The project, dubbed ‘The House of Architecture @ RIBA’, will focus on redefining spaces within the building for various functions, achieving full accessibility throughout, supporting the institute’s drive to meet net zero carbon targets, and ensuring the ‘sensitive restoration and conservation’ of the Art Deco landmark building.
Key aims include creating a ‘welcoming, open and dynamic face for the institution’ to replace the current ‘not sufficiently welcoming’ ground-floor entrance to 66 Portland Place. A new public gallery, members’ gallery, collections gallery and public affairs gallery could also be delivered, and the bookshop potentially relocated to the same floor as the library.
Renato Benedetti, director of Benedetti Architects, described the proposed overhaul as a ‘once-in-a-lifetime project’, adding: ‘We adore 66 Portland Place and agree it needs comprehensive improvements to be fit for purpose to secure its sustainable future culturally and environmentally, as an exemplar for architects, and for the communication of architecture’s significance to the broadest possible audience.
‘As a wide-eyed Canadian student who first visited in 1983, the RIBA felt like the architectural epicentre of the world to me. It would be great to rekindle that sense of excitement and relevance for future generations of architects and lovers of architecture.’
RIBA president Simon Allford said: ‘We were very impressed with the quality and consideration evidenced in every shortlisted proposal, but ultimately Benedetti Architects’ vision for our project secured their win. They also enthusiastically embraced our idea to work collaboratively with other practices in later stages.
‘The transformation of 66 Portland Place is an incredible opportunity for the RIBA and Benedetti Architects to build a detailed brief, a team and a project that is vital to the future of the RIBA.
This project is a key physical manifestation of our House of Architecture programme
Allford said: ‘This project will be a key physical manifestation of our House of Architecture programme – enabling us to encourage collaboration and inspire architects and architecture. Crucially we will be delivering many activities globally and virtually too, with our own HQ building providing a strong foundation and destination. The lead architect is also tasked with the practical challenge of bringing a listed building up to scratch, from an accessibility and sustainability perspective. This is urgent and essential work to make 66 Portland Place fit for the future.’
The competition was launched in January three months after Allford used his first council meeting as president to pledge to ‘properly invest in this building’ and make it an ‘exemplary net zero carbon facility’ as well as a better place for ‘engaging the public, government and ourselves’.
At the same time, former RIBA chief executive Alan Vallance said the RIBA was preparing to sell 76 Portland Place, where it currently has offices for its staff and a members’ café. The move to offload the property forms part of the institute’s drive to tackle an annual £8 million budget deficit.
Completed in 1934, 66 Portland Place has undergone piecemeal upgrades throughout its history, most recently with the addition of a Hayhurst & Co-designed learning centre and a Carmody Groarke-designed gallery.
Organised by RIBA Competitions, the procurement sought a team to develop design options, costs and feasibility for the full refurbishment of the building. The winner, Benedetti Architects will be expected to manage the project, co-ordinate the design team members and determine the next steps of the strategic masterplan.
Judges included Allford, Williams, Vallance, RIBA board member and honorary treasurer Simone de Gale, RIBA head of estates and facilities Liam McConnell, RIBA board chair Jack Pringle, RIBA board member for heritage MaryAnne Stevens, and Neal Shashore, chief executive and head of the London School of Architecture.
The shortlist
- Benedetti Architects
- David Kohn Architects
- Donald Insall Associates, Freehaus and IDK
- Feix&Merlin with Haptic Architects & Heritage Architecture
- Hall McKnight
- Hugh Broughton Architects
- Roz Barr Architects
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