RIBA+VitrA: What's next for experimentation in architecture?
About this Event
Bringing together practices working across the UK and beyond, this panel explores the legacies and value of experimentation in architecture today. Our speakers will challenge the notion that experimentation belongs only to radical forms or speculative projects through discussion of material inspiration, sensory design, collaboration, and holistic approaches with nature.
From Studio Weave’s material innovations to Common Practice and their creative approaches to co-design, and Architecture Unknown’s exploration of participatory processes and collective making, experimentation continues to push the boundaries of contemporary practice and create new connections between people, materials, history, and culture. Where Giles Miller Studio’s applications of neuroscientific findings expand our understanding of sensory design, Mizzi Studio continues to innovate and create new holistic approaches to working with nature.
You'll learn more about the work of these five practices, how they experiment, and the challenges they face as a result of experimentation. Join us and discover how our built environment benefits from these types of investigations and their importance going forward.
The Panel
JJ Cliff is Director of Studio Weave, an architecture practice whose work is driven by a combination of creative interpretation, social understanding, and technical precision to achieve projects firmly rooted in place.
Giles Miller is a British artist who works in surface, structure, and sculpture. The work of Giles Miller Studio uses neuroscientific findings relating to biophilia, form, scale, texture, and colour to innovate in sensory design.
Jonathan Mizzi is the Founding Director of Mizzi Studio, a practice with a mission rooted in a deep respect for community, culture, and climate. He is an advocate for the potential of architecture and design to make a positive social and environmental impact.
Yan Wing Le is Director of Common Practice, a Manchester-based studio creating thoughtful low-carbon buildings rooted in community and place. Their work involves close collaboration – from private homes to community-led regeneration and co-design – resulting in buildings with character, purpose, and a strong sense of belonging.
Charlie Butterwick is Director of Architecture Unknown, whose work centres on community-led design, inclusive engagement, and sustainable construction. Their work seeks to challenge conventional hierarchies within architecture, making the processes of design and construction more accessible and inclusive.
The discussion will be chaired by Samantha Hardingham, an independent architectural writer, curator, designer, lecturer, and scholar specialising in experimental architectural practice.
Who is this event for?
This event is for anyone curious about architecture, cities, leadership and building more inclusive futures in and beyond architecture. It forms part of our public programmes, bringing conversations about architecture and the built environment to all.
About our talks programme delivered in partnership with VitrA Bathrooms
2026 marks the eighth year of our partnership with VitrA Bathrooms, curating talks that celebrate emerging and established voices at the forefront of international architecture.
This year’s theme, Excellence in Design, explores some of the values and evolving priorities shaping architecture today as we celebrate 60 years of the RIBA Awards and 30 years of the Stirling Prize.
Event format
Doors will open to the auditorium at 6:15pm for a 6.30pm start.
Each speaker will give a short presentation sharing projects and perspectives. Then, they’ll come together in conversation with Samantha Hardingham to further explore shared themes, questions and ideas. You’ll then have the chance to ask questions during an audience Q&A session. After this, stay for a drink and conversation.
Lead Image: Common Practice, image by Zoe Fontana
Venue, ticket, and accessibility information
- Doors open at 6.15pm for a 6.30pm start.
- The event will take place at People’s History Museum, Manchester M3 3ER. Find more information on the People’s History Museum website.
- There is step-free access into the building and to access the event space. Find more information on the People’s History Museum access guide.
- British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation will be provided throughout the event. For BSL priority seating, please select the 'BSL Seating' add-on at the checkout.
- If you would like to discuss your attendance and inclusion and/or access needs to attend the event comfortably, please contact [email protected] .
- A bar will be available, offering alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink options. Please note, RIBA operates a Challenge 25 policy.
Ticket information
- We offer concession tickets for students, those on lower incomes, those with disabilities, and those over 65. Please choose the 'Concession' ticket at the checkout.
- We aim to make our events open and accessible to all. If cost is a barrier, we offer an additional discounted option via a discount code. Please contact [email protected] in confidence for the code.
Terms and conditions
- Cancellations must be made in writing to [email protected] .
- A photographer may cover this event, and the images may be used to publicise future RIBA events. By accepting an invitation or purchasing a ticket you consent to being photographed, filmed or recorded as a visitor attending the event.
- If RIBA has to postpone or cancel the event the booker is entitled to a full refund of the ticket price only.
- On entry to the event, you agree to accept and abide by any venue rules.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 0.00 to GBP 16.63
