Names to Know at the 2017 Chicago Architecture Biennial: Andrew Kovacs
Proposal for a Dog Park by Andrew Kovacs, Yessenia Juarez, Peter Boldt, Erin Wright
Los Angeles, California
This conceptual project, completed in 2015, proposed a masterplan without introducing any new architectural elements; instead the designers repurposed pre-existing structures, such as the fire hydrant, to configure new spaces.
Photo courtesy Andrew Kovacs
Downtown Alleys by Andrew Kovacs, Yessenia Juarez, Erin Wright, Israel Ceja, Peter Boldt, Jena Meeks, Naomi Steinhagen
Los Angeles, California
Designers imagined pedestrian-focused spaces by creating a series of architectural interventions throughout the city’s informal urban walkways. The conceptual proposal was exhibited at the Architecture and Design Museum as part of City LAB’s LA Times 10 this year.
Photo courtesy Andrew Kovacs
The Lima Art Museum New Contemporary Art Wing by Andrew Kovacs, Peter Boldts, Israel Ceja
Lima, Peru
This 2016 proposal won an honorable mention for the designers’ plan to sink the museum’s volume below ground level and have its roof transform into a public square. Translucent roofing and three fixed structures were envisioned to offer views and physical entrances into the building below.
Photo courtesy Andrew Kovacs
Andrew Kovacs of Office Kovacs
Photo courtesy Chicago Architecture Biennial
Designer Andrew Kovacs founded his practice in Los Angeles, where he also serves as a faculty member at UCLA’s Architecture and Urban Design Department. RECORD asked him five questions about his work in preparation for the Chicago Architecture Biennial. Scroll through the slideshow above to see some of his key projects.
Architectural Record: Tell us about your practice. What differentiates you from other firms?
Our goal is to “make architecture from architecture.” If architecture organizes the world around us, then “making architecture from architecture” is about evaluating what exists and rearranging that material towards new architectural purposes. In other words, architecture should aim to reimagine the world.
We have an affinity for:
1) things that are readymade
2) things that are everyday
3) things that are playful
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4) things that are colorful
5) things that are cheap
6) things that are collaged
7) things that are fast
8) things that are miniature
9) things that are colossal
10) things that are beautiful etc.
How do you get into the creative headspace?
The longest project I have worked on continuously is Archive of Affinities. This is a project that has no client, no deadline, and no budget - therefore it is a project of pure passion and curiosity. Archive of Affinities is a crucible for all the work that I do. Archive of Affinities influences my thinking, my design work, my teaching, and, in turn, Archive of Affinities is influenced by these other activities.
Who are your design heroes?
Too many to list. Everything on Archive of Affinities.
What do you hope to contribute to the Chicago Biennial?
We are producing a scale model that is both an homage and an attempt to rethink Sir John Soane's home, now museum, and collection in London, England. We propose a new contemporary collection of architectural matter that is assembled into a speculation on collective living. In other words, we are re-conceptualizing Soane's home as a city, the interior as exterior – one in which a collection of objects are not only meant to be viewed, but also inhabited.
Most importantly, when it comes to pizza, deep dish or thin crust?
Deep dish for sure. Pequod's Pizza and Burt's Place are the best.
The Chicago Architecture Biennial runs from September 19, 2017, to January 7, 2018. Read more of our coverage of the event here.
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