RIBA: THE ARCHITECTS UNDERGROUND
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has announced the launch of THE ARCHITECTS UNDERGROUND – a new weekly evening event taking place at the home of UK architecture, 66 Portland Place in central London.
Entertaining, enlightening and occasionally controversial, THE ARCHITECTS UNDERGROUND will celebrate architecture as an everyday art form in a unique format – like a live arts magazine on stage.
Short, engaging ‘chapters’ on architecture, design, visual arts, music, TV, film and theatre will precede a notable guest speaker each week.
Launching with the first instalment on Wednesday 11 September, the autumn 2019 programme will include:
An exploration of Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, one of the most influential albums of the 20th century, by Giles Martin, the son of the legendary Beatles producer Sir George Martin, who recently remixed The Beatles’ iconic album.
Award winning architect and designer of the recent A.I. Show at the Barbican, Anna Liu, presenting Nature Speaks – step up, imagine, act and call on nature as your mentor
Internationally renowned fashion designer Samuel Ross presenting his concept for a new co-habitation space incorporating sustainable African architecture.
An exploration of visual effects as an art form, from Oscar-winning special effects master, Paul Franklin, who created the mind-blowing cityscapes for Christopher Nolan’s ‘Inception’, where Paris folded in on itself.
RIBA President, Ben Derbyshire, said: “THE ARCHITECTS UNDERGROUND will provide a destination for creatives to gather, be entertained and enlightened, all under one roof. This will be a fast paced, moveable feast, designed to keep the culturally curious on their toes, and spread the news even wider that RIBA is open to all and a place to go for inspiration.”
THE ARCHITECTS UNDERGROUND was initiated by Rob Dickins CBE, RIBA trustee, Chair of the British Architectural Trust Board and former Chair of Warner Music UK.
Speaking today, Rob Dickins said:
“In an age where people live their lives digitally, I wanted to create a social meeting place, where like-minded people with a love for the arts can enjoy a great night out with entertaining and thought-provoking programming. Architecture and the architect will be the common thread running through every night alongside the full range of creative and cultural practices. I look forward to THE ARCHITECTS UNDERGROUND bringing new life and energy into the iconic building in Portland Place.”
Tickets to THE ARCHITECTS UNDERGROUND are free to all RIBA members and students, with a special rate available for non-members. Walk-up tickets are available on the door each night.
Alongside a packed programme of inspiration, THE ARCHITECTS UNDERGROUND’s pop-up bar will be open for business – creating a unique weekly cocktail inspired by history’s greatest architects.
