DRIFT Shortlisted for Dezeen Awards 2025
DRIFT has been shortlisted for the Dezeen Awards 2025
We’re delighted to share that our floating pavilion DRIFT has been shortlisted for the Dezeen Awards 2025, 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 shortlisted across all categories.
🔗 View our project on Dezeen Awards 2025
About DRIFT
Floating on the River Lagan in central Belfast, DRIFT is a temporary public pavilion that transforms an overlooked piece of river infrastructure into a space for gathering, listening and reflection. Clad in hand-woven marine rope and hosting immersive sound art by Matilde Meireles, DRIFT explores how architecture can act as a platform for urban research, live engagement and meanwhile use, testing new ways for the city to meet its river.
Designed and built with reuse in mind, its lightweight scaffold frame and recycled plastic floatation system mean DRIFTcan travel, evolve and adapt to new urban contexts, continuing a dialogue on how public architecture can be temporary yet transformative.
A Recognition of Public Architecture in Northern Ireland
As a Belfast-based architecture and urban design practice, we are proud that a locally designed, community-focused project like DRIFT has received international recognition. The Dezeen shortlist includes practices from across the globe, and it's an honour to see our work featured alongside them.
This nomination builds on OGU’s growing reputation for thoughtful, place-specific architecture. Our studio specialises in public realm design, adaptive reuse, and temporary structures, often working with partners across Ireland and the UK to shape projects that make meaningful civic impact.
Supported by Public Partners
This project has been made possible with generous support from:
Belfast City Council
Department for Communities (DfC)
Queen’s University Belfast
We are grateful for their continued investment in public space, cultural programming, and civic life along Belfast’s waterfront.
Thank You
Huge thanks to our collaborators — especially MMAS, Matilde Meireles, Design ID (engineers), Native Coffee, Lagan Currachs, and all of the volunteers and community partners who helped support and weave and build the DRIFT structure and story over the last 12 months at three different sites.
Stay Connected
Fingers crossed for the Dezeen Awards party in London this November!
📸 Instagram: @oguarchitects
📸 Project Instagram: @drift_lagan
💼 LinkedIn: OGU Architects
🌐 Website: www.oguarchitects.com
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