On the occasion of the book Radical Justice (EN) / Radicale Rechtvaardigheid (NL), PAF invites author Nani Jansen Reventlow on Thursday 4 June to join the conversation about the book, her work, and its intersections with the fields of architecture and design. Moderated by Luce Beeckmans, we will explore together with the audience how themes from the book, such as climate justice and decolonization, resonate within architectural and design practices.
In ‘Radical Justice’, Nani Jansen Reventlow outlines how we can begin building a fundamentally different future today: a society in which freedom, equality, and justice are central, and where everyone has equal opportunities. Drawing on her experience as a human rights lawyer and inspired by influential thinkers in anti-racism and social justice, she offers a sharp and accessible collection of 9 essays on how to build a better world that invites both reflection and action. From an intersectional and decolonial perspective, the book examines how justice can take shape today. This evening, we ask ourselves: What can we do in architectural practice, and how can design contribute to more just and inclusive ways of working and living?
During this evening, we will place insights from the book alongside today’s design practice. We explore how themes such as freedom and equality can also be given space within architectural practice, and how design can contribute to dismantling oppressive structures. What role can architecture play in building a more just society, grounded in collective well-being?
We will open the conversation with the audience and invite everyone to share experiences, questions, and perspectives, and to collectively reflect on how these themes can be translated into our own practices.
Program
19:00 – 19:30 Walk-in with coffee and tea
19:30 – 19:45 Introduction
19:45 – 21:00 Conversation with Nani Jansen Reventlow and the audience
21:00 – 21:15 Small group conversations
21:15 – 21:30 Reflections and collective closing
21:45 Drinks and aftertalk
About the author
Nani Jansen Reventlow
Nani Jansen Reventlow (°1978) is an award-winning international human rights lawyer. She is the founder of Systemic Justice, an organization that works across Europe through strategic litigation to support marginalized communities. In 2021, Politico named her one of the leading visionary tech leaders of the moment for her work in the field of digital human rights. Nani Jansen Reventlow has received awards from institutions including Harvard, Oxford, and Columbia University.
About the moderator
Luce Beeckmans
Luce Beeckmans (°1983) is a professor in the Department of Architecture (Faculty of Engineering Science, KU Leuven) and vice director of the Leuven Urban Studies Institute (LUSI). Trained as a civil engineer-architect, she has developed into an interdisciplinary researcher at the intersection of urban and migration studies. Central to her research are questions of socio-spatial justice. Her work is strongly inspired by critical and decolonial theory, social reproduction theory, queer studies, and intersectional and feminist thought.
Tickets
5€ student / 10€ regular / 15€ support ticket (pay what you can)
If these prices do not fit your situation, you can send an e-mail to mail@paf.community. We’ll be happy to offer you a free ticket.
Pre-registration is required via the button below.
Everyone is welcome to join this conversation. No prior knowledge is needed. As always at PAF, we create a warm, open space where every voice is welcome.
Order the book
Read the book in advance and order Radicale Rechtvaardigheid (Dutch edition, 2024), or Radical Justice (English edition, March 2026), written by Nani Jansen Reventlow, from our partner cooperative bookstore De Groene Waterman (online or in Antwerp). The book will also be available for sale during the evening.
The book is 179 pages long and accessible to read. It is great if you have read the full book, but everyone is welcome, even if you did not finish reading the book.
Accessibility
The event will be held in English, but you are welcome to join the conversation in Dutch or French. We will do our best to offer ad hoc (whisper) translations if needed.
After the evening, both an audio recording and a written article of the conversation will be made available on our website for those who were unable to attend or could not fully participate.
Stadsform is unfortunately only partially accessible for people with reduced mobility. The room where the conversation takes place is accessible, but the restrooms are not.
We sincerely apologize for this. Does this prevent you from attending? Please let us know via mail@paf.community, and we will look into what can be done to support your participation.
If you have any other specific accessibility needs or requests, please let us know. We are happy to discuss how we can support your participation. You can reach us at mail@paf.community.