Help Transform The Architecture Centre

BRISTOL'S NEW HOME FOR DESIGN 

This summer we’re transforming our building on the harbour into a vibrant home for design. A new venue for Bristol and a place where you can come and influence the shape of your city, take part in debate and find out what is happening around the world. 

Design has a profound effect on all of us every day, and all of us need to be involved in the design conversation. From our communities to the climate emergency, from the shape of our homes and our hospitals, to our parks & green spaces, the design of the world around us affects all our lives.

We've raised 80% of the funds and need your help to raise an extra £25,000 to make this a reality.

Watch our video and see the photos below for the full plans.

OUR PLANS FOR THE BUILDING

On the ground floor we're creating a new design-themed café-bar 'The Architect' where you can come and meet with like-minded creatives, relax on a new terrace with a drink and take in the views of the harbour.

You can come and take part in our new events space on the 'Involve' first floor, a space for workshops, public talks and the control room for the 1,000 volunteers that come together to make Bristol Open Doors festival happen, opening up the city's secret spaces and hidden history.

Helping young people have a say in the future of our city

The Involve first floor will be home to Shape My City, our diverse talent acceleration programme for young people interested in architecture, landscape, engineering, construction and design. 

• Every year talented 15-18 yr olds from across Bristol get access to unique opportunities to develop their career. 
• The Shape My City programme takes inspiration from aspiring architect Stephen Lawrence.

Your Pledge Rewards

We'd love your help in making this transformation happen for Bristol. We're offering a tantalizing range of rewards from enjoying a coffee on the newly created terrace, to the naming of the new education 'Involve' first floor. 

Enjoy an annual pass to our talks programme, pick up a limited 'The Architect' tote bag when you buy a sundowner on the deck, and don't miss out on an Members-only exclusive opportunity to have your name engraved on one of thirty bespoke diamond-shaped brass tiles, and become a permanent fixture of the building. 

Joining as an Individual or Business Member is a fantastic way to support the charity and enjoy a year's worth of benefits.

How Your Funds Will Help 

You'll help create a world class venue for design and placemaking for Bristol. Work is ready to begin and we're planning to open the cafe and bar this summer. 

• Your funds will help us create an outdoor terrace overlooking one of the best views of Bristol, and new doors to open up the venue. 
• It will fund the design-themed and bespoke brass topped bar, art deco themed lighting and stylish seating to create an welcoming place for creatives and communities to gather. 
• You'll be funding an interactive screen for our awarding-winning talent development programme, Shape My City.

Employing Local Creatives 

In a challenging time for the sector, this project creates opportunities for local artists and designers. We are working with local illustrator turned art director Gemma Randall (His Dark Materials, BBC) on interior designs, and using a team of local makers, designers and craftspeople to inspire the transformation.

Restoring our Heritage

We need your help to breathe a new lease of life into our 18th century former warehouse, situated in the heart of Bristol’s historic docks. We're restoring this buildings heritage and sturdy maritime character, revealing more of the old features, including the stone walls and wooden beams, giving it a new contemporary twist.

Who We Are 

For 25 years The Architecture Centre has been involved in the development of Bristol, and brings people together to shape better places. The charity now runs Design Review across the West of England to ensure the homes that are built are designed for people and planet, and we are developing the first placemaking charter for the West of England.

Our placemaking work brings together experts and communities to transform places; The Green Way, St Paul's connected residents with their green spaces, increased community pride and positively impacted local businesses. You may also have heard about our co-designed vision to transform Temple Church and Gardens, a site steeped in history.

Help us transform our building on the harbour into a vibrant home for design.

We can't wait to welcome you back into our new building.

Thank you for your support, 

The Architecture Centre Team, Board of Trustees & Volunteers