The Commonwealth Institute, Kensington High Street, Holland Park, Kensington and Chelsea, Greater London

The Commonwealth Institute was built as a cultural exhibition and conference centre in 1960-62. It was designed by Robert Matthew, Johnson-Marshall and Partners, and involved a major engineering contribution from AJ and JD Harris. The exhibition designer was James Gardner. Significant works were undertaken in 2000-1 by Avery Associates, including repair of the roof and re-cladding of the exterior curtain wall. The structural system used for the Commonwealth Institute roof is internationally unique, while its shape represents the first major British use of the hyperbolic paraboloid, and probably is the largest span covered by such a roof at that date. The covered approach walkway from Kensington High Street, together with the grass sward, water channel and flagpole area in front, were all landscaped by Sylvia Crowe. Following major redevelopment, the building became the new home to the Design Museum.
Historic England Archive NMR_26621_009.