StudioSpace - Open Call for Submissions

SHS Publishing (www.shspublishing.com) is announcing an open call for essays/projects for an upcoming publication entitled StudioSpace which explores the space of the architecture studio – particularly in its capacity to contribute to the creative process and as a survival tactic for the contemporary architecture practice.

The space of the architect’s studio and the creative process are critically intertwined. Historically studio space has helped to define new creative processes and foster architectural innovation. Spaces such as the Bauhaus-Dessau and Frank Lloyd Wright’s studio have attained mythical status namely for their reputation of producing innovation through collaborative intense working relationships. How is creativity and an effective working process fostered through the space of the studio itself? How has the dynamic of the creative method vis-à-vis space changed over time? What are possible future conditions for working methods and working space in the face of increasing digital mobility? And to what extent does the surrounding environment (neighbourhood/city) play a role?

The space of an architecture studio is also representative of a studio’s own particular set of survival tactics. Each practitioner needs to make crucial decisions on the location, rent expenditure, symbolism, and functionality of their space – decisions almost always being partially dictated by the firms revenue flow and what each architect values as a viable survival tactic. Up-starts sacrifice the symbolism and location of their space for functionality and affordability, while more established firms can invest in a space that in part reflects the output of the firm itself. Each practitioner develops a survival strategy that works best for them and this is in turn reflected in the space they operate.

Contemporary writings on studio space have focussed almost exclusively on one office – OMA. SHS believe that there is much more variety out there in terms of the spaces in which architectural practices operate. StudioSpace aims to explore that diversity.
SHS is asking participants to critically reflect on historical and contemporary issues concerning the space of the architect’s studio. Please send pitches, maximum 500 words, by May 1st to [email protected]

Once pitches have been accepted, participants will be contacted to develop their pitches into full pieces for the book.