The future is rural.

After Urbanism is an ongoing inquiry by OYAM into the evolving role of architecture in rural America. The project challenges the idea that small towns are simply defined by what they lack—urban density, infrastructure, or cultural institutions—and instead recognizes them as complex places shaped by history, migration, and economic forces.

As rural communities undergo demographic shifts and cultural transformation, the need grows for architectural approaches that engage these changes with care and nuance. Rather than applying urban-centric design models, OYAM advocates for a practice rooted in dialogue—one that listens closely and responds to the lived experiences and social fabric of each place.

By exploring how architecture can reflect and support rural identity, After Urbanism seeks to reframe the relationship between design and place—ensuring that the built environment grows out of, and in service to, the ongoing stories of rural life.