‘Centre for the best in architecture’

County Press, 30 April 2010
By Martin Neville martin@iwcpmail.co.uk

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Raising awareness of good design is the aim of the founder of the Island's new architecture centre.

Yarmouth man Joseph Kohlmaier, a senior lecturer in the history and theory of architecture at London Metropolitan University, said he hoped the centre would provide a public forum for discussion through events, exhibitions, lectures as well as visits, tours and educational projects in the field of architecture, landscape and urban design.

He said: “I want this to be one of the most innovative and talked-about architecture centres in the UK

“So many people seem to agree there is too little awareness about good design, too many wasted opportunities and that the Island could be a great place where good thinking about architecture could concentrate.

“I felt that while the history of architecture could be felt everywhere, the future of the built environment and public realm here had no voice.”

By next summer, Joseph hopes to have a permanent home for the centre, including an exhibition gallery, a library, a space for lectures and offices.

“The Island is not renown for innovation in architecture and the public realm,” he said. “I think often the public, and even decision makers, need to see what’s out there.”

The centre’s first event is a talk by last year’s Young Architect of the Year, David Kohn, on May 15 at 11am at Quay Arts. The next is on June 3, also at Quay Arts, at 7pm by Annalie Riches and David Mikhail, of Riches Hawley Mikhail Architects. Meanwhile, an exciting four-day outdoor summer workshop led by a group of award-winning architects and engineers will take place between July 8-July 11 at New Barn Farm.