TEN

TEN is an architecture, design and research association based in Zurich and Belgrade, working on the principle that value is an outcome of design effort. Its engagement on public themes of interest and open research on the built environment is shaped by its common statute.

Projects defined by people.

TEN is composed as a record label, providing new formats for interdependent collaboration with a range of collaborators, colleagues, institutional partners, not-for-profit organisations and private clients. It aims to conceive, explore and produce ideas that both state and expand upon emerging practices in the built environment.

Reform the office

Boss-free since 2015, TEN has been building and adapting its organisational formats alongside open design tools for creative collaboration. This openness helps build unique knowledge with collaborators, clients and the public who share the ambition to handle complex socio-ecological challenges through design.

Design by research

TEN produces new realities by means of prototypes, urban propositions and materials research with a range of collaborators, colleagues, institutional partners and private clients. Teaching and research provide continuous depth to this work.

In the academic year 2026/27 TEN will hold a design and research chair at the Department of Architecture, ETH Zurich.

Parallel trajectories

TEN operates through complementary entities:

INSTITUTE is a non-profit association offering a research platform that supports integrated projects across academic and industry partners.

STUDIO is an informal collective that builds, designs and develops prototypes, urban studies and housing models with a focus on social and ecological impact.

WORKS is a share company focused on the realisation of large buildings, complex environments and capable structures.