Architecture Programme
Architecture Programme
The RA is where architecture intersects with the visual arts – a connection we explore through talks, performances, exhibitions and debates.
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![Installation view of Renzo Piano exhibition]()
'Renzo Piano: The Art of Making Buildings' now open
15 September 2018 — 20 January 2019
From The Shard in London to the Centre Pompidou in Paris, the buildings of Renzo Piano have enriched cities across the globe. We reveal the vision and invention behind his pioneering work, showing how architecture can touch the human spirit.
Exhibition organised by the Royal Academy of Arts, London, in collaboration with Renzo Piano Building Workshop and the Fondazione Renzo Piano.
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![Invisible Landscapes: Environment (Act II), an installation by Dark Matter Laboratories.]()
Invisible Landscapes
19 May 2018 – 1 April 2019
Discover how digital technologies are transforming our lives and everyday environments in a series of projects inside the RA’s new Architecture Studio. We’re inviting practice-based researchers to present new work through three interconnected acts, addressing how architecture can respond and engage with emerging contemporary issues around technology, and suggesting new ways of being, belonging and living.
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About the Architecture Programme
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![Visitors at the Annual Architecture Lecture.]()
The programme
The Architecture Programme encompasses a variety of events, new commissions and curated displays. From lectures by leading international architects and multidisciplinary panel events, to poetry readings and immersive musical experiences, the Programme consistently pushes boundaries and inspires fresh thinking.
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![The Annenberg Courtyard, Burlington House]()
Our buildings
Dating originally from the 1660s, Burlington House has been our home since 1867, and has seen impressive additions over the years by a roster of celebrated architects. Continuing that rich history, Burlington Gardens, originally built in the 1860s, is currently the focus of a major redevelopment of the RA’s site by David Chipperfield Architects, due for completion in 2018.
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![Yamanashi Fruits Museum, Yamanashi, Japan, 1995]()
RA Architecture Awards
The RA has launched two new international architecture awards that demonstrate and heighten the RA’s role as a global champion of architecture. The recipients of the inaugural accolades were announced earlier this year. Itsuko Hasegawa has been awarded the 2018 Royal Academy Architecture Prize, honouring her inspiring and enduring contribution to the culture of architecture, while Iranian architect Alireza Taghaboni has received the 2018 Royal Academy Dorfman Award.
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![Guyim Villa, Shiraz, Iran (2017)]()
Winner of the inaugural Royal Academy Dorfman Award revealed
The Iranian architect and founder of nextoffice Alireza Taghaboni has received the 2018 Royal Academy Dorfman Award. The award, which honours an international talent representing the future of architecture, is supported by the Dorfman Foundation and was decided by a distinguished international jury, chaired by the architect and Royal Academician Louisa Hutton. Jury members included architect Richard Rogers RA, Dean of Harvard Graduate School of Design Mohsen Mostafavi, BBC broadcaster Razia Iqbal, artist Conrad Shawcross RA and winner of the inaugural Royal Academy Architecture Prize Itsuko Hasegawa.
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Architecture on the RA blog
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![Jack Self]()
Opinion
3 months ago
“We’re suspicious of new technology because we’re suspicious of capitalism”
Is “smart” technology in the home a good thing? What was once about reducing labour and increasing entertainment is radically reframed in the face of 21st-century capitalism, says architect and writer Jack Self.
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![Depth Modulations 2, Gramazio Kohler Research, ETH Zürich, 2014]()
RA Exhibitions
6 months ago
Podcast catch-up: Technology is the answer, but what was the question?
A series of talks considered the title’s provocation, by architect Cedric Price. Catch up on all the events here…
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![Will Alsop RA in his Norfolk Studio]()
Artists
6 months ago
A tribute to Will Alsop RA: 1947 - 2018
Architect Will Alsop RA was known for blurring the boundaries between art and architecture. Following the sad news of his death, the RA’s Head of Architecture and Peter Cook RA reflect on his career.
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![Kate Goodwin]()
Opinion
> 1 year ago
“Architecture impacts everyone. We need to inspire greater visual and spatial literacy for all”
Architecture is part of our culture and society, and the conversation about it should be accessible to everyone. That’s why the RA pledged to champion architecture 250 years ago, and why we’re renewing that commitment now, says Head of Architecture Kate Goodwin.
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![Architecture Space]()
Inside the Academy
> 1 year ago
New architecture space and prizes announced for 2018
The future of architecture at the Royal Academy is set to be transformed through a dedicated architecture space, the launch of a pair of international awards and an annual architecture exhibition.
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![Catherine Slessor 2]()
Opinion
> 1 year ago
“Brutalism is back – but its fetishisation comes at a cost”
Post-war concrete architecture is finding its way into magazines, blogs and Instagram feeds – but its commodified comeback is completely at odds with Brutalism’s social agenda, argues architectural critic Catherine Slessor.
