Gaza, Architecture & Cultural Erasure: A Conversation with UN Expert Chris Sidoti

In this landmark episode nr 20 of the Architectural Democracy Podcast, hosts Pedro Aibéo and Mark Linder engage in a sobering and insightful conversation with Chris Sidoti, internationally renowned human rights lawyer and former member of the UN Independent Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

Recorded on August 29, 2025, the discussion explores the political and human consequences of architectural destruction in Gaza, and the broader implications for cultural memory, international law, and the fragile future of democracy in conflict zones.

Architecture as a Weapon of War

Sidoti’s UN report, released earlier this year, offers harrowing documentation of the systematic destruction of Gaza’s schools, hospitals, homes, religious sites, and archaeological heritage. With over 91% of educational infrastructure damaged or destroyed, and tens of thousands of civilians killed, the conversation pulls no punches:

“Architecture isn’t neutral. When it’s destroyed, it’s not just buildings that fall—it’s identity, future, and hope.” — Chris Sidoti

The report exposes how the built environment becomes a tool for cultural erasure, what Sidoti calls an attack not only on infrastructure, but on the very continuity of a people.

From Collateral Damage to Deliberate Targeting

Sidoti is unequivocal: the destruction of cultural sites is not accidental. Schools, universities, religious institutions, and archaeological sites have been intentionally targeted by military actions.

He notes:

• Israeli forces have bombed, shelled, or occupied schools, hospitals, and cultural heritage sites.

• Over 63 university buildings have been completely destroyed.

• Archaeological remnants vital to Palestinian identity are being wiped out.

“The destruction of archaeology has long-term consequences. It destroys the memory of what was and that is an attack on a people’s future.”

The Politics of Documentation

Throughout the episode, Sidoti emphasizes the power of documentation. In a world where memory is fragile and political interests dominate, keeping the record becomes a form of resistance.

“Our job isn’t just to investigate. It’s to preserve truth. Without a record, there can be no justice.”

He compares the current crisis to the destruction seen in Nagasaki, noting the importance of drawing lessons from past international failures, and from the hopeful moments of post-war reconstruction like the Marshall Plan.

Can Democracy Survive Cultural Erasure?

Pedro and Mark ask the hard questions:

• What happens to a people when they are left without schools, hospitals, or homes?

• Can a democratic future be rebuilt on ruins?

• Who should pay for the reconstruction?

• What role does international law play when power continues to ignore it?

Sidoti answers with honesty and urgency. The international legal system, while fragile and underfunded, is still one of the few tools we have. But without political will, even the best documentation won’t prevent history from repeating.

Final Reflection: Hope Beyond Evidence

Despite the grim realities, Sidoti closes the conversation with a belief that transcends law:

“As a lawyer, I see no evidence for hope. But I choose to believe in justice, because belief is what allows us to keep going.”

This powerful episode reminds us that architecture, memory, and law are deeply intertwined—and that defending one may be key to defending them all.

Listen to the full episode here: https://youtu.be/n8QBdDId6FY Read the UN report on Gaza’s cultural heritage destruction: https://www.ohchr.org/en/hr-bodies/hrc/co-israel/index