OGU Architects’ Queen’s Quay Kiosk shows how small-scale architecture, placemaking and meanwhile use can transform Belfast’s waterfront community.

We’re thrilled to share that our floating pavillion DRIFT has been shortlisted for the Dezeen Awards 2025 in the architecture – small building category.

The Dezeen Awards are among the most prestigious accolades in international design and architecture. This year, over 4,300 entries from 89 countries were submitted, and our DRIFT project is one of just 92 architecture projects to be longlisted across all categories.

OGU Architects are leading the PEACEPLUS regeneration of Castle Park, Portaferry — revitalising a historic walled garden into a vibrant community hub with café, gathering spaces and links to the town’s maritime heritage. A landmark in sustainable placemaking and shared community life.

OGU Architects’ co-director Dr Rachel O’Grady will speak at the Irish Architecture Foundations New Life, Old Buildings – Future Heritage conference in Limerick. The national programme explores conservation, adaptive reuse, placemaking and community buildings, showing how Ireland’s existing heritage can be reimagined as resilient, sustainable and inclusive spaces. Drawing on OGU’s award-winning projects, Rachel will share insights on adaptive reuse, community-led design and the social value of reimagining historic buildings for contemporary life.

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.

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, 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, 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.

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, 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.

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.’