2024-05-05T03:13:55-04:00 https://archinect.com/features/article/7706563/op-ed-sticks-and-stones-ai-weiwei-and-the-uses-of-architecture Fred Scharmen 2011-05-26T12:39:00-04:00 >2024-01-23T19:16:08-05:00 <img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/dt/dtmszdv4oaoq69h7.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p> This op-ed was initially conceived as a series of critical Twitter messages by <a href="http://archinect.com/people/cover/2752895/fred-scharmen" target="_blank">Fred Scharmen</a>, aka <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/sevensixfive" target="_blank">sevensixfive</a>, directed at blogs (including Archinect) that have been providing ongoing exposure of new architecture projects in China, considering China's unfair capture and treatment of artist/activist Ai Weiwei. In an effort to investigate this issue further, and hopefully spark a little productive debate, we invited Fred to pen this op-ed.</p> <p> Should the media protest the treatment of Ai Weiwei by ceasing promotion of all new architectural work in China? Should architects refuse to take on new work in China? Should we continue to support the work of architects and artists in China, but only with a disclaimer? Please share your thoughts in the comments.</p>