ROYAL INSTITUTE OF BRITISH ARCHITECTS PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release: 27 September 2017
Images available from: https://riba.box.com/v/Clore
Hayhurst & Co. announced for new Clore Learning Centre at RIBA HQ
Following a RIBA competition, Hayhurst & Co. has been chosen to design the new flagship Clore Learning Centre at the RIBA’s Grade II* listed headquarters at 66 Portland Place in central London. The new Learning Centre will transform how the public learns about and responds to architecture and is made possible by a generous grant from the Clore Duffield Foundation.
Nick Hayhurst of Hayhurst & Co said: “We are delighted to have won the design competition for the new Clore Learning Centre at the RIBA. We are really pleased to be working on the design of a space that will bring a new facility into the heart of 66 Portland Place. We are looking forward to working with the RIBA and Clore Duffield Foundation to develop our ideas for a vibrant and adaptable space that encourages visitors of all ages to learn about architecture.”
The brief asked entrants to design a dedicated, fit-for-purpose learning centre for the delivery of hands on, creative activities for diverse audiences, including children and families, young people, adults and lifelong learners.
RIBA President Ben Derbyshire said: “The creativity and quality of the proposals reflected the genuine commitment of our members to exciting the next generation about architecture and ensuring a diverse profession for the future. I am confident that Hayhurst & Co. will deliver a truly inspirational space for all ages to learn about and explore architecture.”
With an anticipated launch in February 2019, the new Learning Centre will provide a permanent home for the RIBA’s ambitious learning programme that is already serving 10,000 people per year across the country. It is expected that the new Learning Centre will welcome an additional 10,000 visitors per year by 2021.
Dame Vivien Duffield, Chair of the Clore Duffield Foundation said: “We were pleased by the enthusiastic response to this competition and were delighted to be part of the process in selecting the winning team. We were particularly impressed by Hayhurst & Co.’s creative, flexible and practical response and look forward to seeing their vision realised and used by a whole range of enthusiastic learners.”
The shortlisted entries were evaluated by a prestigious panel that included Sally Bacon, Executive Director of the Clore Duffield Foundation; Ben Derbyshire, RIBA President; and Alan Vallance, RIBA Chief Executive. Sarah Williams, S Williams Architects acted as the RIBA Advisor for the competition.
The four other shortlisted teams were:
- AOC Architecture
- Coffey Architects
- Delvendahl Martin Architects
- Featherstone Young
-ends-
Notes to Editors:
- For further press information contact the RIBA Press Office: pressoffice@riba.org 020 7580 5533
- Images available at: https://riba.box.com/v/Clore
- The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is a global professional membership body that serves its members and society in order to deliver better buildings and places, stronger communities and a sustainable environment. www.architecture.com
- Follow @RIBA on Twitter for regular updates www.twitter.com/RIBA
- Please ensure RIBA Competitions is credited when mentioning the above competition. RIBA Competitions delivers variety, inspiration and value through expertly run design and architectural competitions. For further details visit www.architecture.com/competitions
- The Clore Duffield Foundation has funded over 50 learning spaces across the UK, and has published guidance on learning spaces in partnership with the Heritage Lottery Fund and others. www.cloreduffield.org.uk / www.spaceforlearning.org.uk
- RIBA Learning: Through a programme of hands-on, creative workshops and courses, RIBA Learning empowers people of all ages to engage knowledgeably and meaningfully with the architecture that defines the spaces and places they live, work, learn and play. www.architecture.com/learning
- Follow development of the Clore Learning Centre at RIBA: www.architecture.com/Clore
