Transformers Grant

The Building Exploratory has been awarded a Transformers grant, funded by National Lottery Funding through the Olympic Lottery Distributor and managed by ELBA.

The Transformers grant programme is directing nearly £1 million of funding to communities in the five Olympic Host Boroughs over the next two years. The grants are awarded to projects that really make a difference in people’s lives, particularly by those communities most affected by their proximity to the Olympic venues.


For Transformers we are creating an intergenerational project based in Bromley by Bow, with a focus on the rich heritage of the route from Aldgate to the Olympic Park. Keep an eye out for more details coming soon via our website. 

Architecture Centre Network: Knowledge Exchange Tour 2011

Later this month the Architecture Centre Network is leading a delegation of its members' built environment education (BEE) professionals on a knowledge exchange tour of Japan, hosted by Hokkaido University and supported by the Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation.

Our Head of Education, Janet Clark, will join colleagues from Bristol Architecture Centre, The Solent Centre for Architecture and Design and the Architecture Centre Network in representing the pinnacle of BEE professionalism and innovative practice in the UK.

Hosted by Dr Sakai, of Hokkaido University, the visit will be based in Tokyo with travel to architectural education centres across Japan.

The UK delegation will present its BEE pedagogy and activities to Japanese educationists and thought-leaders from across the BEE sector; will visit a variety of architectural and built environment organisations and education providers; and will engage in knowledge exchange workshops, seminars and lectures with the same.

You can also follow Janet's Japan trip blog at http://tbejapantrip2011.blogspot.com

Hertford Road Development

The demolition and work preparation of the site opposite our offices continues... Over the course of January they have drilled up the concrete foundations, put the big bits through a concrete crusher and moved around some huge piles of rubble. You can also start to see them digging the foundations for the site at the other end of the basin.

Arts Award Welcome

The Building Exploratory has just become Arts Award Welcome, which means we can support young people working towards their Arts Awards by offering relevant opportunities.

If you are interested in working with us to achieve an award please visit the 'Young People' page of our website or contact us to find out more.

Arts Award is a qualification that rewards young people with a widely recognised certificate at three levels (bronze, silver and gold), accredited by Trinity College London. For more information please visit the Arts Award website. 

Shoreditch Youth Forum visits TBE

On Sunday 9th February Shoreditch Youth Forum visited the Building Exploratory to carry out some research and make a film for their 'Heroes' project. Our Head of Education Janet used the exhibition pieces to explain to the young people how Hackney's built environment has developed from prehistoric times and why it looks like it does today.

Janet said 'We had some stimulating discussion - the youth forum were very well informed!'. The young people also shared their fascinating Hackney-based family histories and used some of the Building Exploratory maps and photos to carry out further research.

The groups resulting work will be on show to the public at The Bridge Academy on 27th January, 4:30-7:30pm.

Going, going, gone

In early December work began on the site across the canal from our office, giving us front row seats to the demolition process. Returning today after the Christmas break our view has significantly changed!

Merry Christmas

We hope you have a lovely Christmas and we look forward to seeing you in 2011