Aesthetiquette - Confiscated Assets in Transition, UniRC 2026

Abstract

The French root of the word etiquette refers to a ‘ticket’ that symbolizes entrance into society by adopting regulated behaviours and attitudes. Beyond that origin, the term has been linked to ethics. The French suffix -ette (a diminutive) suggests that etiquette is a ‘small ethics.’

For different reasons works of architecture can be excluded from their natural society – the city. Entering the urban association requires regulating their presence and performance. ‘Aesthetiquette’ refers to the the radical transformation of marginal architectures for the purpose of inscribing them within the urban association. Material and proportional beauty are the ‘ticket’ that symbolizes the entry process and the recognition of ‘minor aesthetics’ as a key to urban life.

Historically, architectural figures of singular beauty have been used across scales. Beyond the city’s primary elements, urbanity can be achieved through small, peripheral, and still extraordinary squares, shrines, and fountains.