Picture this. You are standing before The Building Centre in Store Street London. This unassuming building hides a rich history. It’s a story spanning nearly a century of architectural innovation. The Building Centre wasn’t always here. Its journey began in 1931 as a small materials bureau in the basement of the Architectural Association School. Frank Yerbury a visionary architect had a dream. He wanted to showcase modern building materials. He wanted to connect manufacturers with architects. The bureau quickly outgrew its space.
In 1932 The Building Centre opened its doors at 158 New Bond Street. It was an instant success. Ideas innovation and education were at its heart. The Building Centre’s first exhibition featured Yerbury’s photography of Soviet architecture. It was just the beginning. The Building Centre didn’t shy away from ambitious projects. One such project was a low-cost housing exhibition. Three-bedroom cottages were built for under £500. Twenty thousand people visited these experimental homes before they were demolished in 1933.
The Building Centre wasn’t immune to the challenges of war. During the Blitz its New Bond Street home was destroyed. The Building Centre relocated to Conduit Street only to be damaged again by shelling. However its spirit remained unbroken. In 1950 The Building Centre moved to its current location. It’s a former Daimler car showroom a sleek modernist building. A testament to the enduring nature of The Building Centre. The Building Centre has hosted countless exhibitions. These exhibitions celebrated women architects explored innovative building materials and even featured a Nissen hut during World War II.
The Building Centre has adapted to the changing times. It embraced new technologies like Infodisc a combination of colour images and text. It played a significant role in government initiatives aimed at improving construction. The Building Centre even hosted a major exhibition on the 2012 Olympic Games. It showcased the ingenuity of those who made the games a reality.
Today The Building Centre continues its mission. It champions sustainability and innovation in the built environment. It connects professionals with the public and fosters conversations about vital issues like climate change. The Building Centre is more than just a building. It’s a living archive a testament to the ever-evolving world of architecture. It’s a place where the past informs the future. A place where history innovation and education meet. So take a moment. Absorb the legacy of The Building Centre. It’s a story worth remembering.