Atelier[zero], a playful architectural project

Atelier(zero) transforms Piccadilly Basin with a row of white beach huts and a traditional boating lake. The previously empty, and somewhat dingy canal-side has been transformed into a site of play, leisure and sporting competition. Devised by the Berlin based Office for Subversive Architecture and Manchester curator Jane Anderson,Atelier(zero) was initiated as a design competition in which students from Manchester School of Architectureand École Spéciale d’Architecture Paris, were invited to submit proposals that responded to ideas of play and the urban environment. The winning designs have been realized and are now in place, ready for the public to start to play. With the Olympics about to begin, seeing the city as a playground and potential arena for games presents a pertinent and accessible alternative to the organized and ticketed sporting events.  Alongside sporting pursuits the white beach huts will contain a changing series of installations throughout the summer months including video projections, multicoloured ball-pools and live bands – keep an eye on the project website for their latest events and activities.

Piccadilly Basin, Dale Street, Manchester Fri 23 June – Sun 2 Sept, FREE, www.projectofficeatelier.com