2008

  News feeds|  RSS|

RIBA Launches 'Building Happiness: Architecture to Make You Smile'

Date:

22 October 2008

Press office contact:

Mina Vadon
T: +44 (0)207 307 3761
E: mina.vadon@riba.org

Date and time: 22 October 2008, 7pm

Venue: Shoreditch Town Hall, London

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) today launches Building Happiness: Architecture to Make You Smile, a pioneering new book looking at the psychology of the built environment and whether architecture can make you happy.

Featuring a host of the UK's eminent architects, designers and thinkers in the field, the book presents an eclectic range of essays and articles examining the diverse relationship architecture and happiness. Contributors include Stirling prize winning architect Keith Bradley, fashion designer Paul Smith, broadcaster Kirsty Wark, architect Richard Rogers, theatre director David Lan, sculptor Anthony Gormley, architectural critic Hugh Pearman, architect Will Alsop and engineer Jane Wernick.

The publication follows on from numerous consultative initiatives including This House Believes You Can't Build me Happiness - a public debate hosted in May 2007 with the aim of harvesting public opinion on the issues and creating discussion around the project.

Notes to editors

  1. Press are invited to attend the launch event. To reserve a press place or for more information about this event, please RSVP to Mina Vadon in the RIBA Press Office on 020 7307 3761 or mina.vadon@inst.riba.org
  2. The address for Shoreditch Town Hall is Shoreditch Town Hall, 380 Old Street, London EC1V 9LT. The nearest Underground station is Old Street
  3. Building Futures is the RIBA's think tank on issues affecting the future of the built environment. It was established to create space for discussion about the needs of society from our built environment and, consequently, the built environment professions in 20 years and beyond. The group aims to highlight and promote those working with new technologies and developing new ideas, which will contribute to the future of our towns and cities and address society's changing demands over the coming years. How and where will we be living in 50 or 100 years' time? What technologies will architects be using to design new buildings and what materials will be specified? How will the inevitable new technologies affect the buildings and places we use every day? The Building Futures programme is ongoing and includes exhibitions, debates, events and research activities. For more information visit www.buildingfutures.org.uk

 

Top of page|