Unlike unrealized architectural projects, which are frequently exhibited and circulated, unrealized artworks tend to remain unnoticed or little known. But perhaps there is another form of artistic agency in the partial expression, the incomplete idea, the projection of a mere intention? Agency of Unrealized Projects (AUP) seeks to document and display these works. Whether censored, forgotten, postponed, impossible, or rejected, unrealized projects form a unique testament to the speculative power of non-action.

AUP follows the publication entitled “Unbuilt Roads: 107 Unrealized Projects,” collated by Hans Ulrich Obrist and Guy Tortosa after several years of international research conducted in the late 1990s. Twenty years later, the Agency of Unrealized Projects was formed in collaboration with Julieta Aranda and Anton Vidokle, and an open call for unrealized projects was issued for its first public exhibition at ArtBasel in 2011. The open call will continue until all unrealized art projects are compiled.

Proposal for a permanent video installation for the NYC headquarters of Sony Corporation - Dara Birnbaum

Engel-Detektor - Jakob Gautel & Jason Karaïndros

Festival du film de famille - Pierre Huyghe

<A Public Misery Message> - Critical Art Ensemble

"Free Space" - Michelangelo Pistoletto

PROPOSAL FOR SEATTLE ARTS COMMISSION, IN PUBLIC - Chris Burden

Electronic Theater - Laurie Anderson

Catwalk - Sylive Fleury

Theater der Leere - Werner Ruhnau and Yves Klein

A House of Dust - Alison Knowles

Agency of Unrealised Projects
Logo by Liam Gillick
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Date
Title
Source
Description
Tags
W4754
27.05.2011
Billboard - Oona Stern
WWW
Using the technique of banner advertising ubiquitous throughout the city, a scaffolding bridgeway in lower Manhattan would be wallpapered with an image of architectural material. Reclaiming architectural surfaces from the pervasion of advertising, "billbo ...
Using the technique of banner advertising ubiquitous throughout the city, a scaffolding bridgeway in lower Manhattan would be wallpapered with an image of architectural material. Reclaiming architectural surfaces from the pervasion of advertising, "billbo ...
D10806
01.01.2008
A Play in Three Acts - Bethan Huws
DAAD
To find three existing flower shops in a relatively large town. The first would be tightly categorised: red roses; pink roses; white lilies, etc. The second would be less so. And the third would resemble something from nature (like many ...
To find three existing flower shops in a relatively large town. The first would be tightly categorised: red roses; pink roses; white lilies, etc. The second would be less so. And the third would resemble something from nature (like many ...
W5374
19.10.2012
Broken Window - Alex Villar
WWW
Between '71 and '73, during the time Gordon Matta-Clark, Caroline Goodden and others ran the restaurant Food in Soho on 127 Prince Street, artists submitted projects for an event series hosted at the restaurant and called Sunday Night Guest Chef Dinners. ...
Between '71 and '73, during the time Gordon Matta-Clark, Caroline Goodden and others ran the restaurant Food in Soho on 127 Prince Street, artists submitted projects for an event series hosted at the restaurant and called Sunday Night Guest Chef Dinners. ...
W4428
25.05.2011
The architectural charter - Philippe Rahm
WWW
The architectural charter Project for Vassivière, France From 2003 All the territory of Vassivière, France ...
The architectural charter Project for Vassivière, France From 2003 All the territory of Vassivière, France ...
W3935
20.05.2011
John Roloff
WWW
The works presented here are part of a large group of 'unrealized' projects engaging landscape, metaphor, geologic/human time and natural systems. The descriptive text for each project submitted is included with each image. ...