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![Tony Blair giving his famous “Forgotten people” speech at the Aylesbury Estate on 2 June 1997]()
RA Exhibitions
> 1 year ago
Podcast round-up: Futures found – the real and imagined cityscapes of post-war Britain
Part of our current ‘Futures Found’ architecture programme, these podcasts explore the contrasts between the ambitions for Britain’s new post-war cityscapes and the varied futures that were subsequently created.
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![A House for Essex, 2014 by FAT and Grayson Perry RA for Living Architecture]()
RA Exhibitions
> 2 years ago
Mavericks: podcast round-up
Catch up on our recent event series on the mavericks of architecture – those who have pushed the genre’s boundaries and defied its conventions.
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![Bournemouth Drawing Studio, Arts University Bournemouth, by Sir Peter Cook of CRAB Studio, 2016]()
RA Exhibitions
> 2 years ago
Britain’s top 10 maverick buildings
To celebrate the end of our Mavericks season, we asked you to nominate your favourite boundary-pushing buildings in the UK. Here’s what you came up with.
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![Zaha Hadid RA]()
Artists
> 2 years ago
A tribute to Zaha Hadid RA: 1950–2016
One of the world’s greatest architects, Zaha Hadid inspired a generation. Following the sad news of her death, the RA’s Head of Architecture and two fellow architects reflect on a visionary career.
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![Castillo de Matrera before restoration]()
Opinion
> 2 years ago
The month in architecture
Six top architecture news stories this month – from a very sad loss, to new projects and prizes.
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![Visual Air]()
Inside the Academy
> 2 years ago
The month in architecture
Five architectural things you need to know this month – from big stories to top new projects and the latest prizes.
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![Formosa, by Baca]()
Opinion
< 3 years ago
The month in architecture
Five things you need to know this month – the top architecture news stories, the most exciting new projects and the latest prizes.
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![Snowden Aviary, London Zoo (1961), by Cedric Price]()
RA Exhibitions
< 3 years ago
12 mavericks of architecture
From championing ground-breaking styles of architecture to famously abandoning commissions before completion, these British architects broke the mould. Meet the mavericks, as our new architecture display goes on show.
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![Tahrir Square during the 2011 Egyptian Revolution]()
Opinion
< 3 years ago
12 of the most iconic public spaces
Every day, public places around the world are used by ordinary people to exercise their rights. We look at four general “spaces of freedom” and their most famous examples.
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![Frost Fair Closed]()
Opinion
< 3 years ago
The month in architecture
The top five architecture news stories, the most exciting new projects and the latest prizes – rounded up into one handy post each month.
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![KA300 Pavilion, Karlsruhe, Germany, 2015, by J. MAYER H]()
Opinion
3 years ago
Architecture and Freedom: a changing connection
With architectural production becoming ever more beholden to the needs of capital and the building industry, the role of the architect is changing, says our curator. Owen Hopkins introduces the critical issues informing our new season of events.
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Catch up on past events
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![Depth Modulations 2, Gramazio Kohler Research, ETH Zürich, 2014]()
RA Exhibitions
6 months ago
Podcast catch-up: Technology is the answer, but what was the question?
A series of talks considered the title’s provocation, by architect Cedric Price. Catch up on all the events here…
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![Zadie Xa, The Conch, Sea Urchin and Brass Bell]()
RA Recommends
8 months ago
Feminist futures: event recording round-up
Catch up on our series of events exploring possible feminist futures – from the power of art practice as a catalyst for social change to automation in architecture, moving image as language, and alternative artistic platforms.
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![Heneghan Peng Architects, Palestinian Museum, 2016]()
RA Recommends
1 year ago
International Architects Series: podcast round-up
The International Architects Series aims to provide a regular London platform for some of the most innovative architects practicing around the world today.
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![Tony Blair giving his famous “Forgotten people” speech at the Aylesbury Estate on 2 June 1997]()
RA Exhibitions
> 1 year ago
Podcast round-up: Futures found – the real and imagined cityscapes of post-war Britain
Part of our current ‘Futures Found’ architecture programme, these podcasts explore the contrasts between the ambitions for Britain’s new post-war cityscapes and the varied futures that were subsequently created.
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![A House for Essex, 2014 by FAT and Grayson Perry RA for Living Architecture]()
RA Exhibitions
> 2 years ago
Mavericks: podcast round-up
Catch up on our recent event series on the mavericks of architecture – those who have pushed the genre’s boundaries and defied its conventions.
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![James Gowan and Jim Stirling topping out the Engineering Building, University of Leicester]()
Opinion
< 3 years ago
Podcast: Tony Fretton and Ellis Woodman discuss the work of James Gowan
Tony Fretton and Ellis Woodman discuss the powerful, yet often overlooked contribution of James Gowan to twentieth-century British architecture.
