Architecture

The V&A and Royal Institute of British Architects have announced the end of a two-decade long partnership.

Their joint initiative, designed to promote the understanding of architecture, was established in 1999 and saw the opening of the UK’s first permanent architecture gallery at the V&A in 2004.

In a joint statement, the two organisations said strategic priorities of both institutions have shifted, but the partnership will run for a further five years, concluding in 2027.

RIBA is now focused on the creation of a cultural hub at 66 Portland Place, expected to become the House of Architecture, while the V&A is working with architecture and design curators to develop architectural collections across the museum’s three sites.

The heritage sector has criticised new Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries’ decision to overturn Dorman Long Tower’s Grade II-listed status on her first evening in office, causing the building to be demolished on Sunday (September 19).

The 1950s Brutalist building had been added to the National Heritage List for England earlier in the week following the recommendation of Historic England, who valued the building as “nationally unique”.

But Dorries accepted an appeal from South Tees Development Corporation and Ben Houchen, the Conservative Mayor of Tees Valley, who argued the tower would costs the taxpayer more than £9m if left standing.

Architect George Clarke called the decision “heartbreaking”. Director of The Twentieth Century Society Catherine Croft said “a minister overturning a Historic England decision to list is always concerning”.

Dorries’ decision was based on the view the “building is not of the required special architectural or historic interest to remain listed," according to a DCMS spokesperson.