Names to Know at the 2017 Chicago Architecture Biennial: Bureau Spectacular
Tower of Twelve Stories by Bureau Spectacular
Indio, California
The atypical 52-foot steel structure was built for the Coachella Valley Music and Art Festival. Painted white, the apartment’s bubble-like rooms were designed to give viewers a surreal, cartoonish impression of the units.
Photo courtesy Bureau Spectacular
Frankie by Bureau Spectacular
Los Angeles
This 3-D jigsaw puzzle was built in 2016 for a retail store. The nine distinct components can be used separately or fitted together into a new structure that resembles a stand of bleachers.
Photo courtesy Bureau Spectacular
Citizens of No Place by Jimenez Lai
Published in 2012, this graphic novel authored by Bureau Spectacular founder Jimenez Lai is an open investigation of architectural questions through drawings of hypothetical scenarios.
Image courtesy Bureau Spectacular
Jimenez Lai and Joanna Grant
Image courtesy Bureau Spectacular / Chicago Architecture Biennial
Jimenez Lai established Bureau Spectacular (a past Firm to Watch) in 2008 and runs the practice out of Los Angeles with partner Joanna Grant, who joined the office in 2016. RECORD asked them five questions about their work in preparation for the Chicago Architecture Biennial. Scroll through the slideshow above to see some of their key projects.
Architectural Record: Tell us about your practice. What differentiates you from other firms?
We do cartoons and architecture—tell stories through buildings.
How do you get into the creative headspace?
Animated conversations over the organization of tight schedules. Preferably with an onslaught of small dishes and beverages.
Who are your design heroes?
Le Corbusier. Rem Koolhaas.
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What do you hope to contribute to the Chicago Biennial?
A thoughtful re-reading of the work of Adolf Loos, and a glimpse of the thought patterns for people in my generation.
Most importantly, when it comes to pizza, deep dish or thin crust?
This is a time of healing and unity for the United States—such divisive topics will only drive us further apart...
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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