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![Red Brick Complex Caochangdi, Beijing, 2007]()
RA Recommends
< 3 years ago
Architecture and freedom: podcast round-up
It’s Architecture and Freedom season at the RA, meaning a host of events, lectures and debates. Catch up with our podcasts.
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![Niall McLaughlin and Kim Wilkie]()
Opinion
< 3 years ago
Podcast: Niall McLaughlin and Kim Wilkie in conversation
Architect Niall McLaughlin and landscape architect Kim Wilkie talk about their plans for the entrance grounds of the Natural History Museum.
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![Silicon Roundabout]()
Opinion
3 years ago
Podcast: Cultivating creative cities
As part of the London Festival of Architecture, we debated how creativity can be nurtured and sustained in a global city like London.
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![Opening up Rainham Marshes, Peter Beard_LANDROOM]()
Opinion
> 3 years ago
Podcast: A journey from Rainham to the Thames
Urban landscape architect Peter Beard discusses his latest project for opening Rainham Marsh to the public, with a walkway to the River Thames.
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![Houses for sale]()
Opinion
> 3 years ago
Podcast: new realities of ownership
Since the housing crisis, the concept of home ownership has changed beyond recognition. Our panel of experts addresses the issue.
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![Terrace houses © A.P.S. (UK) / Alamy]()
Opinion
> 3 years ago
Podcast: city, country, suburb?
With a panel including a surveyor, an academic, an urban design expert and the head of a charity, this talk tackles the issue of where to build new housing.
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![Byker Wall, Newcastle upon Tyne]()
Opinion
> 3 years ago
Podcast: the upsides of good housing
In this event, a range of speakers examine the characteristics of places where people enjoy living and communities thrive, and discuss whether these can be applied in the future.
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![Aula des Cèdres, Lausanne, Switzerland, 1962]()
Opinion
> 3 years ago
Podcast: Bernard Tschumi and Jacques Gubler discuss Jean Tschumi
Part of our Forgotten Masters series, and in association with Docomomo, this talk addresses the life of architect Jean Tschumi.
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![House interior]()
Opinion
> 3 years ago
Podcast: the psychology of home
Continuing with our Future of Housing season, a panel of experts discuss how we might design homes that are appropriate and beneficial places to live.
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![Winy Maas]()
Opinion
> 3 years ago
Podcast: Winy Maas on the future of housing
A talk by Winy Mass, the founder of MVRDV, one of world’s most innovative architectural practices.
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![Elephant and Castle, London]()
Opinion
> 3 years ago
Podcast: Counting the costs of the housing crisis
In the first event in our Future of Housing season, a panel of speakers considers the effects and implications of the UK’s housing crisis.
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![Dialogues: Movement in Space]()
Opinion
> 3 years ago
Podcast: Dialogues: Movement and Space
In this podcast, a choreographer, an architect and an historian explore how our perception and comprehension of the world is shaped by the body and movement.
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![Tatiana Bilbao]()
Opinion
> 3 years ago
Podcast: Tatiana Bilbao
Mexican architect, Tatiana Bilbao, discusses her recent projects and the relationship between people and place throughout her work.
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![Edmund de Waal Studio Visit]()
Opinion
> 3 years ago
Podcast: David Hills and Edmund de Waal in conversation
This special event, part of a series exploring the creative spaces of artist’s studios, examines the intersection between art and architecture.
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![Kate Goodwin, Drue Heinz Curator of Architecture]()
RA Exhibitions
> 4 years ago
Creating ‘Sensing Spaces’
Curator Kate Goodwin explains the process behind the development and creation of this exhibition.
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![Tracy Meller]()
RA Exhibitions
< 5 years ago
Becoming an architect
Ivan Harbour and Tracy Meller of Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners discuss what attracted them to architecture as a career
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Past projects
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![Park Hill Estate, Sheffield]()
Futures Found: The Real and Imagined Cityscapes of Post-war Britain
In spring 2016, the Architecture Programme unveiled a new display exploring the contrasts between the ambitions for Britain’s new post-war cityscapes and the varied futures that were subsequently created.
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![Urban Jigsaw]()
Urban Jigsaw: filling in London’s missing pieces
After an architectural ideas competition in summer 2015, the Architecture Programme presented new and creative uses for London’s brownfield sites. The projects looked at the untapped potential of London’s underused land – and why the solution is not as simple as it seems.
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![Kengo Kuma & Associates, Pacific Flora, main gate (2004), detail.]()
Sensing Spaces: Architecture Reimagined
In spring 2014, the RA launched a monumental exhibition that tasked seven architects with reawakening our visitors’ sensibilities to the spaces around them – bringing to the fore the experiential qualities of architecture.
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Find out how you can support architecture at the RA. The Architecture Programme is made possible through the Drue Heinz Endowment for Architecture.
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Supported by
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