The Berlage

LIST is a Paris based Architecture, Urban Design and Research office, founded in 2012, by Ido Avissar. The office develops an approach that conciliates professional practice and research, which aims to position itself between disciplines (architecture, urbanism, landscape and planning) rather than within a set framework. This desire comes from the observation that today, many spatial and societal questions manifest themselves in various ways and on different scales. Tackling these issues and their interrelationships on diverse scales and in a cross-disciplinary way, constitutes a great asset and a fertile design framework for the office.

The office’s work is both heterogeneous and idiosyncratic. We are currently delivering two architectural projects: a mixed-use building in Chapelle International district in Paris and a housing project in Massy. They join other delivered projects in Kasterlee (Frans Masereel art centre), Aarhus (Harbour magnets), Strasbourg (Deux Rives), Torhout (Main square) and Genk (Sports park). The built work is a mere part of the office’s production. Many projects are either research work (Metropolis II, IMR), masterplans (Saint-Denis, the polytechnic district in Saclay, Mérignac Soleil) or large scale planning and landscape strategies (Metropolitan Landscapes Brussels). The office has also taken part in several exhibitions, biennials (Chicago Architecture Biennial 2015, Lisbon Triennale 2016 and 2019), cultural production (contribution to the FRAC in Orleans) and was the artistic director of the 1:1 architecture festival within the framework of Aarhus Festuge and Aarhus 2017.

The office’s production distinguishes itself from its contemporaries by the singular use of drawings that tend to assemble disjointed realities into condensed figures, oscillating between abstraction and specificity. Another important characteristic of our production is the central role played by writing, as suggested by the office’s name.

The office’s practice is resolutely turned towards European territories. These territories’ diversity, openness and accessibility, seem to outline a true, contemporary and coherent project environment. This constellation of territories allows us to convene broader knowledge and cultures and also constantly widens and fuels our practice. These different territories are confronted by the office’s ongoing projects but also by research, writings and teaching.