International Architecture Award for the Royal Academy of Arts Masterplan

The Royal Academy of Arts Masterplan has received the 2019 International Architecture Award in the category ‘Restoration/Renovation’.

The International Architectural Awards are the highest and most prestigious distinguished building awards program that honor new and cutting-edge design worldwide. This annual program is organized by the Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.

The Royal Academy of Arts was founded in 1768 and is the oldest arts institution in Britain. Since 1868, it has been based in Burlington House on Piccadilly, in central London. The master plan by David Chipperfield Architects involved connecting the Burlington House and Burlington Gardens sites in both physical and ideological terms. As a result, the Royal Academy now has an exhibition space permanently dedicated to architecture – a first for the institution. The new galleries, auditorium and courtyard also mark the 250-year anniversary of the art institution.

The Lovelace Courtyard, in the backyard between Burlington House and Burlington Gardens, was designed by Wirtz International. Cobbles with grass joints, a semi-circular path and roof-form London Plane trees brings a small bit of green into the heart of London.

Architects: David Chipperfield Architects

Client: Royal Academy of Arts