Commonwealth Institute

Client: Commonwealth Institute
Cost: £3m (restoration)
Status: Completed 2001

The Commonwealth Institute in Kensington is generally regarded as one of the most important public buildings erected in London between the time of the Royal Festival Hall and the Hayward Gallery. Opened in 1962, it was designed by Sir Robert Matthew to expressly mark a shift away from an imperial past and to provide a lasting symbol of Britain's ongoing commitment to the ideals and values of the Commonwealth.

Following an architectural competition, Avery Associates were appointed to work with the Institute to create a comprehensive master plan for the restoration and expansion of their facilities. The architectural importance of the building is reflected in its Grade II* listing but, troubled by a leaking roof since opening and without significant expenditure on maintenance, it was not until the Institute was granted independence from Central Government on the 1st January 2000 that it could set in motion a major restoration and expansion programme. This involved the replacement of the roof with a new copper structure and the complete renovation of the cladding system.

Also included within the proposals is a new Commonwealth Resources Centre to provide easier public access to the Institute's unique collection and the conversion of the main galleries building into a fully flexible performance space. This will be capable of hosting exhibitions, trade shows, conferences and, with an auditorium capacity of 1100, all types of performing arts.

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