ABOUT THE CENTRE

The Architecture Centre is an independent organisation dedicated to the promotion and exploration of excellence in all aspects of the built environment.
It was founded by the Bristol Centre for the Advancement of Architecture (BCAA), a charitable trust. The Centre's programme includes exhibitions, guided tours, visits, discussions, workshops and lectures. We are also working with schools and colleges on ways of using the built environment as a teaching medium.

Located on Bristol harbourside, the Centre has been in operation for ten years now. The Centre in Bristol was one of the first to be established outside of London in 1996. The organising body, the Bristol Centre for Advancement of Architecture (BCAA), is a registered charity and has a long leasehold interest over the premises occupied by the Centre.

The Centre in Bristol takes on much of the broad agenda of Architecture Centres and has an established track record of achievement. We combine a strong physical public presence with advocacy and outreach work across the south west region.

Our building on the waterfront in the centre of Bristol contains 2 exhibition galleries, a meeting room, a shop, a 'front of house' and public information point and our offices. Our community and outreach activities are based here but take place across the region.

Our opening hours are:

Tuesday to Friday, 11am-5pm

Saturday and Sunday, 12-5pm

Closed all day Monday

WHAT ARE ARCHITECTURE CENTRES?

Architecture centres have existed for a number of years in North America and mainland Europe and have been emerging in the UK over recent years.

Architecture centres help to inform the wider public about a practical art which influences their daily lives and hope to engage them in debate and to involve them in the processes that mould the built environment.

Centres are involved in advocacy, awards, competitions, collaborations, commissions, consultancy, consultation, debate, education, events, exhibitions, information, publishing and training.

The Architecture Centre Network links the 22 established and emerging UK centres, and the Network is supported by CABE. Find out more about the Architecture Centre Network in the UK from the Architecture Centre Network website

BETTER BUILDINGS AND PLACES FOR PEOPLE

We are about:

  • The promotion of better architecture and built environments which will enhance people's lives

  • Helping everyone understand and appreciate architecture in all its forms and within its social and cultural context

  • Encouraging public demand for excellence in design

  • Encouraging public engagement and ownership

  • The term architecture is used to include all aspects of the built environment. It includes planning, buildings, places, interiors, landscape and public art. It includes cultural, social and economic concerns and the processes and philosophies of design.