The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has submitted a planning application for the refurbishment of its London headquarters in Marylebone.
The £85m plans include an “essential refurbishment and restoration” to transform RIBA’s Grade II*-listed art deco building into a ‘House of Architecture’ at 66 Portland Place.
The Benedetti Architects project will focus on bringing together RIBA’s significant architectural collections, extensive upgrades to its digital technology and making the building more accessible and sustainable.
RIBA said improvements will help showcase fragile and previously inaccessible items from its collections, offer immersive experiences and facilitate collaborations with international organisations.
RIBA’s architectural collections include photographs, drawings, manuscripts, models and rare books spanning more than 500 years of architectural history.
The Institute’s bookshop will be relocated to attract more members of the public and a new entrance on Weymouth Street will be fully accessible.
RIBA said the planning application was submitted after two consultation phases with its members, the public, residents and specialist panels.
RIBA CEO Valerie Vaughan-Dick said: “Support has been clear for the scheme and our overall House of Architecture ambitions. Feedback from our consultations has been supportive of the proposed internal improvements and external aspects and has seen us take into consideration some adjustments from the original proposals.”
