John F. C. Turner’s book Housing by People: Towards Autonomy in Building Environments (1977) represents a milestone in participatory architecture, a milestone in participatory architecture and a manifesto that empowers marginalised communities through the construction of their own homes. It proposes a social contract between architects and residents. Structured around the book’s key terms, including autonomy, networks, housing economies, self-government, and participation, this dialogue considered its legacy and continuing relevance.