The works presented here are part of a large group of 'unrealized' projects engaging landscape, metaphor, geologic/human time and natural systems. The descriptive text for each project submitted is included with each image. ...
W3856
19.05.2011
THE SISTER COMPLEX - Jacob Stewart-Halevy
WWW
The Sister Complex is a film script written for captive audiences on Virgin America flights from Los Angeles to San Francisco. The forty minute length of the film is meant to correspond to the amount of time a traveler would have to watch their personal s ...
The Sister Complex is a film script written for captive audiences on Virgin America flights from Los Angeles to San Francisco. The forty minute length of the film is meant to correspond to the amount of time a traveler would have to watch their personal s ...
W4076
23.05.2011
Reuniting ‘Between You & I - Sara Brannan
WWW
In 2007 Anthony McCall produced a limited edition number of prints (150) to coincide with his exhibition at the Serpentine Gallery in London. What I’d like to do in this work is try to reunite as many as possible of the prints to be exhibited togethe ...
In 2007 Anthony McCall produced a limited edition number of prints (150) to coincide with his exhibition at the Serpentine Gallery in London. What I’d like to do in this work is try to reunite as many as possible of the prints to be exhibited togethe ...
W4455
25.05.2011
"GLOBAL SATELLITE PROJECT" - Joaquim Pereira Eires
WWW
"GLOBAL SATELLITE PROJECT" is een eigen concept waarin satellietbeelden, een snapshot van een bepaalde tijd en omgeving, "horizontaal" worden geïntegreerd in de publieke ruimte van meestal diezelfde omgeving. De digitale basis-satellietbeelden die hiervo ...
"GLOBAL SATELLITE PROJECT" is een eigen concept waarin satellietbeelden, een snapshot van een bepaalde tijd en omgeving, "horizontaal" worden geïntegreerd in de publieke ruimte van meestal diezelfde omgeving. De digitale basis-satellietbeelden die hiervo ...
W4069
23.05.2011
Alishia Duncanson
WWW
Title: “Mission Impossible 1” Materials: Wood and M.D.F board Corridor space containing 5- 20 drawings in space, creating semi obstructed spaces to be engaged with by the viewer. The work asks the viewer to investigate both space and time as each ...
Title: “Mission Impossible 1” Materials: Wood and M.D.F board Corridor space containing 5- 20 drawings in space, creating semi obstructed spaces to be engaged with by the viewer. The work asks the viewer to investigate both space and time as each ...
W5436
20.10.2012
the “A” project  - Khalil Charif
WWW
the A project A global action to unite people and make sound waves from ourselves to be heard anywhere in the world. Description: a sound wave that get people from everywhere in the world to say "a", at the same time, for as longer as they can, unli ...
the A project A global action to unite people and make sound waves from ourselves to be heard anywhere in the world. Description: a sound wave that get people from everywhere in the world to say "a", at the same time, for as longer as they can, unli ...
W5032
31.08.2012
Peter Friedl
WWW
When Roger M. Buergel was appointed artistic director of documenta 12, I was asked to develop some ideas for the visual design of d12. I quickly started with research work at the documenta archives in Kassel. Due to ill communication it didn't make much s ...
When Roger M. Buergel was appointed artistic director of documenta 12, I was asked to develop some ideas for the visual design of d12. I quickly started with research work at the documenta archives in Kassel. Due to ill communication it didn't make much s ...
W4152
23.05.2011
She - Cornford & Cross
WWW
We proposed to position an eternal flame in physical and symbolic relation to the Lion statue in Forbury Gardens, Reading, England.. The Lion commemorates a battle in 1880 in Maiwand, Afghanistan — Britain’s last military involvement in Afghanistan b ...
We proposed to position an eternal flame in physical and symbolic relation to the Lion statue in Forbury Gardens, Reading, England.. The Lion commemorates a battle in 1880 in Maiwand, Afghanistan — Britain’s last military involvement in Afghanistan b ...
