Commonwealth Institute

Project architect Robert Matthew sought, in this project, to achieve the concept of a 'tent in the park'. This informs the practical and aesthetic features of the design.

The interior of the main building is designed as a three-level exhibition hall. Inside a series of platforms accommodate ancillary functions of administration offices, a library, and cafe-restaurant. These areas are planned around a central exhibition area, which has an open-plan, flexible space.

The platforms are made with brick plinths surrounded by a wall of vertical patent aluminium glazing with a blue-green glass infil.

The halls' tent-like roof stretches across the whole building, allowing a spacious interior to remain unobstructed by large structural supports. It is parabaloid in shape and made from copper and is supported from inside at points on the upper gallery.

The plan of the exhibition building is a diamond shape, contrasting with the rectangular administration block alongside. The long block contains an art gallery which is naturally lit by coffered rooflights. There is a cinema underneath.