University News Last updated 02 September 2013
A new Birmingham landmark, The Parkside Building, will host architects from across England and Wales at a large architectural conference on Thursday 5 September.
This is the first time that the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the professional body for architects, will hold its annual RIBA Local Members Forum outside London. The forum provides an opportunity for architects to share, celebrate and learn from the work they do throughout the year.
The Parkside Building, designed by Birmingham-based Associated Architects, opens its doors to students on 16 September. It sits alongside Millennium Point in Birmingham's Eastside District, looking over the RIBA award-winning Eastside City Park. Later this month, architecture and art and design students will move into this contemporary addition to Birmingham City University's growing estate.
RIBA Chief Executive, Harry Rich, said: "It seems natural that we are holding this important gathering of RIBA members from all over the country here in Birmingham, which is a particularly exciting place at the moment. This impressive development of Parkside, the remarkable Library of Birmingham and the new New Street Station all show that the city's confidence and pride is alive and well. I'm sure that my home town of Birmingham will provide an excellent backdrop to our day."
Anthony Clerici, Vice President of the RIBA added: "The Local Members' Forum is quickly becoming one of the key events in the RIBA calendar because it gives us an opportunity celebrate the achievements of our Members, learn from each other and take inspiration for the year ahead. I am delighted to be here in Birmingham."
Professor Kevin Singh, Head of Birmingham School of Architecture at Birmingham City University said: "The School is a strong supporter of both the regional and national RIBA offices and we are therefore delighted to host the event at our new home in Parkside. As a University, Faculty, and School we are committed to working with industry and this is a perfect example of such a collaboration."