I work near to the Building Centre in Bloomsbury, so it’s strange that it took me so long to go in, and even stranger that when I finally did go, it was on a Saturday. The Centre exists to promote innovation in the built environment, according to its website, and was first established in 1931. Today, it functions as an architecture centre and galleries with exhibitions related to contemporary building and design – it also has a coffee shop, which is available to the public and also puts on various coffee-related events.
The centrepiece of the permanent exhibition is the New London Model, a 3D map of central London, accompanying a series of displays on Transforming The Boroughs, which contain information about past, current and future projects in all areas of London. Check out your own area or explore more widely.
The Centre also has a programme of rotating free exhibitions. The current exhibition is Night Time Is The Right Time, which runs until 15 August. It explores how architects and designers have imagined cities to run better and more efficiently during the night time, and I found it fascinating. There is also a small exhibition on the 50th anniversary of the Lee Valley Regional Park.
If you’re in the area, it’s definitely worth popping in to check out how the built environment of London could transform within the next few years.
FACTS
Address: 26 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London, WC1E 7BT
Website: buildingcentre.co.uk
Opening Hours: 9am-6pm Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm Sat
Prices: Free