OGU is an architecture, research and Urban Design Studio based in Belfast. We help socially conscious clients improve public places and buildings through careful research, material quality and meaningful collaboration with makers and manufacturers.

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Charlie’s Neighbourhood Slice Shop Opens on the Ormeau Road
Charlie’s Neighbourhood Slice Shop Opens on the Ormeau Road

OGU Architects have been working to develop the design of the new Charlies Space on Ormeau Road. OGU have collaborated with chef Marty Duggan to design Charlie's, a new slice shop on Belfast's Ormeau Road. Situated on the ground floor of the Curzon Building beside the Pavilion and The Errigle Inn, the restaurant offers a casual dining experience inspired by pizza spots in London, New York, and Dublin. Charlie's has been designed to feel familiar and be a relaxed neighborhood space where patrons can drop in for a slice and a beer. The design reflects the local context, with both the architect and owner being local residents of the area.

Forward South Partnership Community Hub Building Opens on the Lisburn Road
Forward South Partnership Community Hub Building Opens on the Lisburn Road

Lovely to see the new Forward South Partnership premises be opened yesterday. Such a great use of the councils Vacant to Vibrant Scheme funded by Department for Communities through Belfast City Council.
Lord Mayor Mickey Murray visited the premises on the Lisburn Board to celebrate the opening. This was an ambitious choice for Forward South - OGU Architects supported them with design, technical and statutory support in getting the building open with a modest budget.
This is such a great example of a community organisation reducing vacancy in a listed bank building which had been empty for 10 years.
Video of the opening on Twitter here and linkin here.

Go to http://belfastcity.gov.uk/vacanttovibrant for info on how to apply for the grant.

DRIFT Shortlisted for AJ Small Projects Award 2025
DRIFT Shortlisted for AJ Small Projects Award 2025

DRIFT Shortlisted for AJ Small Projects Award 2025

DRIFT, River Lagan, Belfast, by OGU Architects and MMAS for Belfast 2024

This floating pavilion opened up the River Lagan to the public in two locations last summer. It amplified the multisensory experience of the river and encouraged people to connect with related issues through sonic performances in collaboration with artist Matilde Meireles, plant-identification workshops, ecology presentations, river-themed films, mindfulness and stargazing.

DRIFT Featured in February RIBA Journal Celebrating the McEwen Award Projects
DRIFT Featured in February RIBA Journal Celebrating the McEwen Award Projects

DRIFT, River Lagan, Belfast, by OGU Architects and MMAS for Belfast 2024

This floating pavilion opened up the River Lagan to the public in two locations last summer. It amplified the multisensory experience of the river and encouraged people to connect with related issues through sonic performances in collaboration with artist Matilde Meireles, plant-identification workshops, ecology presentations, river-themed films, mindfulness and stargazing.

Queen’s Quay Kiosk Opening
Queen’s Quay Kiosk Opening

Funded by Department for Communities through Belfast City Council, the Queen’s Quay Kiosk has been designed by OGU Architects and MMAS to create a new space at the site of the former railway. Previously underutilised this is an example of collaborative placemaking celebrating the innovation of local makers and manufacturers with crafted architecture. Native will run a coffee kiosk and all sorts of pop-up events bakeries, food stalls, music and events to make this a new thriving outdoor space.

DRIFT Shortlisted for RIBA McEwen Award Celebrating ‘architecture for the common good’
DRIFT Shortlisted for RIBA McEwen Award Celebrating ‘architecture for the common good’

DRIFT, River Lagan, Belfast, by OGU Architects and MMAS for Belfast 2024

This floating pavilion opened up the River Lagan to the public in two locations last summer. It amplified the multisensory experience of the river and encouraged people to connect with related issues through sonic performances in collaboration with artist Matilde Meireles, plant-identification workshops, ecology presentations, river-themed films, mindfulness and stargazing.

OGU Talk at Irish Architecture Foundation Placemaking Symposium
OGU Talk at Irish Architecture Foundation Placemaking Symposium

Rachel will be speaking as part of the Irish Architecture Foundations Reimagine Placemaking Programme.

‘Presented by the Irish Architecture Foundation as part of our Reimagine placemaking programme and This Is Where We Are Now season, A Place Belongs Forever To speaks to those passionate about placemaking and the built environment who want to expand their understanding of the field, engaging with placemaking in creative, interdisciplinary ways.During this one-day symposium participants will explore how we connect with the places we inhabit through hands on-activities, workshops, and a panel discussion.’

2 Royal Avenue wins Civic Trust Award
2 Royal Avenue wins Civic Trust Award

2 Royal Avenue has won a Civc Trust Pro Tem Award. Recognition of so much hard work and what an amazing project for the city.

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It was lovely to see the Bishop Street project (2022) settling into its site on a rainy visit to the city today - the weathering steel and game of polished/unpolished concrete suit this kind of weather @oguarchitects @mmas_arch @dcsdcouncil #derry #u
09.11.24 Rachel presented the @drift_lagan project as part of the @irisharchitecturefoundation symposium ‘A Place Belongs Forever to’ on behalf of @oguarchitects @mmas_arch @mtld_meireles - it was wonderful to hear from fellow panellists
WINNER IN THE 2024 CIVIC TRUST AWARDS: The 2RA Meanwhile Project (the conversion of a former Belfast bank into an indoor public space) is one of 56 successful projects @civictrustawards and the level of award will be announced at the awards ceremony
January 2024. 2RA Meanwhile Project has been featured in @architecturenorthernireland Perspective mag - a collaboration with @mmas_arch and artists @jonathanhsross @bethlmilligan @lyndsey_mcdougall @brighdinfarren for @belfastcitycouncil @2royalave