W4599
25.05.2011
Oh Buck, horse heartbreak - Bethany Fancher
WWW
Oh Buck, horse heartbreak Posted by Bethany Jean at 6/11/2008 11:43 AM Categories: horse travel Well, circumstances don't provide enough time for Buck to feel ok being in a trailer. Karin's job ended early and it is time to go. Buck is staying on the ...
Oh Buck, horse heartbreak Posted by Bethany Jean at 6/11/2008 11:43 AM Categories: horse travel Well, circumstances don't provide enough time for Buck to feel ok being in a trailer. Karin's job ended early and it is time to go. Buck is staying on the ...
W4530
25.05.2011
Star Museum in Sharjah by A12 - A12 Star Museum in Sharjah
WWW
Star Museum in Sharjah by A12 Our proposal for Sharjah Art Foundation Production Programme was to build a temporary pavilion to host the first stage of the Star Museum, a travelling museum dedicated to the stars. The stars in this museum are not inten ...
Star Museum in Sharjah by A12 Our proposal for Sharjah Art Foundation Production Programme was to build a temporary pavilion to host the first stage of the Star Museum, a travelling museum dedicated to the stars. The stars in this museum are not inten ...
W4601
25.05.2011
180˚ - Magdalen Chua
WWW
In May 2010, we submitted a proposal for the use of TriSpace, a triangular-shaped gallery space at the Institute of Contemporary Arts, LASALLE College of the Arts, Singapore. TriSpace was, in the words of the Institute of Contemporary Arts, intended to be ...
In May 2010, we submitted a proposal for the use of TriSpace, a triangular-shaped gallery space at the Institute of Contemporary Arts, LASALLE College of the Arts, Singapore. TriSpace was, in the words of the Institute of Contemporary Arts, intended to be ...
W4724
26.05.2011
Transylvanian Pavilion  - horea
WWW
Transylvanian Pavilion Two proposals that requested the “presence” of a temporary pavilion representing Transylvania at the Venice Biannual. The first one was addressed to Professor Bonito-Oliva in 1993 and the second was addressed to Francesco ...
Transylvanian Pavilion Two proposals that requested the “presence” of a temporary pavilion representing Transylvania at the Venice Biannual. The first one was addressed to Professor Bonito-Oliva in 1993 and the second was addressed to Francesco ...
W3617
14.05.2011
WHAT A BEAUTY: A WORKING POEM - jillian mayer
WWW
Aprox run time: 8 min. Synopsis: Performance based around a volcano constructed from paper mache. Set to a pre-recorded audio poem with interactive components. Materials: Paper Mache Volcano, speakers,pre-precorded poem, amplifying device, pre-pr ...
Aprox run time: 8 min. Synopsis: Performance based around a volcano constructed from paper mache. Set to a pre-recorded audio poem with interactive components. Materials: Paper Mache Volcano, speakers,pre-precorded poem, amplifying device, pre-pr ...
W3885
19.05.2011
THE 
CHILHOOD
 OF
 AN 
ENCOUNTER
 - Martin Llavaneras
WWW
At a dinner I met R.M, aged 56 millionaire. We had a conversation. The same night, we entertained the idea of making a project together: ¨...what would happen if you were hanging from a cliff by a rope, and the rope is cut ?... ...
At a dinner I met R.M, aged 56 millionaire. We had a conversation. The same night, we entertained the idea of making a project together: ¨...what would happen if you were hanging from a cliff by a rope, and the rope is cut ?... ...
W3663
15.05.2011
AN EXERCISE IN PUBLIC MOVEMENT - Matteo Guidi & Giuliana Racco
WWW
Illuminated intervention in a public swimming pool (conceived 2008) The swimming pool, unlike the ocean or sea, is a circumscribed space. We intend to temporarily reverse this sensation of limited space by converting the walls of the pool to dark blue/ ...
Illuminated intervention in a public swimming pool (conceived 2008) The swimming pool, unlike the ocean or sea, is a circumscribed space. We intend to temporarily reverse this sensation of limited space by converting the walls of the pool to dark blue/ ...
