10 Years of the Architecture Centre
10 Years of the Architecture Centre
Main gallery
14 October – 26 November 2006
The Architecture Centre in Bristol came out of a long standing desire by local architects to have a place for discussion and exhibition of how we might improve our built environment. Its aim has always been to seek to raise standards of both buildings and places by engaging a wide audience in such debates and thereby raising expectations for a higher standard of design. As part of this we hope all can share in an enjoyment of this ‘practical art’ which has the potential to raise our spirits but often fails to do so.
Over 10 years we feel we have begun to make a difference. We have initiated discussions, held a diverse programme of exhibitions and organised talks and visits to buildings. We have worked with communities on masterplanning and open space projects and played our part in architectural competitions. More recently we have set up, under the auspices of creating:excellence, a Regional Design Review Panel: a very direct intervention in the raising of standards. We increasingly collaborate with partners in Bristol and the wider region. We are by no means complacent but feel confident that we have built a strong base from which to further develop our work over the next 10 years.”
David Mellor, Chair of the Board of Trustees of The Architecture Centre, September 2006
To mark our tenth anniversary we are holding an exhibition celebrating our activities and achievements since 1996. We will look at the history of The Architecture Centre – how it all began, our favourite projects, and what we have achieved. We will also consider the national and international architecture and built environment centres movement, the role of architecture centres in promoting good design, and what’s next for The Architecture Centre.
For ten years we have focussed our efforts on:
• Artistic Programme. The Architecture Centre works with artists and architects to explore architecture, design, sustainability and the built environment through exhibitions, visits, lectures, and debates.
• Education. We run a successful education programme, working with young people from across the region to give them an understanding of how buildings are designed and how the built environment has an impact on our quality of life.
• Beyond the Centre we have worked on community consultation, design competitions and other outreach projects.
• Design Review. We run the South West Design Review Panel, which gives guidance on developments of regional significance.
• Our projects often result in publications and other resources, aimed at all audiences, exploring different ways of looking at architecture.
• The Architecture Centre shop features the latest architecture and design books as well as gifts, cards, toys, and beautiful jewellery. We strive to source products that are environmentally sustainable, from companies that are ethically responsible.
10 Years of The Architecture Centre will showcase all this and more - the best of the first decade of The Architecture Centre.
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