Sunday, 17 February 2008 | Levent OZLER
Change of Direction for the Architecture Foundation
and Announcement of Major Donation
The Architecture Foundation announced today that it has decided to defer plans for a new building and in the future will concentrate on expanding its programme, with the help of a major donation.
Following the recent dramatic fall in the stock market, and the resulting change in the fundraising climate, the AF Board felt that it would be irresponsible to proceed with plans for a new building under current conditions. The building, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, was to have provided exhibitions, event spaces and administrative offices for the Foundation.
Although funding for the building was substantially in place, fit-out and occupation of the building would have incurred additional liabilities and costs. The site in Southwark Street was provided by Land Securities, which had also generously funded the project's design and development.
At the same time, the AF announced a major donation of £250,000 from a private donor, which will help support the organisation's future programme. This is the largest donation of its kind that the AF has ever received, and one of the largest ever received by any architecture centre. Combined with the recent renewal of Arts Council funding, this gives the AF a strong basis for the future.
"This major donation allows us to increase ambition of our future programme and will be a huge help in enabling us to carry out our plans. We are grateful to the donor who wishes to remain anonymous."
Rowan Moore, Director of The Architecture Foundation, said: "We are obviously disappointed not to be able to proceed with Zaha Hadid's wonderful plans for the new building but we must adapt our programme to suit the times. A great many people have put a huge amount into the project, including the architects, consultants, intended contractors, Land Securities, and the board and staff of the AF. We are very grateful to everyone, and particularly to Zaha, for all they have done."
Zaha Hadid said: "It is disappointing news. As a catalyst for architectural discussion through its exhibitions, competitions, lectures and debates, The Foundation deserves a permanent home that reflects its vision. I would like to thank everyone involved with the project and look forward to The Architecture Foundation's continued development and future programme of events".
Mike Hussey, Managing Director of Land Securities' London Portfolio, said "I respect the reasons behind the decision and hope that the newly funded programme will continue to grow the success of The Architecture Foundation".
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