will alsop works on a sketch in his trademark colours at this offices in battersea, south london
photo sara lee

will alsop, the stirling prize winning architect will quit his practice to spend more
time painting, but will continue as a consultant in the firm.

at an age when most architects are entering their most productive years, alsop, 61,
announced his plans to walk away from day-to-day architecture and launch a 'serious
inquiry into painting' instead. he said his decision was partly the result of opposition
to his style of architecture within parts of the establishment.

alsop architects will now be guided by managing director duncan maucaulay.

known for his somewhat controversial designs alsop received the royal institute for
british architects building of the year award in 2000 for peckham library an exuberant
turquoise and yellow structure. four years later he was forced to sell his firm to venture
capitalists after it entered administration.

'I love architecture but one of the things that gets up my nose, particularly in london,
is that doing anything is like pulling teeth,' he said.

'there are so many hangers on and architectural advisers who know nothing and it gets
in the way. for example I am doing nothing for the london 2012 olympics and it has got
to the point where I don't feel like asking so I don't give them the satisfaction of saying no.'

via guardian


peckham library
image courtesy alsop architects


the public - art gallery
photo paul pickard
image courtesy alsop architects


sharp center for design
image courtesy alsop architects