Exhibitions and events to look out for…

Those with an interest in architecture might like to take note of the exhibitions and events to be announced by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

Ahead of the upcoming temporary closure of RIBA’s iconic building at 66 Portland Place a special programme has been announced.

The building will close for refurbishment at the end of May.

Exhibitions include the final weeks of Difficult Sites: Architecture Against the Odds, which closes on May 31.

This explores remarkable feats of architectural achievement in the face of tricky terrain, awkward urban plots, challenging remodels, and more.

It includes work from history’s most renowned architects Neave Brown, Grimshaw Architects and Norman Foster, as well as contemporary practices of Tonkin Liu, KnoxBhavan, and Carmody Groarke the exhibition highlights the pioneering spirit at the heart of great architecture.

The Royal Gold Medal exhibition runs from May 2 to May 31 at both the RIBA Practice Space, 66 Portland Place, and RIBA North and Tate Liverpool.

The exhibitions will celebrate the career of this year’s Royal Gold Medallist, SANAA, the collaborative practice of Japanese architects Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa.

The displays will present 10 of SANAA’s noteworthy projects through a series of photographs by renowned Dutch photographer Iwan Baan, which celebrate simplicity, elegance, and light.

SANAA is best known for projects that champion sustainability, inclusivity and accessibility.

Major works include the New Museum of Contemporary Art, New York, the Rolex Learning Centre, Lausanne, Switzerland and the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa, Japan.

Talks and lectures include RIBA + VitrA, Building Empathy: Unity of Place, with Takeshi Hayatsu, director at Hayatsu Architects, Lee Ivett, head of the Grenfell-Baines Institute of Architecture and founder of Baxendale, and Anna Mansfield, director at Publica at 7pm on May 15.

Drawing on their own experiences and case studies, the panel will explore how empathy, craftsmanship, and community participation can shape lasting and inspiring spaces.

Then, RIBA Late: Under (Re)Construction will take place on May 20 at 7pm.

The last RIBA Late before the temporary closure of the building, this will be an evening of insightful architecture talks, curator-led tours, plus live music and performances from some of RIBA’s creative collaborators.

With a special performance from RIBA Honorary Fellow Rhael “Lion Heart” Cape, and a unique collaboration between RIBA and the Royal College of Art, guests can explore 66 Portland Place’s history, craftsmanship, and the creative forces within.

For more information click here.

Image: New Kagawa Sports Arena, Japan, ©SANAA