Democratising Space: Transforming the British Academy

Doors were recently opened at the British Academy for the leading research organisation's annual Summer Showcase.  Welcoming hundreds of visitors to a free, one-day festival of ideas, the Summer Showcase presents pioneering innovation in the social sciences and humanities through an engaging series of discussions, roundtables, performances, and workshops.

Opening up the British Academy has been front-of-mind for Wright & Wright.  This year, the practice is undertaking a major project to refurbish and, importantly, reimagine the Grade I-listed headquarters on Carlton House Terrace overlooking the Mall.  

Central to this work is the importance of accessibility - ensuring physical access as well as a sense of welcome and invitation to all members of the public.  In parallel, Wright & Wright is opening up previously underutilised lower levels of the John Nash-designed building to create state-of-the-art event spaces that will integrate technology to enable hybrid events and virtual programming.  This will allow the British Academy to reach a wider, more international audience.

In discussing Wright & Wright's sources of inspiration and vision, the team outlined five core tenets of the project:

1. Understanding the history of the building is critically important. 

As a listed building of national significance, it was important to respect the building's original purpose and the iterations made since its inception, remaining respectful to the original architect's intent whilst expanding on his mission.  As Maeve Lock stated in her remarks, "We really have two clients: the British Academy, and the building.  Serving both is essential to a successful scheme."

2. A retrofit approach is a sustainable approach.

The brief placed a high priority on sustainability.  Employing a retrofit approach to expand usable area by unpacking and connecting previously bifurcated spaces, Wright & Wright was able to work with existing building fabric and reuse the heritage site in an inventive and sustainable manner.

3. The future of event spaces will be hybrid.

If the impacts of the pandemic taught us anything, it's that hybrid programming is here to stay.  Understanding user behaviour and digital evolution, Wright & Wright designed event spaces that integrate technology to enhance the audience experience - in-person and on-line - without dominating the space or distracting from core features of the building.  Architecture that adapts with social and technological development is successful.

4. Democratise space through design.

Many institutions, such as the British Academy, were originally built as private spaces.  Once a members' club, the building was designed and reiterated over the years to guard against public access.  Wright & Wright has resolved this challenge by reducing physical barriers, opening up access routes, clarifying wayfinding, and activating spaces for public enjoyment that were previously limited to back of house operations.  The new spaces are designed to be inviting, inclusive, and ultimately to enhance the visitor experience.

5. Collaborative project management enables successful outcomes.

Wright & Wright navigates each project with a high level of respect for and involvement of both the client and their stakeholders.  Rather than being architect-led, the wider design team steers the project.  Furthermore, the community and future user groups are invited to participate in the visioning process.  At the British Academy, a collaborative working relationship with the President, Fellows, and wider staff has been immensely important to ensuring the building remains responsive to their needs.