Royal Institute of British Architecture

I had no plan to visit RIBA, but literally found myself walking past it, and, to be blunt, needed to use a toilet relatively urgently, so I thought it made sense to go in.

RIBA, or rather, the headquarters of RIBA, isn't a museum per se. In fact, I couldn't call it a museum at all, but it does have some exhibits in terms of displays of award-winning architecture, mainly photographs. It's also free. And, it's a pretty stunning building inside, which is worth a look.

And that's the point. The interior is classic art-deco style, and it's a very welcoming space. In fact, I walked in and no-one asked me who I was, and I wandered around looking at things and taking pictures until I went one floor too high and found myself amongst office meeting rooms.
Which is why I thought I'd put an entry on the blog - this surely is what architecture is about. Creating a welcoming and useful space for people. Not only was it welcoming, it also basically functions as a large, 2 floor cafe and bar, with great food and drink, all in a beautiful setting. And the bonus - most people don't know it's there...

RIBA Gallery

Art Deco - nice pillar positioning, Mr Photographer

I liked this, on the stairs:

If that's a little unclear, its Frank Lloyd Wright saying: "the mother art is architecture. Without an architecture of our own we have no soul of our own civilization."

One of the award-winning buildings. Nice

There's also what is probably the best stocked architecture bookshop in the UK - it had 1000s of books. I didn't even go in, as architecture books are a weakness of mine. I just looked through the doorway, and then turned around and got on my way...

From RIBA's website:
"Our HQ is a fine Grade II-listed 1930s building, designed by Grey Wornum, at the junction of Portland Place and Weymouth Street in London W1. It is just up the road from the BBC's Broadcasting House HQ, near Regents Park, and close to Great Portland Street and Oxford Circus underground stations.

The building also houses a café with outdoor terrace, galleries hosting exhibitions|, lecture theatres for talks, and is home to the finest architectural library in the world. Rooms - from small meeting rooms to grand halls - can be hired out for functions, conferences or seminars.

The British Architectural Library| is open to members and to non-members on production of proof of identity. Visitors of all ages are welcome, and we hope to see you soon! "

And on the subject of architecture, and the BBC, worth popping round the corner for a look at the £1Bn extension to Broadcasting House. I like it, although that does seem like an awful lot of money.

Broadcasting House extension - that bit in the middle

Go to the cafe. And check for events, there seem to be a lot, although you might need to pretend to be an architect. And the library sounds good.

Cost: Free
Food and Drink: This place is all about food and drink.
Toilets: Excellent. And life-saving
Travel: It's here.
Web: http://www.architecture.com/