. Featured projects span multiple European cities, including Ghent, Brussels, and Hannover, addressing themes like the transformation of 1960s residential high-rises, parasitic urban structures for social housing, and the evolution of complex urban quarters. By weaving together photography, writing, and design research, arch & krach encourages architects to proactively engage with today’s complex reality. The platform’s first major physical iteration, Collection 01, was published by M BOOKS as a loose-leaf ring binder collection, allowing for personal adaptation and ongoing growth. This format mirrors the organization’s philosophy of originality as a fluid concept where knowledge is shared and reinterpreted.