LASSA is an architecture practice based in London, co-founded in 2009 by Theo Sarantoglou Lalis and Dora Sweijd. We operate at the intersection between the fields of art, technology and social science. As a practice we have two main concerns. On one hand, the behavioural attributes of architectural form for its capacity to stimulate the corporal experience of space, to enhance socialization and the collective. On the other hand, are the politics of construction and a complete rethinking of building procedures.
LASSA is strongly engaged with technology for its pivotal role in the way we collaborate, design and fabricate architecture. Current work includes commissions from both the public and private sectors in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. With experience working in 18 countries, our team has developed expertise in the delivery of projects of great sophistication with a particular control over the manufacturing process and cost.
LASSA is concurrently engaged in academic research through the work of their studio, Diploma 17, at the Architecture Association and through workshops and lectures worldwide. Besides teaching at the AA, our team has held teaching positions at universities such as Harvard, Columbia, the Bartlett, Westminster University, Lund University and Gothenborg University.
In 2010, LASSA was awarded a REA European research grant for COELUX, an advanced lighting system, in partnership with world leading specialists as well as research institutions throughout Europe and Switzerland. LASSA was a finalist for a number of international awards, including the 2012 Chernikov award and the 2013 Lisbon Biennale award. LASSA (Sarantoglou Lalis & Sweijd Architects ltd) has been a chartered architecture company with the Architects Registration Board (ARB) in London since 2004.