News Release


The following is reproduced in full from a press release from the RIBA

What do architects in Sussex do?
How can you find the right architect for your project?

Exhibition celebrates local architects’ achievements

An exhibition at the Downland Gridshell, the Weald & Downland Open Air Museum, Singleton, Chichester by the Sussex Branch of the Royal Institute of British Architects will feature inspirational new buildings, with a particular focus on smaller projects by Sussex architects. 

Elevations II runs from 28 July to 3 August. It includes the buildings shortlisted for last year’s Downland Prize for Architects, which was won by two architects in Miller Hughes Associates in Chichester. Harry Groucott and Mike Ford’s glass cube extension which hangs over the cliff face at Woodpeckers, a 1960s bungalow in Amberley, has featured in the national press.

As well as house extensions, new houses, barn conversions and public buildings, such as doctors’ surgeries and schools, are included in the exhibition.  

‘People often have preconceptions about what architecture “should” be,’ says Giles Ings, Chairman of RIBA Sussex Branch and Partner of drp architects in Brighton, who are taking part in the exhibition.  

‘But architects are fundamentally problem-solvers. The best architecture – like the Downland Gridshell itself – solves a problem in a satisfying and original way. It is very exciting to be able to display local architects’ skills and experience in and near so many incredible buildings.’  

Elevations II (the second RIBA Sussex Branch exhibition) explains what an architect does and gives information on how to track down the architects who could add pleasure and value to your own building.  

The exhibition has already toured in Brighton and Hastings. After the Downland Gridshell it will move on to Horsham and then return to Brighton. 

Elevations II is open during Weald & Downland Open Air Museum opening hours –  call 01243 811363 to confirm times. 

Contact: Jenny Peterson, Press Officer, RIBA South East 01892 515878/jenny.peterson@ribasoutheast.org

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The award-winning Weald & Downland Open Air Museum has over 45 historic building exhibits from town and country and is designated by the Government for the outstanding importance of its collections.  Exhibits include a medieval farmstead; a working watermill producing wholemeal stoneground flour; exhibitions focusing on traditional building techniques and agriculture; a working Tudor kitchen, historic gardens and farm livestock.  The Museum runs a well-established and much sought-after programme of courses in building conservation and rural crafts.  There is a café which uses the Museum’s own flour and a shop with gifts and books on countryside and buildings themes.  An important new addition is the modern Downland Gridshell, runner-up for the Stirling Prize, housing the Museum’s new building conservation centre and artefact collection.

NOTE TO EDITORS

Reporters and photographers are welcome at the Museum. For further information call the Museum information line on 01243 811348 or contact Cathy Clark, Marketing Officer

Tel: 01243 811521.
Fax: 01243 811475
Email: marketing@wealddown.co.uk.

Full details about the Museum and its activities can be found at www.wealddown.co.uk 

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