W4279
24.05.2011
"Mr. Quixote"  - AGGTELEK
WWW
Monument of 50 meters high rehearsing a new "Don Quixote" titled "Mr. Quixote". "Mr. Quixote" tells the story of the adventures of Mr. Quixote through the 21st century through the vision of a geek. ...
Monument of 50 meters high rehearsing a new "Don Quixote" titled "Mr. Quixote". "Mr. Quixote" tells the story of the adventures of Mr. Quixote through the 21st century through the vision of a geek. ...
W4627
25.05.2011
REMEMBERING HUMANITY - laura j padgett
WWW
REMEMBERING HUMANITY: Reflections on the Work of Bruno Taut This proposal is a visual / textual analysis of an attitude: An attitude of commitment to and belief in mankind, as a result of and despite political, social and economic conditions. BACKGROUND B ...
REMEMBERING HUMANITY: Reflections on the Work of Bruno Taut This proposal is a visual / textual analysis of an attitude: An attitude of commitment to and belief in mankind, as a result of and despite political, social and economic conditions. BACKGROUND B ...
W4302
24.05.2011
Black Box - Anna Balint, Béla Káli, József Tasnádi
WWW
Black Box  is a parallel reconstruction project evaluating the unique by repetition, an analyse of the essential existence of unrealized architectural projects through their increasing concrete existence. We construct a database of  50 remarkable archit ...
Black Box  is a parallel reconstruction project evaluating the unique by repetition, an analyse of the essential existence of unrealized architectural projects through their increasing concrete existence. We construct a database of  50 remarkable archit ...
U9731
01.01.1988
Tower Cranes, Paris  - Tadashi Kawamata
Unbuilt Roads
Please see the enclosed leaflet· "Tower Crane, Paris" (eventually reasons why the work has not been realised) Financial, technical and organisation problems Previous Publications (?) Enclosed ...
Please see the enclosed leaflet· "Tower Crane, Paris" (eventually reasons why the work has not been realised) Financial, technical and organisation problems Previous Publications (?) Enclosed ...
U9533
01.01.1992
AUSSICHTSTURM, HOLZHAUS (WOHNHAUS), SCHWIMMBECKEN, FREIE FAHRT - Maria Eichhorn
Unbuilt Roads
AUSSICHTSTURM Auf der höchsten Erhebung einer Landschaft einen 33 Meter hohen Aussichtsturm in einer offenen Konstruktion (Stahlskelettbauweise) bauen. Mit standigen Offnungszeiten. HOLZHAUS (WOHNHAUS) In einer Gegend mit wenigen oder keinen Hau ...
AUSSICHTSTURM Auf der höchsten Erhebung einer Landschaft einen 33 Meter hohen Aussichtsturm in einer offenen Konstruktion (Stahlskelettbauweise) bauen. Mit standigen Offnungszeiten. HOLZHAUS (WOHNHAUS) In einer Gegend mit wenigen oder keinen Hau ...
U9953
01.01.1974
Temple of the western buddha (1971 Kathmedu) - Herman de Vries
Unbuilt Roads
a circle of sacred trees in the east side of the circle a flat stone as seat uder a boddhi tree (ficus religiosa). other trees in the circle: ficus bengalensis, aegle marmelos,butea frondosa,melia azadirachta,prosopis spicigera,thevetia neriifolia, sa ...
a circle of sacred trees in the east side of the circle a flat stone as seat uder a boddhi tree (ficus religiosa). other trees in the circle: ficus bengalensis, aegle marmelos,butea frondosa,melia azadirachta,prosopis spicigera,thevetia neriifolia, sa ...
U9742
26.03.1997
Theater der Leere - Werner Ruhnau and Yves Klein
Unbuilt Roads
Sehr geehrte Frau Sabolewski, auf Veranlassung von Herrn Obrist übersende ich Ihnen anbei die Kataloge " Yves Klein/Werner Ruhnau" und "Baukunst" . Dort finden Sie Zeichnungen, Modellfotos etc. , die Sie gern verwenden können. Das "Feuer-Wasser-Lu ...
Sehr geehrte Frau Sabolewski, auf Veranlassung von Herrn Obrist übersende ich Ihnen anbei die Kataloge " Yves Klein/Werner Ruhnau" und "Baukunst" . Dort finden Sie Zeichnungen, Modellfotos etc. , die Sie gern verwenden können. Das "Feuer-Wasser-Lu ...