Andrés Jaque (born 1969) is a Spanish architect, researcher, and academic. He is recognized for his interdisciplinary approach that combines architecture, urbanism, political theory, and cultural production. Jaque is the founder and director of the Office for Political Innovation (OPI), a research‑based practice established in 2006 that investigates the relationship between architecture and the public sphere.
Early life and education
Jaqué was born in Madrid, Spain. He earned a degree in Architecture from the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) and later pursued postgraduate studies at the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London, where he obtained an MA in Architecture.
Academic career
Jaqué holds professorships at several institutions. Since 2014 he has been a professor of Architecture and Urbanism at the ETH Zurich, where he leads a research group focusing on the political dimensions of architecture. He also teaches at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, serving as director of the Research Laboratory for Architecture and Urbanism (LARU). Earlier academic appointments include positions at the Universitat de Barcelona, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and the Politecnico di Milano.
Professional practice
Through the Office for Political Innovation, Jaqué has developed a range of projects that blend design, policy, and cultural interventions. Notable works include:
- Hypermuseum of Contemporary Art (2007–2010), a collaborative platform that reexamined museum governance and curatorial practice.
- ExEx (2010), a public art and architecture project in the former Madrid train station that explored adaptive reuse and civic participation.
- MIX Arte (2012), a series of installations and events in the former San José de la Palma winery, integrating community engagement with contemporary art.
Jaqué’s practice emphasizes research‑driven design and frequently collaborates with artists, sociologists, and policymakers.
Awards and recognition
- Prince Claus Fund Award (2015) for outstanding contributions to culture and development.
- International Architecture Biennale Grand Prix (2019) for the project “Full City”.
- Named a member of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando (2021).
Publications
Jaqué has authored and edited numerous books and articles that address the political and social implications of architecture. Key titles include:
- Full City (2014) – a manifesto proposing a new model for urban governance based on collaborative networks.
- The Transparent City (2017) – an exploration of how openness and participation can be embedded in urban design.
- Summer School: Architecture and Politics (2020) – a compilation of essays from interdisciplinary workshops organized by OPI.
Research focus
Jaqué’s scholarship investigates how architectural practice can intervene in political processes, foster democratic participation, and address socio‑economic inequities. His work frequently employs concepts from critical theory, sociology, and economics to propose alternative models for the production of the built environment.
Professional affiliations
- Founder and director, Office for Political Innovation (OPI).
- Professor, Department of Architecture, ETH Zurich.
- Director, Research Laboratory for Architecture and Urbanism (LARU), UPM.
- Member, Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando.
See also
- Office for Political Innovation
- Critical Architecture
- Urban political theory
This entry is based on publicly available biographical and professional information about Andrés Jaque.
