OSA to build installation at Leeds International Pool
- Published: 16 January 2008 12:14
- Author: Richard Waite
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- Last Updated: 16 January 2008 12:58
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German maverick Office for Subversive Architecture (OSA) has been chosen to build this temporary art installation inside Leeds' soon-to-be-demolished International Pool.
Dubbed The Accumulator, the huge textile funnel is expected to be erected within the next few days, and will stay on display until the 1967 pool is flattened to make way for Make's long-awaited Spiracle tower in April.
However, the news comes amid reports that the deal to sell off the now-empty building – originally designed by disgraced architect John Poulson – has yet to be finalised.
Leeds City Council had hoped to seal the deal for the site with developer HAG Properties last year but, according to the Yorkshire Post, the final contract has still not been signed, leaving the final demolition date in doubt.
Meanwhile, OSA is continuing with its competition-winning scheme, which has been designed as a 'virtual water collector' to raise questions 'about resources and sustainability based on current discussions on climate change'.
Describing the project, OSA director Karsten Huneck said: 'Leeds International Pool, which was constructed in the 1960s, exhibits all the "swank" and "jauntiness" of the swinging sixties.
'This is also reflected in the shape of the funnel, which has the virtual function to create a gateway to discussions about standards for modern buildings.'
He added: 'Now that the building is deemed not to be energy efficient, and would need extensive repair, the decision has been made to demolish it.'
The installation will go on public view on 21 February.
