What is an “architecture and built environment centre”?
PLACE is one in a large, loosely-connected network of centres and organisations across the world, from Canada to Japan. They usually have names like Architecture Centre, Urban Design Centre, Architectural League, Architecture Foundation and so on. Some of these organisations have a centre which anyone can visit, some mount exhibitions in different places, some only exist on the internet, some do outreach work and design review in local neighbourhoods, and some are a mixture of all of these things.
What does PLACE stand for?
PLACE is an acronym for Planning, Landscape, Architecture, Community and Environment.
What is the mission of PLACE?
Our mission is to positively influence the creating and sustaining of excellent places and buildings, making Northern Ireland an environment of exceptional quality for all.
Is PLACE an architecture firm or practice?
PLACE does not design buildings, landscapes or other public spaces. Our role is to engage people with how architecture and design affects their lives - whether in our community participation projects, our public programme of exhibitions, tours, talks and lectures, or online resources like our blog.
Does PLACE represent architects?
No. The Royal Society of Ulster Architects (RSUA) is the professional body for architects in Northern Ireland, and they represent architects’ interests. PLACE acts as a bridge between design and the public. We are involved in communicating architecture, and enabling communities to participate in design.
Does PLACE lobby for the preservation of listed buildings?
No. This role is carried out ably by our friends at the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society. Of course, design quality doesn’t just apply to brand new buildings, and we often host events to celebrate design quality in our built heritage, and UAHS members have given talks and presentations at PLACE on key built heritage issues.
How is PLACE funded?
We have a range of support from local authorities and government bodies, combined with occasional private sponsorship and project funding. See Support PLACE.
What facilities do you have at the centre?
PLACE is quite a small venue, so our space is multi-purpose: we have a gallery, meeting space and workshop venue, RIBA bookshop, exhibition cabinet and our office all in one open plan space.