Turncoats, a provocative architectural debating society that originated in London last year, has expanded to Scotland, the USA, Canada and Serbia, with more cities in the pipeline. The London originators have turned the premise into a franchise, inviting cities to apply for free and start a Turncoats debate series. The aim is to start confrontational and challenging architectural debate, and make it free for anyone who wants to listen. The premise of a Turncoats debate is the presentation of two opposing 'theatrically provocative opening gambits', then, in the spirit of its name the opposing parties switch sides. 

I attended 'Rip it Up and Start Again', held in Glasgow, Scotland last week. In the Turncoats tradition, mobile phones are placed in envelopes to prohibit recording and a 'shot in the dark' of tequila and a Turncoats badge is offered on arrival. The debate was held in an old glue factory, and the panel consisted of industry professionals arguing for and against the architect's role in gentrification processes in Glasgow and in London. Audience participation is encouraged, the atmosphere wavering from jovial to discordant.

The next confirmed Turncoats debate is in Edinburgh, Scotland, with a future debate in Washington, DC and more to be confirmed. Although one may question the relevancy of mere debating when architecture is a discipline of action, it can be argued that freely accessible, challenging debate can often be the catalyst of change. Likeminded groups can be formed and influential relationships can be forged. Underneath its fluorescent branding and punk directness Turncoats creates a sphere where professionals and students can ask the questions that they have not previously dared to ask.

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