Office of Subversive Architecture

Office of Subversive Architecture- All eight of the architects work for OSA on a part-time basis, as they all have other jobs, mainly teaching or working for another architectural agency
- Met each other at university and wanted to realise projects as a team and negotiate the costs and procedures themselves- less weakening of the original concept

'The Accumulator'- Leeds, Feb-March 2008:
- Were given a brief to design the space in the international swimming pool area inbetween when the pool was to be drained and when it was to be knocked down
- OSA liked the idea of giving the public space back to the public one last time- allow the users a chance to say goodbye
- The architects decided to do something abstract as they liked the idea of an empty big basin- chose to design a funnel-like installation, so it appears water would be collected through the ceiling
- Therefore working with the existing structure and character of the space to help transform the area with a minimal effort

'Intact'- Shoreditch, London- 2003:
- When walking through the East End of London- two of the OSA architects stumbled upon a disused signal box, which had had the bottom level taken away to prevent squatters using the premises
- Contacted Network Rail to ask permission- the company was interested but not committed to their suggestions for improvement as the signal box was situated in an area of controversy
- Climbed over before dawn, dressed as council workers (so to not attract attention) and did it anyway
- Before converting a space there are two main questions: what level of sensitivity is needed and shall we try to retain the initial structure?
- Re-painted the signal box, planted geraniums and a little front garden and installed a light, motor battery
- Idea was to draw attention and refurbish a derelict space- create a dream-like image in a decrepid area of London
- Also the OSA has to consider whether to change the public or urban area temporarily or permanently
- This 'subversion' was labelled Guerilla Architecture- though guerilla architecture usually refers to destruction rather than construction

'Hoegarden'- Liverpool Street, London- 2005:
- Used for advertising purposes, though all OSA had to do was incorporate a few logos
- Decided to really contrast the space with its urban surroundings- covered the area with blankets of grass and painted an architectural plan of the area onto the lawn
- Natural idea with a comic side; 'Please Keep On The Grass'
- Also displayed in Manchester between derelict buildings- OSA thought this venue was actually more fitting for the concept

'Launch'- Kassel, Germany- 2007
- 100year old casino- change the space into a lounge temporarily
- The room had a lot of windows so the area was easy to neutralise
- Brought cheap IKEA sofas, projected an video of a sitting cat, Julia, which looped every five minutes
- One half of each drink's table was reflected onto the other side using a variety of lights

'Kunstulle'- Liverpool Biennial- 2006
- Asked to create a new dynamic for the roof of these three art warehouses so it was clear that this was a venue during the Biennial
- To create a beacon and help draw people to this region- revitalise the area- 'Soho-isation'
- Focus on the character and the potential of the space- design was to follow the interesting roofline- minimal intervention as it was a temporary intervention
- Decided to not use doors or windows for the outside roof space- instead the OSA team hung drapes of translucent and red PVC from a metal scaffolding
- Depending on the sky's light- the colour in the room changed- very atmospheric- cosy and intimate.