ASSEMBLE
b. 2010, United KingdomAssemble is a London-based collective working across art, architecture, and design, recognised for a democratic, collaborative practice rooted in urban communities. The group rose to international prominence after becoming the first collective—and the first non-artists—to win the prestigious Turner Prize in 2015 for their innovative, participatory neighbourhood regeneration in Liverpool’s Granby Four Streets.
In 2025, their work was shown in London for Frieze Sculpture.
Early Formation and Background
Assemble was founded in 2010 by a group of young graduates, primarily from architecture programs, who sought to experiment beyond the constraints of conventional practice. Initially established to realise The Cineroleum, a temporary cinema project, the collective has since grown to include members with backgrounds not only in architecture, but also in set design, theatre, anthropology, philosophy and construction. The group has maintained a non-hierarchical, cooperative structure, currently comprising between 16 and 20 permanent members and many collaborators.
The collective’s shared ethos is to foster a slower, socially engaged, and collaborative process for making places—one that is accessible, inventive, and interdependent.
Assemble Artworks & Practice
Assemble’s practice spans buildings, public installations, urban interventions, community workshops, and research. The collective champions hands-on approaches, material experimentation, and the integration of artmaking and building.
Their work is often grounded in neighbourhood needs, with an emphasis on inventive reuse of materials, collective authorship, and reimagining civic participation. Assemble often undertakes commissions that are realised via projects and workshops involving local communities, promoting self-building and practical skills alongside artistic innovation.
Seminal Assemble Projects, Exhibitions and Awards
- The Cineroleum, London (2010): Transformed a derelict petrol station into a temporary cinema, catalysing further collaborative work
- Folly for a Flyover, London (2011): Converted a motorway undercroft into a temporary arts venue and public space
- Granby Four Streets & Granby Workshop, Liverpool (2012–): Award-winning participatory regeneration and ceramics workshop
- Baltic Street Adventure Playground, Glasgow (2014): Community-designed play space
- Goldsmiths Centre for Contemporary Art, London (2018): Gallery and public hub in a repurposed Victorian bathhouse
- Venice Biennale of Architecture, Italy (2018)
- Nottingham Contemporary, UK (2022): Lina Bo Bardi playground project
- Luma Atelier, Arles, France (2025): Experimental workspaces for the Luma Foundation
Awards and Accolades
- Turner Prize, Tate Britain (2015)
- Global Award for Sustainable Architecture (2017)
Assemble FAQs
Who is Assemble?
Assemble is a London-based collective working across art, architecture, and design, known for collaborative, socially engaged practices and winner of the 2015 Turner Prize. You can follow Assemble on Ocula to learn more about their collective work, find out about art for sale, contact their gallery, and keep up to date with upcoming exhibitions.
Where can I see work by Assemble?
Works by Assemble can be experienced at Granby Workshop and the Granby Winter Garden in Liverpool, Goldsmiths Centre for Contemporary Art in London, and at international exhibitions such as the Venice Architecture Biennale. You can follow Assemble on Ocula to receive alerts on upcoming exhibitions. You can also follow them via their Website and Instagram.
Are there any lesser known and interesting facts about Assemble?
Assemble maintains Sugarhouse Studios in London, serving as their hub and home to more than 50 craftspeople. This space supports the collective’s craft-based research and educational activities. You can follow Assemble on Ocula to receive alerts on news about the collective.
Ocula | 2025
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