Urban Operations is a Los Angeles-based architecture and research firm founded by architect John Southern in 2005.The studio specializes in design/build work and research projects that seek to expand critical discourse within the design profession. Through its research division, Urbanops.org, the office explores a wide variety of design-based themes within contemporary culture and produce zines which illustrate and critique architecture’s impact on the built environment. Urban Operations has extensive experience in collaborative projects, including building construction, and continues to seek out new avenues of expression in a wide variety of practical topics and conceptual avenues within the design disciplines. The firm’s work has appeared in galleries and publications around the world.